Port Grimaud: Day Trips and Tours from Nice

What better way to explore the Mediterranean coast of southeastern France than a day trip to the picturesque Port Grimaud from Nice? Visit the famous Côte d'Azur (coast of azure) seaside resorts of Sainte-Maxime, Saint Tropez and finally the unique Port Grimaud – “The Little Venice of Provence.”

Join a day trip to Port Grimaud from Nice and discover the beauty and elegance of one of the most alluring leisure destinations in Europe.

Here's everything you need to know about Port Grimaud, one of the most spectacular day trips from Nice.

How to get to Port Grimaud from Nice?

The seaside town of Port Grimaud is part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and is located about seven kilometers west of Saint-Tropez and 7 kilometers southwest of Sainte-Maxime.

From Nice to Port Grimaud by car

Travel in a southwesterly direction along the A8 and D559A from Nice. A drive from Nice to Port Grimaud lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

From Nice to Port Grimaud by public transportation

Travel by train and bus between Nice and Port Grimaud takes about 2h 17m, including layover time of about 30 min. TGV inOui and others' Nice to Port Grimaud service departs from Nice Ville and arrives in Prairies de la Mer.

Guided tours to Port Grimaud from Nice

Guided tours to Port Grimaud are more hassle-free and include hotel pickup and drop-off and transport by air-conditioned minibus.

What is the typical itinerary?

Your day tour to Port Grimaud from Nice starts with a pickup at your hotel in the city center, and then you will travel in an air-conditioned minivan to the seaside resort of Sainte-Maxime.

After a 90-kilometer drive, you will board a boat at Sainte-Maxime and cruise along the French Riviera coast to Saint-Tropez. Here you have some time to explore the town center and bustling market and admire the alluring beaches.

You will transfer back to the minivan to drive to the picturesque village of Port Grimaud. It is known as “The Little Venice of Provence” on account of its scenic waterways and fisher folk's houses in typical Saint Tropez style.

From here, you will travel back along the Côte d'Azur to Nice and along the way pause for photos of the Massif de l'Esterel mountain range. Back in Nice, you will be dropped off at your accommodation.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Port Grimaud?

All day tours to Port Grimaud also visit Saint Tropez. They only vary in terms of group size, additional activities like boat trips, destinations like the Gold Coast and exclusive private tours.

Full-day tour to Port Grimaud and Saint-Tropez from Nice

On this day trip from Nice, explore the French Riviera and its seasidevillages such as Saint-Tropez, Port Grimaud and Sainte-Maxime. Depart from Nice falong the French Riviera coastline to the famous town of Saint-Tropez.

Explore the town and admire its world-famous beaches and have lunch, too. Then visit Port Grimaud, known as the “Little Venice of Provence”. It is famous for its canals, small bridges  and colorful villas in fisherman's house style.

Small group day tour to Port Grimaud and Saint-Tropez

You can take in the views of the Mediterranean as you travel along the Esterel Corniche road along the shore. Your first stop is the charming town of Port Grimaud, famous for its picturesque waterways, bridges and fisher folk houses.

Next stop is the glamorous port of Saint Tropez, home of million-dollar yachts and stylish cafés and boutiques. Explore this French commune in your own pace, and enjoy lunch at a trendy restaurant (at own expense).

Discover the seaside gems of Saint Tropez, Sainte-Maxime and Port Grimaud along the famous French Riviera coast on a guided day tour from Nice. At Sainte-Maxime, you will board a boat and cruise along the French Riviera coastline to Saint Tropez.

Then, you'll continue by van to the colorful port of Port Grimaud for exploring. Going back to Nice, admire the Massif de l'Esterel mountain range.

Private tour to Port Grimaud and Saint Tropez from Nice

The tour takes you along the Promenade des Anglais and onto the coast road past the impressive Massif de l'Esterel range. Your first stop is Port Grimaud with its waterways and canals, and known as “Little Venice.”

Explore the narrow streets and alleyways and enjoy the beauty of the town. Continue to Saint Tropez, the fishing village known to host celebrities during the good weather months. In Saint Tropez Harbor, explore the marina and the small streets of the picturesque village.

How much does a tour to Port Grimaud from Nice cost?

The full-day tour to Port Grimaud and Saint-Tropez from Nice costs €90 per person and includes hotel pickup and drop-off. The price also covers a free boat trip from Port Grimaud to St. Tropez.

The small group day tour to Port Grimaud and Saint-Tropez from Nice costs €125 per person, and is limited to eight participants. The tour price covers the sailing to Saint Tropez  includes a tour guide, transportation by a van and pickup and drop-off services.

The private day tour to Port Grimaud and Saint Tropez from Nice costs about €900 per group up to eight participatns. This covers the local guide and private tour around the area, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off and transport by air-conditioned minivan.

What will you see and do?

Port Grimaud

This popular seaside resort was once located in an area of marshland and the plain of La Giscle which was only used for farming and hunting. The architect François Spoerry was the man who dreamt up the concept of a Port Grimaud-like town. In 1962, he bought the marshy areas at the mouth of the Giscle River and Port Grimaud was purposely built to be like Venice. Spoerry designed typical Provençal style houses and added other Mediterranean elements, in a French fisher folk house style like those in Saint Tropez.

Sainte-Maxime

One of the delightful seaside villages you will see is Sainte-Maxine, 90 km west from Nice. It boasts lovely golden beaches and azure ocean waters, a bustling port and special old town. Sainte-Maxime was founded around 1000 A.D. by monks from the Lérins Islands near Cannes.

In front of the old town stands La Tour Carrée, the tower built by the monks in the early 16th century to safeguard the village. Over the years, the little town grew and during the 20th century started attracting artists and writers, enticed by the excellent climate and beautiful scenery.

Saint Tropez

The town of Saint Tropez was once a military stronghold and a fishing village until the early 20th century. The La Ponche Quarter with its cobblestones reflects Saint-Tropez’s past as a fishing village.

The village has long been popular with artists, and after World War II became an internationally known seaside resort. Still later, it became a destination for the European and American “jet set” and tourists. Millionaires’ luxury yachts have become a common sight in the Old Port.

What are the opening times?

The Tourist Office of Port Grimaud is open from April to the end of October. It is open every day from July to August, and the rest of the months from Monday to Saturday. The opening hours vary depening on the season.

• October: Monday to Saturday 9 AM - 12:30 PM and 2 PM - 5:30 PM
• April, May, June and September: Monday to Saturday 9 AM - 12:30 PM and 2 PM - 6 PM
• July- August: Every day 9:30 AM - 1 PM and 2:30 PM - 7 PM.

When is the best time to visit Port Grimaud?

The months from May through October are the best time to visit Port Grimaud, when temperatures are warm and there is little precipitation. Port Grimaud’s highest average temperature is 27 degrees Celsius (July) and the lowest is 11 degrees Celsius (January).

If you want to avoid the tourist crowds, bear in mind that Port Grimaud is busiest during the summer months.

What are the other day trips from Nice?

• Monaco day trips from Nice
• Day trips to Èze from Nice
• Day tours to French Riviera from Nice
• Cannes day trips from Nice
• Provence & Lavender Fields day trips from Nice

Travel tips

• Make sure to book your day trip from Nice to Port Grimaud in advance.
• Save a lot of money on travel and accommodation by visiting the Riviera during the low season (October to March).
• Bring pocket money already converted to euros.
• Wear sunscreen and bring a hat.