My favourite little village near the sea in Provence……….Grimaud

A favourite run by car in Provence is the twisty road sweeping through pine, oak and chestnut trees from the A8 (Aix to Cote D’azur highway) down the D558 to the sea. It’s a little heartstopping in places (if you don’t like heights) but the aroma of pine and the sound of Les Cigalles very soon takes your mind away from that worry. Passing by La Garde Freinet (definitely worth stopping at) I’m heading to my favourite village, Grimaud. Why do we give a place this accolade; beauty, family, where one falls in love? For me, it was a realisation that Provence was a place I one day wanted to live and that I had to return again and again…a strong connection made! I guess that’s enough to call it a favourite. That was twenty years ago and I’m back (well I’ve been back here a number of times over the years).

 

Surrounded by the Massif des Maures mountain range and perched high above the sea but only a short drive away,  Grimaud is a magical little place with the ruins of its castle atop the village dating back to the 11th century.  It’s a steep walk up there but worth it to see the view…..the bay of St Tropez iridescent in the distance.  Certainly one of those places for reflection!  Through the never ending windy streets there’s a mix of local and touristy….galleries and cafes, boucheries and boulangeries and the local tabac.   It’s a pricey place to buy…and there are many international people here but it retains it’s heart and the delicious provencal feel that is so intoxicating…

I enjoyed a stay at La Maison de Justine;  a pretty local bed and breakfast and ate in La fleur de Sel, a superb restaurant, although there are many excellent choices here. I never pass by Grimaud without going to my best patisserie, Le Patissier de Chateau which is absolutely everything a little cafe of cakes and tarts should be.  This is the spot, over my coffee and sweet treat that I connected with Provence all those years ago….and nothing has changed.  This time I was able to share it with my mum.   Whether you just pass by for a day or stay for a week this little place will not fail to enchant…and the beautiful beaches of St Maxime and St Tropez are close by.