Le Domaine des Naïades
CULTURE & VILLAGES IN THE BAY OF ST TROPEZ
An exceptional land esteemed for its beautiful natural landscapes and the quality of its lifestyle, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region also holds a remarkable historical heritage you can discover in the course of your holidays.
During your stay, we suggest to you to wander through the narrow streets of the old town called Grimaud. Archways, stone staircases, heavy studded wooden doors and other facades hidden under bougainvillea will guide you as far as the Moulin Saint Roch windmill. Higher still, the remains of a castle that hosted noblemen during their stay in Le Freinet fort bear witness to the strategic importance of this perched village in Medieval times. Stroll along to the Pont des Fées to learn how in the 15th century this aqueduct brought water from the hills 3km away to Grimaud.
Heading back down towards the sea, there is the marine town of Port-Grimaud. You’ll discover how this tiny fishing village became the Little Venice of Provence, a jewel in the Bay of St Tropez. You can also make the most of your holidays with a visit to one of the numerous vineyards that grew up in the mild climate here along the Route des Vins (Wine Route) – Gassin, Ramatuelle, Le Plan de La Tour – and why not try a refreshing glass of Côte de Provence… But take note ! Drink in moderation to avoid a short stay at the famous police station in Saint-Tropez ! Then you can set off in search of a new village with typically Mediterranean charm. Each will reveal its history through the museums – the museum of the Annonciade in Saint-Tropez, the museum of arts and tradition in Grimaud, the oceanography museum in Monaco, and through the events organised throughout your holiday such as various exhibitions and festivals.
Organised annually on the third weekend in September, the European Heritage Days are a special time to learn about these gems : monuments, churches, castles, and many others besides. A short stay or just a break for the weekend isn’t long enough to see everything, so you will have to return and make the most of another holiday ! Wait no longer ! Short stay, weekend or a stay of a week and more, have a look now at our offers on holidays !
THE VILLAGE OF GRIMAUD
Grimaud is one of the oldest villages in the Massif des Maures. This small medieval village overlooks the Gulf of Saint-Tropez thanks to its feudal castle. Located five kilometres from the beaches, this haven of peace allows everyone to relax and contemplate an exceptional panorama. Its castle, its mill, its narrow streets and its old buildings make Grimaud a place not to be missed in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
THE VILLAGE OF SAINT TROPEZ
Saint-Tropez is not a fishermen’s village as it is often believed, but a sailors’ village. The main reason is the draught of the port (4m) which allowed it to welcome large ships and thus to develop trade with the export of some products like cork, oil…
THE VILLAGE OF RAMATUELLE
It is a picturesque medieval village, curled up on itself, which rises on the foothills of the “Paillas” hill in the heart of nature. It dominates the whole of the Bay of Pampelonne and the agricultural plain, at an altitude of about 130 metres.
THE VILLAGE OF GASSIN
Listed and classified as the Most Beautiful Villages in France, the perched village of Gassin was for a long time called “The Watchtower of the Gulf”. Because of its position, it was possible from this height to watch over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez – then the Gulf of Ramatuelle – and the Bay of Cavalaire as far as the Islands of Hyères.
THE VILLAGE OF COGOLIN
Ideally located between land and sea, at the foot of the Maures massif, Cogolin is a village with many facets. Take a diversion into Provence, to meet our art craftsmen, an unusual cultural heritage, without forgetting this open door to the sea with its 2 ports: Les Marines de Cogolin, one of the largest on the Côte d’Azur, and Port Cogolin