Grimaud
Grimaud is an exciting and idyllic medieval village located on the edge of the Massif des Maures mountain range in the Var department. Grimaud is a so-called village perché, a floating village where the houses seem to crawl up the hillside. Grimaud's location not far from the Golfe-de-St-Tropez and fashionable St-Tropez makes it an ideal holiday destination. At the top of the hillside are the ruins of a medieval castle from the 11th century, which is currently being restored. It is said to have been very beautiful and impregnable, but it was almost completely destroyed after the revolution. The view of the coast from this high point gave the city an ideal strategic position throughout the Middle Ages. The castle is classified as a historical monument. The old town of Grimaud is incredibly interesting with a myriad of well-restored houses. Grimaud is actually considered to be the richest village in the area, due to the fact that a large part of the population are wealthy foreigners for whom money is no problem. Some of the houses date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. The Knights Templar played a major role in Grimaud, setting up their headquarters in 1119. In Rue des Templiers (also known as Rue des Arcades), the oldest street in town, you'll find the well-preserved Maison de Templier, whose facade and cellars have been listed since 1926. This building is one of the few existing Templar buildings in Provence and is particularly interesting. In the same street you'll also find the 11th-century Romanesque church of St Michel, which was also used by the Knights Templar, which is clearly visible. It is a church completely unadorned and rather gloomy. 
Inspiration for your holiday:Attractions:Ruins of the 12th century castle Eglise de St Michel from the 11th century. Saint Roch Chapel Saint Roch wild mill The ruins of an aqueduct that supplied the city with water in the Middle Ages. Pont des Fées: 15th-century bridge over the Garde River. 
Activities in GrimaudWater sports in Golfe de St. Tropez Golf: There is a wealth of golf courses in the Var department. The French Golf Union has a website where most courses are presented. Unfortunately, the website is in French. Go to Guide de golfs and search here under the Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region: http://www.ffgolf.org/ |