A beautiful and cheaper version of Venice. The tourists haven’t arrived here yet

To see a little bit of Venice, you don’t have to go to Italy. Even in Poland you can find places where picturesque canals, charming bridges and water alleys create a unique atmosphere reminiscent of the famous city on the water. France also has its “Venice” and it is located on the French Riviera. Port Grimaud is located near the famous resort of Saint-Tropez and attracts tourists looking for a break from the crowds.

The French “Venice” 2 hours from Marseille

Colorful houses along the canals and narrow streets perfect for long walks – this time it’s not Venice, but Port Grimaud in France. Unlike the famous Italian city, here you will not find crowds or exorbitant prices. However, you can enjoy the beach and, considering the prestigious location of the Côte d’Azur, a quite intimate atmosphere.

Back in the 1960s, the Port Grimaud area was swampy. Everything was changed by François Spoerry, an architect who set himself the goal of creating a friendly city on the water with characteristic, low-rise buildings. He quite succeeded in this – Port Grimaud is in places a fairly faithful recreation of the charm of Venice, although for some the town may lack character of its own.

Entrance fees in Venice

Port Grimaud is an almost private estate on the water, where every resident has access to a small, home marina. Moreover, modernity is kept to a minimum here, but tourists don’t really mind it. In the main town of Grimaud, located approximately six kilometers away, all attractions are close to each other. During a short trip you can see the ruins of an 11th-century castle, the Église Saint-Michel church, the historic Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Queste and the Saint-Roch mill.

Meanwhile, in the “real” Venice, for the opportunity to see the canals during a one-day trip during the high season, you have to increase the fee. In 2026, this European city will still burden tourists.