86 +33 (0)5 53 60 84 88 info@leggett.fr
Mark MacAuley lived in the UK, Tuscany and Milan
before moving to Saint Tropez over two decades ago.
Nobody knows the local property market better than
he does. Here he shares some of his favourite spots.
W
hen we talk
about Saint
Tropez, we
shouldn't
limit the
conversation to the village itself,
with its glamour, yachts, and
movie stars. Any local will tell you
that the neighbouring villages of
Ramatuelle, Gassin, and Grimaud
are just as enchanting. All have
their own distinct personalities
and enrich this wonderful area.
Having lived here for over 23
years, I can appreciate the vast
diversity the Gulf has to offer. It
is always enjoyable to share this
experience with my clients, and
I'm delighted to do so with you
as well.
Grimaud is, without a
doubt, my favorite local village.
It has maintained its Provençal
authenticity while still offering
new cool bars and restaurants.
It is dominated by its 11thcentury
château, with the most
stunning views of the whole Gulf
of St. Tropez (which, until the 19th
century, was known as the Gulf of
Grimaud), and it has strong links
to The House of Grimaldi, which
has produced every Prince of
nearby Monaco.
Amongst a host of great
bars, Cafoutche Flamel, in the
old village, is a must. It serves
exquisite cocktails and Tapas and
is set in the old butcher's shop.
Take a walk along La Garde
river below the village, and you
will arrive at the Instagramable
Pont Des Fées (Bridge of Fairies),
an ancient aqueduct that brought
water to the village. Stroll along,
past the Saint Roch windmill, and
continue back up to the village
for a refreshing drink.
For me, Sunday morning
in Grimaud is always Brocante
le Jas des Robert. One of the
most famous and interesting
fl ea markets in the region, with
an eclectic mix of antiquities,
designer clothes and live music
at the bar. After that, it is fresh
oysters, prawns, calamari and the
obligatory bottle of Rosé at Les
Halles de Grimaud.
It's not just me that loves
it here, though. Grimaud was
voted the number one village in
France to own a second home by
readers of Le Figaro.
The mythical village of Saint
Tropez is not too shabby either.
World-famous for its super
yachts and jet-set clientele, there
is much more to it, particularly
out of season. In early September,
the village returns to its origins as
a simple fi shing village, with all the
authenticity and charm that goes
with it.
There are many renowned
bars and restaurants here.
However, I prefer to take my
morning coffee at Le Gorille on
the port. It is a simple, familyrun local
haunt. For an apéro, I
choose the terrace of the Hotel
Provence-Alpes
Côte d'Azur
Port-Grimaud
Ramatuelle
Cap Taillat