2026 outlook, managing the influx, defending a model: Interview with Philippe de Saint Rapt,...
Second episode of our series dedicated to Port Grimaud, looking at the tourism and economic outlook for 2026.
2026: a year of heavy construction works and increased vigilance
The year 2026 promises to be busy for Port Grimaud. Not in terms of tourism, as the lakeside town is not seeking to attract more visitors, but in terms of maintaining and preserving its heritage. Two major projects will dominate the year: the renovation of one of the main bridges and an extensive campaign to replace the anodes, those essential parts that protect the quays from corrosion.
Philippe de Saint Rapt, president of the ASL de Port Grimaud I, explains: “This year is a major period for anodes, some last five years, others less. 2026 will be a heavy year. Added to this are a revegetation program, essential for maintaining coolness in summer, a redevelopment of the park reserved for residents, and reinforced security for parking access.”
All of these works are funded exclusively by the owners.
A stable visitor forecast for 2026... but to be channeled
In terms of tourism, Port Grimaud does not anticipate any boom or collapse. The first signs from the golfe de Saint-Tropez even show an early start to seasonal rentals since February, which suggests attendance comparable to 2025. However, the priority is not to attract: it is to reduce the density of day-trippers in summer, especially groups arriving by bus. The objective is clear: to avoid saturation, protect local life, and maintain fluid traffic in a town that was never designed to absorb massive arrivals.
We do not anticipate any decrease or increase.
Events for residents: a clear stance
Going against regional logic, Port Grimaud is not seeking to enhance its attractiveness.
Port Grimaud is not meant to be attractive
Philippe de Saint Rapt states: “The reason is simple: tourists cost more than they bring in.”
Only a third of them contribute financially through parking fees. The others generate no direct revenue for the lakeside town, even though their presence requires an almost permanent organization: street cleaning several times a day, waste management, reinforced security, and increased surveillance during seasonal markets that attract up to 20,000 people in a single morning. “The influx creates constraints,” soberly summarizes the president of the ASL Port Grimaud I. Tourism is therefore not an economic driver, but a structural cost.
However, the town continues to bring life to the local community. 2026 will mark the 60th anniversary of Port Grimaud, celebrated through several events for owners. The town also maintains its traditional gatherings: the Thursday morning and Sunday morning markets, a few seasonal flea markets, and the passing of the marathon du Golfe on Sunday, March 29, whose route starts from Sainte-Maxime and crosses the lakeside town. These are all events that pace the life of the village without seeking to amplify the external influx.
An economic and symbolic rivalry with the municipality of Grimaud
This is where one of the major stakes of 2026 lies: the growing tension between Port Grimaud and the municipality of Grimaud.
The municipality widely uses the image of Port Grimaud to promote its destination and collects tourist taxes, but, according to the ASL, does not contribute at all to the maintenance of the site. The president does not mince his words: “The municipality considers that the owners of Port Grimaud are the cash cow that allows it to maintain the tourist attractiveness of Grimaud.”
The “Port Grimaud” trademark affair is the most striking illustration of this. In 2022, the municipality tried to register the trademark under its own name. In July 2025, the INPI canceled this action, citing “characterized bad faith” and an “unfair economic strategy” aimed at “What makes the value of Port Grimaud is not,” intended exclusively to profit from the reputation of the lakeside town. For Port Grimaud, this decision marks a turning point: the trademark will now be valued and protected, and any use will have to be contributive.
Preserving the original spirit: the guideline for 2026
Beyond the works and the flows, the issue remains one of identity.
Port Grimaud is not a tourist product, but a private village, a place to live, a unique architectural heritage.
“Opening it up further, as the municipality wishes, would mean denaturing the site: more crime, less peace, loss of residential attractiveness. Today, Port Grimaud has two thefts a year, resolved within 48 hours,” points out Philippe de Saint Rapt.
A level of security that would be impossible to maintain in a fully public space. 2026 will therefore be the year of a renewed assertion: “Port Grimaud must remain Port Grimaud. A village, not an amusement park,” concludes Philippe de Saint Rapt.
Episode 3 to come: Port Grimaud vs. Grimaud – Legal proceedings and the battle for control of the site.
“This year is a major period for anodes,” years, others less so. 2026 will be a heavy year. Added to this are a revegetation program, essential for maintaining coolness in summer, a redevelopment of the park reserved for residents, and reinforced security for parking access.” “We do not anticipate any decrease or increase.” “Port Grimaud is not meant to be attractive,” simple: tourists cost more than they bring in.” “The municipality considers that the owners of Port Grimaud are the cash cow that allows it to maintain the tourist attractiveness of Grimaud,” pointing to a “characterized bad faith” and an “unfair economic strategy” aimed at “What makes the value of Port Grimaud is not “Opening it up further, as the municipality wishes, would mean denaturing the site: more crime, less peace, loss of residential attractiveness. Today, Port Grimaud has two thefts a year, resolved within 48 hours.” renewed: “Port Grimaud must remain Port Grimaud. A village, not an amusement park” Interview conducted by Pierre BEGLIOMINI.