Grimaud enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild and wet winters. The average annual temperature is around 15°C, and it rains mainly in autumn and winter.

The subsoil of Grimaud is composed mainly of metamorphic rocks, particularly schist and gneiss, dating back to the Palaeozoic era. This complex geology is the result of the region’s dynamic tectonic history. The plain consists of recent alluvial deposits carried by local watercourses.

Grimaud’s topography is varied, ranging from coastal plains to rugged hills. To the west are the Maures mountains, offering a staggering landscape and panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea.

Grimaud’s groundwater resources are supplied by aquifers located in the alluvial valleys, as well as by deep water tables within the fractured rocks of the Maures mountains. These aquifers provide water for both domestic and agricultural use.

Grimaud lies within the Giscle and Coastal Rivers of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez hydrographic sub-basin. There are several streams and temporary watercourses flowing through the area, shaped by the Mediterranean climate.

In Grimaud, there’s a wide variety of animal species, including the wild boar, roe deer and fox, as well as birds of prey such as the kestrel and Eurasian eagle-owl. The Hermann’s tortoise, a characteristic species of the Maures mountains, is also found here. It is one of the most endangered reptiles in both Europe and globally. Other terrestrial species include the swallowtail butterfly, the Eurasian jay, the Moorish gecko, and the Mediterranean tree frog. The close proximity to the sea also encourages the presence of various marine species.

Grimaud’s vegetation is typically Mediterranean, with species such as cork oak, maritime pine, and olive trees. Maquis and garrigue scrubland cover a large part of the area, providing a diverse range of habitats that are home to remarkable biodiversity.

Use sun creams that are made from minerals instead of harmful chemicals, and are not therefore a danger to corals. Wear anti-UV clothing such as t-shirts to reduce the use of sun cream wherever possible. Take part in beach clean-up operations organised in the local area, to protect marine habitats. Make sure you are aware of, and comply with, the local guidelines for the protection of protected marine areas.

Avoid using sun creams that contain chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, and opt for ‘reef-safe’ products instead. Do not trample Posidonia meadows when swimming or diving. Do not dispose of rubbish in the sea, even small objects such as cigarette butts or plastic packaging. Limit the use of chemicals in rental accommodation which could end up in the sea. Instead, opt for eco-friendly cleaning products.

Fragile natural habitats | Charm of Provence & French Riviera

An exceptional region

The Maures mountains and Gulf of Saint-Tropez are set at the heart of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region and this whole natural area is truly remarkable, thanks to the diverse Mediterranean landscapes and quaint seaside villages.

The Maures mountains are densely populated with cork oak and maritime pine forests and shrubland, making it a haven of biodiversity. Thanks to the staggering slopes and secret valleys, this is a fantastic destination for hikers looking to explore wild, unspoilt nature.
Below the hills, the Gulf of Saint-Tropez offers a stark contrast with its sandy beaches and turquoise-blue waters. Here is where nature unites with vibrant human activity, where picturesque villages, bustling ports and vineyards stretching across the plains shape a truly unique landscape.

Local traditions are kept alive thanks to the typical architecture of Provençal houses, village festivals and colourful markets, reflecting a vibrant and authentic rural culture. If you explore Grimaud as an environmentally friendly traveller, you will be helping to preserve this fascinating natural and cultural heritage.

The characterstics of the Grimaud region

Climate
Grimaud enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild and wet winters. The average annual temperature is around 15°C, and it rains mainly in autumn and winter.
Geology
The subsoil of Grimaud is composed mainly of metamorphic rocks, particularly schist and gneiss, dating back to the Palaeozoic era. This complex geology is the result of the region’s dynamic tectonic history.
The plain consists of recent alluvial deposits carried by local watercourses.
Topography
Grimaud’s topography is varied, ranging from coastal plains to rugged hills.
To the west are the Maures mountains, offering a staggering landscape and panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea.
Hydrogeology
Grimaud’s groundwater resources are supplied by aquifers located in the alluvial valleys, as well as by deep water tables within the fractured rocks of the Maures mountains.
These aquifers provide water for both domestic and agricultural use.
Hydrology
Grimaud lies within the Giscle and Coastal Rivers of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez hydrographic sub-basin. There are several streams and temporary watercourses flowing through the area, shaped by the Mediterranean climate.
Animal species
In Grimaud, there’s a wide variety of animal species, including the wild boar, roe deer and fox, as well as birds of prey such as the kestrel and Eurasian eagle-owl.
The Hermann’s tortoise, a characteristic species of the Maures mountains, is also found here. It is one of the most endangered reptiles in both Europe and globally.
Other terrestrial species include the swallowtail butterfly, the Eurasian jay, the Moorish gecko, and the Mediterranean tree frog.
The close proximity to the sea also encourages the presence of various marine species.
Plant species
Grimaud’s vegetation is typically Mediterranean, with species such as cork oak, maritime pine, and olive trees. Maquis and garrigue scrubland cover a large part of the area, providing a diverse range of habitats that are home to remarkable biodiversity.

Marine biodiversity

Did you know?

Sun cream is responsible for 14,000 tonnes of chemicals discharged into the seas and oceans every year.

Posidonia meadows, which are crucial to the marine ecosystem, cover around 2.5 million hectares in the Mediterranean.

The Pelagos Sanctuary, a protected marine area in the Mediterranean, is home to a sizeable population of marine mammals such as dolphins and whales.

Mediterranean biodiversity

Good habits to adopt
- Use sun creams that are made from minerals instead of harmful chemicals, and are not therefore a danger to corals.
- Wear anti-UV clothing such as t-shirts to reduce the use of sun cream wherever possible.
- Take part in beach clean-up operations organised in the local area, to protect marine habitats.
- Make sure you are aware of, and comply with, the local guidelines for the protection of protected marine areas.
Things to avoid
- Avoid using sun creams that contain chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, and opt for ‘reef-safe’ products instead.
- Do not trample Posidonia meadows when swimming or diving.
- Do not dispose of rubbish in the sea, even small objects such as cigarette butts or plastic packaging.
- Limit the use of chemicals in rental accommodation which could end up in the sea. Instead, opt for eco-friendly cleaning products.

Biodiversity on land

In Grimaud

The Eurasian jay

The swallowtail butterfly

©Geai Des Chenes Milieux Naturels Fragiles|Étienne Bonhomme

©Machaon Milieux Naturels Fragiles|Siegfried Poepperl

The Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius) is like the guardian of the forests. When a suspicious intruder enters the area, this bird lets out a loud screech before then darting away to hide among the leaves with just a few beats of its wings. It’s easy to recognise by its beige body plumage, striking black-and-electric-blue wings, and its white face marked with a black stripe extending from the beak.
This intelligent bird belongs to the same family as crows and magpies. For instance, the jay is known for storing its food (often acorns) by burying it in the ground, which is where its Latin name comes from. However, it sometimes forgets to go back for its stores, and therefore helps to renew the forest. It’s common to see this bird in Grimaud all year round, though it’s far more visible in spring during the mating season.

The swallowtail butterfly (Papilio machaon) is one of Europe’s largest butterflies, measuring 6 to 8 cm in diameter. Like all butterflies, its life cycle unfolds in four stages of maturity: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and finally the imago, the butterfly itself, whose beauty is fleeting, as it lives only a few weeks in order to reproduce.

It can be easily spotted around Grimaud castle from March to September, as well as in other open areas where its caterpillar’s favourite plants grow, such as wild carrot, fennel, and other umbelliferous plants.

©Chevres Ferales Milieux Naturels Fragiles|Étienne Bonhomme

Feral goats

Among the many mammals living in Grimaud, most are completely wild, such as wild boar, foxes or red squirrels. Others have been domesticated, like horses and dogs. And a few began as domestic animals before becoming established in the wild.
This is the case with these goats (Capra hircus), which roam freely across the rocky heights of Grimaud. This process is known as ‘feralisation’. Only ten goats have been recorded here, eight of which are males, meaning the population’s future is uncertain. These goats help to control vegetation growth and fit naturally into the local ecosystem.

The Moorish gecko

The Mediterranean tree frog

©Tarente Mauretanie Milieux Naturels Fragiles|Étienne Bonhomme

©Reinette Meridionale Milieux Naturels Fragiles|Étienne Bonhomme

This is a species that everyone can spot on summer evenings, clinging to walls or basking in the sun on dry-stone walls. The Moorish gecko (Tarentola mauritanica) benefits from human activity, as our houses offer it shelter and a prime hunting ground, and in return, it does us a favour by feeding on mosquitoes and moths.

It’s the only gecko species found in Grimaud, and adults can grow up to 19 centimetres long. In addition to its remarkable ability to walk on walls and ceilings, it can also change colour: during the day, the gecko is dark brown or mottled, helping it absorb sunlight and blend into its surroundings; at night, it turns pale grey to remain camouflaged and avoid predators.

The Mediterranean tree frog (Hyla meridionalis) can be heard at night from April to July with its distinctive call, a deep, single-note ‘cra-a-ar’, repeated slowly. Surprisingly, this powerful sound comes from a tiny, bright green frog only about 4 cm long.

Its secret lies in its throat, or more precisely, in the male’s vocal sac. The male inflates this sac, which can swell to nearly the size of its body, then releases all the trapped air in a single burst through the larynx, producing the call. This repeated effort demands a great deal of energy, but it’s essential for attracting females, who choose to mate with the frog who puts on the best show.

The Hermann’s tortoise

The Hermann’s tortoise, also known as the Maures tortoise, is an iconic species of the Var and Corsica. In Grimaud, it can be found in hills that have been spared from wildfires, particularly in wooded areas and scrubland where water is available. If you’re near a natural area, you might be lucky enough to spot one, especially in spring when it’s most active.
In the wild, the Hermann’s tortoise lives around 40 to 60 years. Females are larger than males, about 18 cm long compared to 15 cm. While adults have few natural predators, young tortoises are very vulnerable, easy prey for birds, weasels, foxes and wild boar, among others. The species reaches reproductive age at around 12 years, but few young survive to that stage. Mating takes place in spring, when the tortoises are most active. The female lays 1 to 5 eggs, which hatch in autumn. The Hermann’s tortoise is mainly a herbivore, feeding on plants, though it may occasionally eat invertebrates. In winter, it burrows into the soil or shelters underground, emerging only when the mild weather returns in March. In summer, when it gets too hot, the Hermann’s tortoise goes into aestivation, a period of reduced activity, retreating to cooler, shaded areas to conserve energy.

©Tortue Hermann Massif Des Maures 6|Étienne Bonhomme

©Tortue Hermann Massif Des Maures 7|Étienne Bonhomme

It’s important to bear in mind that Hermann’s tortoise is a protected species so do not touch it unless you absolutely need to, if it is in danger. You can help it get to the other side of the road for example. The species is classified as endangered in the region, and so the remaining tortoises in Grimaud are precious.

Their numbers are declining, mainly due to recurring wildfires. The Hermann’s tortoise is a great wanderer, so if one strays into your garden, let it continue on its way, unless you suspect it may be injured or unwell, in that case you can call the Village des Tortues in Carnoules on +33 (0)4 94 78 26 41. They will be able to tell you what to do. Finally, if you have a dog that might see a tortoise as a chew toy, it’s best to keep it on a lead when walking in the hills.
Thanks to Étienne Bonhomme for this information.

Accessing the forests of the Var

Did you know?

The Var is one of the three most wooded departments in France and the Maures mountain range includes 80km² of woodland. In fact, our beautiful region of Provence Alpes and Côte d’Azur is made up of over 45% woodland.

The natural environment includes fragile habitats that need protecting. Take some time to get to know more about the area, particularly the Maures plain national nature reserve.

The Maures mountain range is also a Natura 2000 zone for certain animal and plant species.

Fragile natural habitats

Massif Des Maures Grimaud Var Provence 53 — ©Grimaud Tourisme

The Conservatoire du Littoral

The Conservatoire du Littoral (the French Coastal protection agency) is very active in taking care of our coastline with management and restoration projects.

The Port Cros national park is a prime example of the conservation work led by the Conservatoire du Littoral.

Port Cros

In Provence

The Verdon
The Provence Alpes and Côte d’Azur (Provence Alps and French Riviera) region has an abundance of exceptional natural sites and it is our duty to take care of them.

The Verdon regional nature reserve is one of France’s must-see destinations, offering outstanding biodiversity.

Natural treasures worth protecting
The ‘nature barometer’ carried out in 2012 by ARPE (French Regional Environment Agency) was particularly insightful, detailing the exceptional biodiversity in our region.

The barometer

Practical informations

On site