Venice may be the poster child for charming canal rides in Europe, but there's a coastal gem in Provence that competes fiercely with the Italian city. It offers equally enticing cuisine and vibrant architecture, but with an unmistakable French twist.

Only about half a century old, Port Grimaud lays claim to fame as one of the most beautiful coastal towns globally. Although it's far from being a replica, it's affectionately dubbed "The Little Venice of Provence" for reasons that stretch beyond surface similarities. Its enchanting frescoes combined with a commitment to green living have quickly cemented Port Grimaud's status as a sought-after tourist spot.

Nestled within the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, the village exudes tranquillity while radiating French luxury. 

The creation of Port Grimaud sprang from the imagination of the Alsatian architect François Spoerry, now revered as the 'Father of Port Grimaud'. In 1964, he purchased marshland with a vision: to create a lake city influenced by his voyages to Greece and the broader Mediterranean region.

To enrich the lives of its inhabitants, Spoerry envisioned a "soft style of architecture" underpinned by canals, expansive public plazas, and homes reminiscent of those in quaint French Riviera fishing villages.

Notably, today's Port Grimaud includes a network of 12 islands linked together by an intricate system of 14 bridges, reports The Mirror. 

Spoerry's vision of a lively village is brought to life by the trompe l'oeil (optical illusion) frescoes adorning the building facades. The most iconic image to look out for is a Provençal lady peering down at the market square from a painted window.

Another architectural marvel in the city is the cast-iron pillars bolstering many balconies along the canal. These designs clearly reflect Spoerry's Venetian inspiration for the village and are strategically placed opposite the shopping arcades.

The village is also a staunch advocate of alternative green energies. This is partly due to the fact that - barring a few residents - cars are not permitted in the coastal village.

Solar-powered water taxi boats serve as one of the primary modes of transport for locals.

Tourists can also travel these specific residential routes for a fee. Alternatively, visitors can participate in boat tours or electric boat trips that span between 20 to 30 minutes.

If you fancy steering your own electric boats, you can do so even without a boat license. This unique experience will set you back approximately €20 per half-hour ride, plus a €30 deposit.

Bear in mind there is typically a maximum capacity of five people.

As you navigate the canals, another significant landmark to spot is La Tour Des Célibataires - also known as Single's Towers. This fortress-like tower, dating back to 1966, was originally designed to accommodate seasonal workers.

Other must-see spots include François Spoerry's house, designed in a style similar to the Tour Des Célibataires, and the architect's final resting place in the Church of Saint-François d'Assise. Visitors can also view a scale model of Spoerry's original village design at the Tourist Information Office.

However, bear in mind that the Tourist Office only operates during the peak season, from April to September. Likewise, boat tours and excursions are restricted during the winter months.

The area of Port Grimaud has also emerged as a favourite among camping enthusiasts, with campsites in the Var located just a few kilometres from the village centre. Campers have the option to choose their accommodation from a range of mobile homes equipped with modern conveniences, traditional camping pitches or basic tents.