La Grande-Motte, Seaside resort town in Occitanie, France.
La Grande-Motte is a coastal resort in the Hérault department, known for its geometric concrete architecture. The buildings rise in pyramidal and triangular forms along a shoreline featuring wide sandy beaches and a large marina.
Architect Jean Balladur conceived a complete settlement on undeveloped coastal land starting in 1960, following modernist principles. Construction continued through the mid-1970s, transforming empty dune landscapes into a planned vacation destination.
The resort takes its name from the sand dunes that once covered the coastline, known locally as mottes. Balconies and terraces face the sea in a rhythm that repeats through every block, giving the waterfront its recognizable silhouette.
The resort sits about 20 kilometers east of Montpellier and is directly accessible by road. Sandy beaches stretch along the entire waterfront with public access at regular intervals.
Each building was positioned so its shadow would not affect neighboring structures, a planning principle respected throughout the entire townscape. The height of buildings decreases progressively as they move further from the sea.
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