The history of La Grande-Motte mirrors the tale of the Ugly Duckling. For a long time decried as a symbol of the degradation of the French coastline, the seaside resort has transitioned from being labelled “la Grande Moche” (greatly unattractive) to “la Grande Mode” (greatly fashionable) in the space of 50 years. The brainchild of French architect Jean Balladur is now regarded as a model of success, laying the foundations for a future that goes beyond summer holidays and puts to question the widely proclaimed failure of the French ‘villes nouvelles’ (planned cities). French architecture agency Leclercq Associés is continuing this success story by taking on the extension of the resort, encompassing an enlarged pedestrian seawall, an extended harbour with a promenade and new family accommodations. Lire la suite…