La grande Motte
La Grande Motte, a unique, green and futuristic city
Not far from Montpellier and from camping le Mas de Mourgues, on the Mediterranean, the Grande Motte is the only city in France which benefits in its entirety from the prestigious 20th century heritage label. Created in the 60s on a wetland, it remains absolutely unique in Europe by its avant-garde architecture. Entirely designed by architect Jean Balladur, it is distinguished by the luminous whiteness of its buildings which contrast with the blue of the sea and the green of the vegetation. Its buildings, inspired by the pre-Columbian pyramids, are designed to offer everyone a clear view and a resourcing living environment. With more than 25 km of greenways, footbridges and footpaths, and with green spaces occupying more than 70% of its territory, La Grande Motte is also a resolutely green city.
Precious natural spaces
Bordered by 7 km of fine sandy beaches on the Mediterranean Sea, La Grande Motte benefits from a privileged location on the Occitan coast. The pine forest and the middle of the dune are precious environments. The gold and Ponant ponds are also preserved areas of immense wealth. The Etang de l'Or wetland is a natural site classified for its exceptional biodiversity. The area also known as the "garden city" offers numerous pedestrian circuits that link in a unique ensemble the landscaped green spaces of the city to the natural spaces surrounding it.
Les incontournables a La Grande Motte
- The 3 hectares of beach : stretches of fine sand ideal for beach games, swimming, lazing around or snorkeling, bordered by a waterfront full of stores, terraces and children's playgrounds.
- Walking tours : through the city's landscaped setting, but also through natural spaces, on foot, by bike or by segway. Among the marked out itineraries are the large loop of 12 km to discover all the districts of the Grande Motte, the loop of the curved pyramids of 4.5 km, the park route of 3 km, or the circuit between sea and pond of about 4 km. Open-air works of art: 10 unmissable architectures such as the Great Pyramid, the Three Powers Square, the Lampadophores Footbridge or the Sunset District, as well as contemporary sculptures integrated into the city's facilities.
- The astronomical bridge Saint-Jean : one of the most unmissable sites of the Grande Motte, for its symbolic significance. A true ode to the sun, it offers a perfect alignment with the star at the time of the summer solstice.
- Guided tours of the city : ideal to discover the symbolic significance of Jean Balladur's creations and the inspirations behind them.
- Boat trips : from the port of La Grande-Motte, to discover Port-Camargue, the bay of Aigues-Mortes and the coastline, aboard a shuttle or a catamaran, for a commented cruise or an introduction to sea fishing.
- Sensational water activities : towed buoys, flyboard, water skiing, jet skiing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, or parasailing.
- L'étang du Ponant : a marked trail to discover rare species of orchids and many birds. The opportunity also to discover and observe marine turtles.
- The golf course : typically Floridian, it was designed by one of the greatest golf architects, Robert Trent Jones. With 42 holes, a putting green of 2000 m2 and a practice of 50 places, it is exceptional.
- The thalasso : the center of the Corallines benefits from a privileged situation with sea view. It includes a vast outdoor freshwater swimming pool and an indoor seawater pool. You will appreciate its facilities bathed in light: hammam, sauna, balneo course and fitness room.
