La Grande-Motte sheds 'ugly' image as property market booms
La Grande-Motte, a seaside resort in Hérault, France, long stigmatized for its concrete architecture, has undergone a dramatic image transformation. The town, once derided as 'La Grande Moche' (the Great Ugly), is now being called 'La Grande Mode' (the Great Fashion). Its real estate market has exploded, but the boom has created new challenges: the town struggles to house its residents and faces emerging conflicts over land use.
Key facts
- La Grande-Motte is a tourist resort in Hérault, France.
- It was long stigmatized for its concrete buildings.
- The town's image has changed significantly.
- It was previously nicknamed 'La Grande Moche' (the Great Ugly).
- It is now called 'La Grande Mode' (the Great Fashion).
- The local real estate market has exploded.
- The town struggles to house its residents.
- New conflicts over land use are developing.
Entities
Locations
- La Grande-Motte
- Hérault
- France