FORGET Victorian arcades or historic promenades – a seaside resort in Europe looks more like something from the future.
La Grande-Motte is a popular holiday destination with French locals.
The purpose-built seaside resort is futuristic-looking with unusual modernist buildings that look more like pyramids – in fact one is called The Great Pyramid.
It was designed by French architect Jean Balladur and constructed throughout the 1960s and 70s.
It’s considered one of Europe’s greenest resort towns, with more than 70 per cent of its area made up of trees, parks and gardens.
The triangular- shaped buildings which are a landmark of the resort are mostly residential now.
But the area in Occitanie itself welcomes around two million tourists each year thanks to there being plenty to do.
During the summer, most visitors will flock to its coastline and La Grande-Motte has four miles of sandy beaches.
One that families will like is Plage du Point Zéro which is in the centre of the resort right by the 1960s modernist pyramid buildings.
Plage du Grand Travers is best for those looking for a more wild beach, it has sand but is backed by pine trees.
The huge 280-hectare lake called Étang du Ponant is ideal for water sports like water skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, jet skiing, parasailing and tubing.
There’s a large marina filled with sailboats, yachts and lined with pretty cafes, ice cream parlours and shops.
For those wanting to take to the water, catamaran cruises and coastal sailing trips can travel across to the Bay of Camargue.
The Camargue wetlands are known for their flamingos, white horses, and black bulls.
There’s a waterpark too called Espace Grand Bleu with both indoor and outdoor pools.
If the kids need entertaining, head to Ponant Aventure Park with a Tree-Top adventure course, zip-lining, play trails and playground.
At the seaside town are plenty of places to stay from five-star hotels, to family-friendly resorts and campsites.
One of the hotels called Hôtel Mercure La Grande Motte Port and rates start from £81.
Or the Golf Hotel from £89 which has an outdoor swimming pool, two hot tubs and a garden.
If camping is what you’d rather do then check out Maïana Resort Eurocamp with everything from swimming pools to kids clubs.
For seven-nights, this starts from £356.02 per party or £8.48pppn.
The easiest way for Brits to get to La Grande-Motte is to fly to Montpellier which can be done in less than two hours.
Fom there it’s a 40-minute drive to La Grande-Motte.