La Grande-Motte, France
Hôtel La Plage
Modernist beach house
Modernist beach house
Built like a low-slung beach house rather than a giant pyramid, the hotel opens straight from its pool terrace onto the sand.
What it’s good at
Notable
Low-slung modernist concrete architecture by Gilles Balladur, updated with warm wood interiors.
Listed
Floor-to-ceiling glass and private sea-facing terraces opening straight onto the Mediterranean sand.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Low-lying and geometric, it sits right on the beach, with floor-to-ceiling glass revealing sweeping ocean views from most rooms.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Point Zéro's sandy beach sits directly out front, and the promenade leads straight to the marina and town center.
The rooms
Every room opens onto a private terrace or balcony, and most look straight across the sea through floor-to-ceiling glass.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The heated outdoor pool sits beneath palm fronds on the sea-facing terrace, surrounded by loungers and parasols.
The spa
Double treatment rooms host massages and aromatherapy baths. Outside, a private deck holds a sauna and hot tub.
Restaurant
L’Essentiel
The first-floor dining room and wooden terrace look across the sea, serving seasonal Mediterranean dishes.
At the table
Le Cocobaïa sits directly on the sand, serving cocktails and light dishes beside rows of white parasols and sunbeds.
How it began
La Grande-Motte was conceived in the 1960s as a modernist seaside utopia, inspiring the hotel's geometric concrete forms when it opened in 1986.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.