In La Londe, the new seafront, a €3.4 million project
Inaugurated on July 8, the new seafront of La Londe-les-Maures represents a total investment of 3.4 million euros.
On July 8, François de Canson, mayor of La Londe-les-Maures, inaugurated the redesigned seafront in the Miramar sector, a project presented as a "new balcony on the sea".
"My ambition is to reconcile the town with its coastline by transforming a place of passage into a real living space, while reinforcing the economic and tourist attractiveness of the territory," announced the mayor.
Priority to soft mobility
At the heart of this redevelopment is a new philosophy of public space, breaking with the "all-car" model. The Municipality has chosen to give priority back to soft mobility and strolling.
"We chose walking rather than speed. We chose breathing room rather than congestion. We chose a lively public space rather than a simple place of passage," declared the mayor.
Structuring project
This transformation is reflected in a widened and embellished promenade, new stabilized paths, the creation of a belvedere facing the port and the installation of numerous seating areas.
The environmental aspect was a major focus, with greening designed to create islands of coolness and promote biodiversity thanks to Mediterranean species. Public lighting was entirely modernized with more energy-efficient equipment.
"We only protect sustainably what we have learned to look at," emphasized François de Canson to summarize the desire to value the local natural heritage.
An economic and tourist lever
Beyond improving the living environment, this new seafront is designed as a lever for economic performance.
"The objective is to create a quality public space that encourages visitors to extend their stay and return, thus supporting businesses, restaurants and activities in the port beyond the high summer season. The project integrates new equipment such as a well-being area with eight sports apparatuses and parking for bicycles," insisted the mayor.
The mayor nevertheless insisted on the need to preserve the municipality's identity: "Our objective is to preserve what makes our identity while adapting our municipality to today's expectations. La Londe must remain a lively town, popular in the noblest sense of the word, accessible and true to its character."
Support from the Region
The cost of the operation amounts to 3.4 million euros. The Région Sud made a contribution of €748,400, or nearly 22% of the budget. The State also participated with €100,000 via the Fonds Vert scheme. The municipality financed more than 75% of the project from its own funds.
"This is a political choice: that of dedicating our investment capacities to concrete, sustainable and useful achievements for all," specified François de Canson.
He then thanked all the project stakeholders, from the project management (Agence Guillermin, Cabinet Merlin) to the companies (COLAS, SPADA TP, Sols Azur, etc.) and municipal services.
"The most beautiful public achievements are not necessarily those that stand out to the eye. They are those that end up seeming to have always been there," concluded the mayor of La Londe.
Photos Isabelle BENOIT and Alain BLANCHOT.