Exactly half a century ago, the State issued the building permit for the construction of the lakeside city.
On this aerial view of 1955, you can see the mouth of the Giscle and all of the marshland on which the future lakeside city will be built.
A crazy bet. These words quoted by Mayor Alain Benedetto on June 14 at the 50th anniversary of Port-Grimaud, symbolize the incredible saga of the birth of an outstanding project.
« In the end, it’s an exemplary success. » Grimaud is fortunate enough to have in its region a city whose global reputation reflects on us all », he continued.
Yves and Bernard, the two sons of François Spoerry, designer of the lakeside city were on hand to unveil the plaque commemorating this highly symbolic day of the issuance of the building permit, that of June 14, 1966.
‘’It is an important event for the whole family » stressed Yves. « Being here is very poignant, » said his brother Bernard. « This site was only a swamp but my father has succeeded in this unlikely undertaking. »
The series of speeches ended with a tasty anecdote told by Alain Benedetto: in fact, the building permit of Port-Grimaud was not issued on the 14th but on the 13th of June: ‘’The date was changed to please the senior official Paul Ploix (father-in-law of the elected representative Florence Ploix, Editor’s note), in charge of the urban planning initiatives. June the 14th is the date of birth of his son Christian! «
Right after, a Spoerry’s exhibition was inaugurated at the Community Hall. A must-see available for one month (until July 14).
1966-2016: AN ALBUM TO TRACE OUT HISTORY
‘’Port-Grimaud is 50 years old’’ is the title of a nice book newly released for the occasion.
It’s author is Bernard Spoerry, son of the master and it reminisces in pictures and sketches the crazy and beautiful adventure of the lakeside city’s construction. Here are a few images. 3000 copies were made and 1000 numbered. You can get hold of a copy in the village.
1962: François Spoerry has just acquired 35 acres. He is at the eve of his crazy dream.
As incredible as it may seem, the Great bridge was built on… dry land, just a few hundred meters away from the nearest canal!
1967: the first 14 houses are completed. 125 000 francs for a « Fisherman’s house »
François Spoerry with Brigitte Bardot at the very beginning of the construction
François Spoerry loved to repeat that his village was « like the nested fingers of two hands… One for the land, the other for the sea! »This article was first published in France on Var Matin, our local newspaper.