“Marina Baie des Anges: André Minangoy’s seaside utopia”
Built in Villeneuve-Loubet, the Marina Baie des Anges designed by architect André Minangoy alongside Michel Néron and Michel Marot stands today as an undeniable modern icon of the French Riviera.
It was developer Jean Marchand who initiated this pharaonic project. The construction unfolded over nearly 25 years. The first building, L’Amiral, was completed in 1970, followed by Le Commodore in 1972, and then Le Ducal in 1976. Le Baronnet ultimately closed the project in 1993, alongside a thalassotherapy center that no longer exists today.
The new port of the Marina Baie des Anges was inaugurated on July 9, 2025. Its modernization took place over several years. The site’s first 4-star hotel is set to open in August.
Spanning 16 hectares, the complex offers around 1,500 residential units.
Minangoy’s architectural approach favors organic, dynamic forms breaking away from the rigidity often associated with linear urban planning. The facades are animated by cascading balconies, balustrades, and white-painted concrete surfaces, giving the marina an aesthetic that is both raw and fluid. Private terraces are seamlessly integrated through a system of planters, creating striking cantilevered effects.
Some of the buildings evoke a hybrid between a massive cruise ship, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum by Frank Lloyd Wright, and the yacht A by Philippe Starck.
The layout of the apartments maximizes their relationship with the sea, offering residents a truly immersive living experience within the maritime landscape.
Like any marina, it features a network of pontoons and quays for boat owners, complemented by bars, restaurants, and boutiques.
In the past, In the past, the project faced significant criticism particularly regarding its scale, its impact on surrounding views, and the privatization of part of the coastline. Over time, these critiques have faded, giving way to architectural recognition, notably with the “20th Century Heritage” label awarded in November 2000.
If you’re curious about architecture, I highly recommend taking a walk through it… just not in the middle of summer 🙂
C.Sanchez
Ölddesign
