Quand Montpellier se raconte. Constructions territoriales, marketing urbain et mise en tourisme dans la série télévisée Un si grand soleil

Abstract

This article analyzes the way in which the series Un si grand soleil participates in the Montpellier territorial narrative: what is the image of the metropolis and, more broadly, of the Montpellier territory in the series, and how do local actors seize it, in a logic of valorization of the territory, with the aim of improving its image and its attractiveness? After analyzing the spatial selection of the representation of Montpellier at the local and regional levels, we will see how the series is part of both a mythology of the city of Montpellier as an instrument of metropolitan marketing and promotion of the city and in a broader imaginary of Mediterranean cities. Finally, the tourist instrumentalization of the series will be discussed, between the environment of reception, economic development and narration.

Keywords

• TV Series
• Montpellier
• territorial narrative
• tourism development
• imaginary