Maurice Durand

Maurice Durand (December 6, 1884 – February, 1978) was a French architect. He was active in the Vendée department, primarily in the area around Les Sables-d'Olonne, and many of his buildings may still be seen in that area today.

Durand was born in Les Sables d'Olonne, and began his career there in 1913, when he designed a number of buildings in town, including the Villa Mirasol and the Villa Blanche. He was accepted into the architectural academy in Paris in 1920; the following year he was named city architect in his hometown. In 1930 he was made the Architect of Historic Monuments for the Vendée department. He was awarded the Légion d’Honneur in 1935, and became departmental architect in 1937. Durand was charged with designing three: Île d'Yeu Lighthouse, completed in 1950 Pointe des Corbeaux Lighthouse, completed in 1950 Pointe du Grouin du Cou Lighthouse, completed in 1958

In addition, Durand was responsible for the design of L'Armendèche Lighthouse, completed in 1968 as a landfall light for Les Sables d'Olonne. The four were built in an Art Deco style; notably, each tower was designed as a unique building, different from the others in the series.