Hidden beneath the cliffs of Cap-d’Ail, just west of Monaco, Plage de la Mala
is often described as one of the most beautiful — and exclusive —
beaches on the French Riviera. Known for its turquoise waters, dramatic
limestone backdrop, and secluded charm accessible only by steep stairs
or by sea, this little paradise is about to undergo a long-awaited
transformation.For decades, La Mala has balanced between wild beauty and luxury tourism. The beach hosts two famous private clubs — La Réserve de la Mala and Eden Plage Mala
— along with a small public area squeezed between them. However, aging
infrastructure, erosion risks, and legal issues linked to constructions
on the public maritime domain have prompted Cap-d’Ail’s town hall and
the French state to step in.
The goal is to modernize, secure, and harmonize the site while preserving its natural and cultural heritage.
Why Now?Several factors have driven the decision to launch a complete redesign:
Safety concerns: A rockslide under the railway line above the beach in 2023 required urgent stabilization work on the cliffside.
Regulatory pressure: Old cabanas and beach buildings, some dating back a century, were deemed illegal and ordered to be removed.
Environmental balance: Authorities aim to reduce permanent constructions on the coastal zone while improving access and aesthetics.
Better public access: A new, more inclusive layout will make the beach easier to reach and enjoy for everyone — not just the high-end clientele.
According to plans released by the town and detailed by local media, the redesign will include:
• A new wooden promenade:
A 2.5-meter-wide pedestrian walkway will link the coastal path to the
heart of the beach, passing in front of the beach clubs and offering a
safer and more scenic route for visitors.
• Removal of old structures:
Historic but illegal cabanons and non-compliant facilities on the
maritime domain are being demolished to restore the natural landscape
and comply with coastal protection laws.
• A new lifeguard and safety post: To be installed near Eden Plage,
the new post will strengthen summer safety operations, while cliff
reinforcement works — including protective barriers — will help prevent
future rockfalls.
• A snack kiosk with affordable prices: In a nod to accessibility, the town plans to add a small snack bar between La Réserve and the coastal path stairs, offering drinks and snacks at regulated prices — a rarity on the Riviera’s upscale beaches.
• Seasonal and eco-friendly materials:
Most new facilities, such as wooden decks and sunbed platforms, will be
removable outside the summer months to limit environmental impact.
A New Balance Between Luxury and AccessibilityUnder
the upcoming 12-year beach concession, the area will be operated over
an extended season of up to eight months per year — reflecting the Côte
d’Azur’s growing off-season tourism. Local businesses hope the
transformation will boost Cap-d’Ail’s attractiveness without sacrificing
the site’s authenticity.
Still, many residents are watching
carefully. While the changes promise modernization and better safety,
they also raise concerns about commercialization and the potential loss
of the beach’s intimate feel.
For
locals and long-time visitors, La Mala is not just a beach — it’s a
slice of Riviera history, with its Art Deco tunnel entrance, secluded
coves, and cinematic views stretching toward Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. The
challenge now is to improve without erasing, to open without
overexposing.
As Cap-d’Ail’s mayor noted, the objective is “to make La Mala a model of responsible, elegant coastal development.”
The
works, already underway, are expected to be completed before the start
of the 2026 summer season — marking a new chapter for one of the French
Riviera’s most iconic and enchanting beaches.
