Hidden beneath the cliffs just west of Monaco, the secluded and beloved Plage de la Mala is preparing for its most ambitious transformation in decades.

Often hailed as one of the most picturesque beaches on the Côte d’Azur, La Mala’s turquoise waters, steep limestone backdrop, and quiet exclusivity have long attracted a mix of locals, Monaco residents, and Riviera jet-setters. But behind the beach’s serene image lie ageing infrastructure, growing environmental pressures, and a tangle of legal issues — all of which have now prompted a major rethink.

Balancing Beauty and Modernisation

The town of Cap-d’Ail, in coordination with French coastal authorities, has launched a sweeping redevelopment project aimed at modernising La Mala while safeguarding its fragile charm. The plans, approved earlier this year, are already in motion and promise a reimagined beach by the 2026 summer season.

The redesign includes the removal of illegal structures, new safety installations, and better access for the general public — a shift toward greater inclusivity on a stretch of coast that has often felt reserved for those in the know.

A new 2.5-metre-wide wooden walkway will connect the coastal path to the centre of the beach, passing alongside the two iconic beach clubs — Eden Plage Mala and La Réserve de la Mala. This scenic route will not only improve visitor safety but also provide a more welcoming entrance for all.

Making Space, Legally and Physically

Several century-old cabanons and non-compliant facilities, which were built on the maritime public domain, are currently being dismantled. These removals are in line with French coastal protection laws and aim to restore parts of the natural shoreline while reducing the beach’s environmental footprint.

Safety is also central to the new layout. After a 2023 rockslide near the railway tracks above La Mala, urgent cliff reinforcement works began. The new design includes additional stabilisation, protective barriers, and a permanent lifeguard post near Eden Plage.

One of the more surprising — and welcome — changes is the planned addition of a small snack kiosk offering affordable food and drink. Positioned near the base of the coastal path stairs, it’s a rare nod to accessibility on a beach known more for champagne than casual refreshment.

All new installations, including decks and sunbed platforms, will use removable, eco-conscious materials designed to be dismantled outside of the summer season.

Redefining Luxury on the Riviera

Under a new 12-year beach concession, La Mala will now operate for up to eight months each year — reflecting the growing popularity of the Côte d’Azur during the spring and autumn months. The local mairie says the extended season could help balance tourism with sustainable development.

Yet while the changes are being pitched as necessary and forward-thinking, not all regulars are convinced. Some long-time visitors worry that the beach’s quiet magic — its narrow access stairs, art deco tunnel, and near-hidden location — may be at risk of being tamed too far.

Cap-d’Ail’s mayor has acknowledged the challenge of respecting La Mala’s identity while improving access and safety. “Our ambition,” he said, “is to make La Mala a model of responsible, elegant coastal development.”

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Photo by Monaco Life