The coastline of southeastern France is known as “the French Riviera.” The splendor and beauty of this area are well-known all over the world. Here, you can find the glamorous cities of Cannes and Saint Tropez. However, we find the natural scenery to be the most stunning aspect of this region in France.
La Mala Natural Reserve is one of the most beautiful spots to spend a day. The little bay is framed by towering cliffs, and its blue waters range from dark to light. Learn about the French Riviera’s best-kept secret, La Mala Beach.
Plage Mala at Cap d’Ail epitomizes the French Riviera with its turquoise waves, soft pebble beach, towering cliffs, and lively beach bar. A day on a sunbed will cost you 30 euros, but you may relax for free on the soft sand and stones of the beach.
Enjoy the warm, crystal-clear waters of the beach all to yourself. Stop by one of the many coastal eateries or pubs for a refreshing beverage or tasty meal. Jump from the moored pier in the center of the cove. Relax and take in the breathtaking scenery of this French Riviera treasure.
Please remember to pack the following necessities when visiting Mala Beach:
- Beach mat to lay beneath your large towel so that you’re not directly resting on the scorching sand or rocks.
- Sun protection, as the sun in the south of France, is no joke. Always remember to reapply, especially after being in the water.
- Water in order to maintain optimal hydration levels. Don’t let the bright sun give you a headache or cause sunstroke.
- Despite the nearby train tracks, this beach—widely regarded as the best on the French Riviera—is peaceful. If you want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to get there early. Clear water for swimming is most reliably found in oceans with broad perimeters. The dark, chilly water you observe at the cliffs’ edge shouldn’t come as a surprise.
- The Mediterranean is home to a number of freshwater sources. The salt of the ocean prevents fresh water from reaching depths of more than a few millimeters below the surface. Everyone of any age may enjoy the water and the view from a pontoon. In the off-season, the area is deserted and untamed, making it ideal for long walks and fishing.
Facilities at Mala Beach
The roughly 200-meter-long beach is split in two. The areas furthest west, closer to Eze and Nice, are more rocky. There currently isn’t anything located there. It doesn’t take long for the sun to rise in the morning. The opposite side of Monaco, on the east, is shaded for much of the morning by the hill on which the historic Hotel Eden now stands.
A section of the beach has been designated as a jellyfish-free zone. From June through September, municipal lifeguards (MNS) keep an eye on swimmers, and a first aid station (CRS) is on hand in July and August. As may be seen in the pictures of Mala Beach, two beach businesses (a restaurant, a bar, and a tiny beach shop) provide beds with matching umbrellas.
Individually owned and extremely modest sheds lie against the hillside. There are also public restrooms and showers available for use.
How to get to Mala Beach?
Plage Mala is easily accessible by both bus and train. From the harbor, get Bus 100 and get off at the Beaverbrook stop. Locate the “Plage de la Mala” markers and follow them up the slightly steep route.
From Nice’s main station, board a train bound for Monaco and alight at the Cap d’Ail stop. When you leave the railway station, head left through the parking lot and then left again into the tunnel, where you’ll find a set of steps.
To reach the river, one must first cross the road and then descend further stairs. If you take a right, you’ll reach the beach in a pleasant 10 minutes’ stroll.
Conclusion
Mala Plage is the most popular and picturesque beach in all of Cap d’Ail and the Riviera. This beautiful length of white sand and pebbles is bookended on each end by the green Cap Mala and the sharply rising cliffs. Since there aren’t any nearby harbors, the water in the ocean is always pristine. This semicircle of Mediterranean vegetation, with views out over the gently lapping ocean, is typical of Cote d’Azur relaxing.