Plage de la Mala, Cap d’Ail, France
What is it about the French and their love of stripping off at the sight of some sand? You’ve probably heard (and seen) of Euronat, the epic French holiday village geared for families wanting to shed all inhibitions…?! Whilst we do have buff bods on the brain – it is our dedicated Sex issue after all – here at Beach we’re not entirely convinced that we’re ready to throw down the towel, bikini and all. So, for this week’s sandy saviour, we’ve headed across the Channel but rather than joining the carefree wrinklies and free-loving families that pepper the shores of the Southwest coast, we’ve hot-footed it to the pretty pebbly bay of Plage de la Mala in the Belle Époque beach town of Cap d’Ail for this week’s Beach of the Week.
With a handful of beaches to choose from, the golden bay of Mala, is the crème de la crème of Riviera beach chic. Nestled in a cove and hidden by trees, head down the cliff’s stone steps and stake a claim to your private patch. Ok, so this isn’t a naturists’ beach per se but shedding your bikini top definitely won’t cause a scene. However, if you are in the mood for tan-topping au naturel, take a stroll along the coastal path to the neighbouring bay of Pissarelles Beach: Totally secluded (and all importantly away from prying eyes), this is the best spot to bathe in the buff on.
Back in town it’s all about the boutiques, as expected when you’re a stone’s throw from Monaco, and for a sea-view worth the walk, meander up to the Moorish ruins of the Sarrasin Tower. Looking out over the sun-soaked Med this is an end-of-day reminder of why we love le belle vie, and it’s beautiful beaches.
WHEN: May – Sept
WHAT TO PACK FOR OUR BEACH OF THE WEEK:
Team YSL’s bright beach bag with Bronzette’s itsy-bitsy bikini. Slather your skin with Jurlique’s ultra-hydrating SPF 30, while puckering up with Clarins’ quenching lip balm and embrace the scandalous 1950s with Françoise Sagan’s classic novel ‘Bonjour Tristesse’. Kick back on the sand with our playlist including the chilled out beats of Air, So Fine and Les Negresses Vertes before turning up the temp with Big Things from The Kitsune Special Edition album…
The bag: Yves Saint Laurent Sac Neo Double, £898
The swimwear: Bronzette Kate Liberty-print triangle bikini, £150
The playlist:
Air – Universal traveller (Talkie Walkie album)
So Fine – A day in the sun (Café Del Mar Volume 9)
Les Negresses Vertes “Face A La Mer” (Acoustic Clubbing)
Big Things – Fiction (The Kitsune Special Edition)
The read: Bonjour Tristesse by Francoise Sagan
The products: Jurlique SPF 30, £40 and Clarins Quench Lip Balm in Rose nectar, £15