Menton Beach Concession Contracts Under Judicial Review: Decision Expected Monday
The administrative court is set to rule on the fate of two beach concessions in Menton after recent annulments due to alleged irregularities.
The beach operators of Sablettes in Menton are awaiting a crucial decision from the Administrative Court of Appeal in Marseille, scheduled for Monday, regarding the annulment of two beach concession contracts awarded to La French and La Pergola.
This legal development follows the cancellation of these contracts on February 13, 2025, by the Administrative Court in Nice.
In 2023, the two establishments successfully bid in a public service delegation (DSP) renewal process for the Sablettes beaches, alongside seven other bidders.
However, only seven were able to open.
The contracts for La French and La Pergola were annulled by the courts due to alleged irregularities in the awarding process.
The new beach establishments, inaugurated on July 15, 2024, by the mayor, had aimed to operate year-round, but their requests for winter openings were rendered moot when the state rejected them for being submitted past the deadline.
Consequently, they were obligated to close on October 15, aligning with legal requirements.
On January 24, 2025, a dramatic turn occurred when the prefect of Alpes-Maritimes, Hugues Moutouh, sought to terminate the contracts of all seven operators, citing irregularities in the concession awards.
This unexpected court referral, described by operators as a severe blow, underscored the need for adherence to regulations.
Moutouh publicly emphasized the imperative of law enforcement, stating that there can be no exceptions in such matters.
During the subsequent court proceedings, the City of Menton and the affected beach operators asserted their compliance and good faith.
However, the February ruling spared three operators—La Cabane Plage, Les Sablettes Beach, and La Dolce Vita—while annulling the contracts for four others: La Pergola, Calabro Beach Club, La French, and Caesar Plage, with the final decisions on these matters pending.
The city administration, determined to uphold the integrity of the concession process, contended that there had been no favoritism in the award distribution, leading Mayor Yves Juhel to file an appeal alongside La French and La Pergola.
Meanwhile, Calabro Beach Club and Caesar Plage have ceased their operations, citing the uncertainty that has arisen from the legal proceedings.
Political reactions have intensified, particularly from Alexandra Masson, the member of parliament for the 4th constituency.
During a recent interview, she noted the existence of multiple alerts from the prefecture regarding eighteen alleged irregularities associated with the contract applications and implied shared responsibility between the beach operators and the municipality.
This view, however, has sparked discontent among operators who feel they were left vulnerable by the situation.
The issue became a focal point during a recent budget vote, with opposition members of the Unis pour Menton party highlighting the financial implications for the city, criticizing the majority for a perceived lack of diligence.
Concerns were raised about the unprecedented closure of half the beaches within a coastal municipality.
The legal battle unfolded in a session held on March 26 at the Administrative Court of Appeal, where the legal representatives for the prefecture, the beach operators, and the City of Menton presented their arguments.
The upcoming decision will determine the future of these beach establishments and the nature of public-private partnerships in this coastal region.
This legal development follows the cancellation of these contracts on February 13, 2025, by the Administrative Court in Nice.
In 2023, the two establishments successfully bid in a public service delegation (DSP) renewal process for the Sablettes beaches, alongside seven other bidders.
However, only seven were able to open.
The contracts for La French and La Pergola were annulled by the courts due to alleged irregularities in the awarding process.
The new beach establishments, inaugurated on July 15, 2024, by the mayor, had aimed to operate year-round, but their requests for winter openings were rendered moot when the state rejected them for being submitted past the deadline.
Consequently, they were obligated to close on October 15, aligning with legal requirements.
On January 24, 2025, a dramatic turn occurred when the prefect of Alpes-Maritimes, Hugues Moutouh, sought to terminate the contracts of all seven operators, citing irregularities in the concession awards.
This unexpected court referral, described by operators as a severe blow, underscored the need for adherence to regulations.
Moutouh publicly emphasized the imperative of law enforcement, stating that there can be no exceptions in such matters.
During the subsequent court proceedings, the City of Menton and the affected beach operators asserted their compliance and good faith.
However, the February ruling spared three operators—La Cabane Plage, Les Sablettes Beach, and La Dolce Vita—while annulling the contracts for four others: La Pergola, Calabro Beach Club, La French, and Caesar Plage, with the final decisions on these matters pending.
The city administration, determined to uphold the integrity of the concession process, contended that there had been no favoritism in the award distribution, leading Mayor Yves Juhel to file an appeal alongside La French and La Pergola.
Meanwhile, Calabro Beach Club and Caesar Plage have ceased their operations, citing the uncertainty that has arisen from the legal proceedings.
Political reactions have intensified, particularly from Alexandra Masson, the member of parliament for the 4th constituency.
During a recent interview, she noted the existence of multiple alerts from the prefecture regarding eighteen alleged irregularities associated with the contract applications and implied shared responsibility between the beach operators and the municipality.
This view, however, has sparked discontent among operators who feel they were left vulnerable by the situation.
The issue became a focal point during a recent budget vote, with opposition members of the Unis pour Menton party highlighting the financial implications for the city, criticizing the majority for a perceived lack of diligence.
Concerns were raised about the unprecedented closure of half the beaches within a coastal municipality.
The legal battle unfolded in a session held on March 26 at the Administrative Court of Appeal, where the legal representatives for the prefecture, the beach operators, and the City of Menton presented their arguments.
The upcoming decision will determine the future of these beach establishments and the nature of public-private partnerships in this coastal region.
