Local anger over France’s first beach ‘privatisation’
For the first time in France an entire public beach is set to be managed for profit by a private firm – and local business owners are furious.
A 5.4km stretch of sandy beach at La Baule, Loire-Atlantique – the longest beach in Europe – will be managed by the French environmental services group Véolia for the next 12 years.
It follows a deal signed with the government in December 2016. Bids were invited but Véolia’s was the only one.
This is a different and bigger deal compared to the common arrangement whereby private companies may rent areas to offer sunbeds and food etc.
In fact Véolia has now launched its own call for bids to run sailing clubs, children’s clubs and restaurants. All 35 existing businesses’ structures will be replaced by standardised ‘modules’ in time for the 2018 season.
Local action group The beach, the heart of La Baule says Véolia will make a €452,000 return from concessions in the first year and up to €850,000 by the fourth year. President Loïc Durand- Raucher, told Connexion: “Véolia’s only argument is money. La Baule’s identity will be lost with the new uniform buildings.”
In France no beach can be truly private because the sea and beach are public domains. “French law recognises an 1858 ruling setting out the principle of free access of the public to beaches,” said planning specialist Loïc Prieur.
However, since a coastal law of 1986, the state may grant ‘concessions’ – temporary rentals of beach sections – granted by prefectures either directly or through town halls, for a maximum of 12 years (renewable). Rates range from €15,000 and €100,000 per year (Véolia, which will in effect become a ‘middle man’, is said to be paying €170,000 a year to the state).
There are strict rules for concessionaires: they can only operate for six months of the year (eight with special permission); since 2006 no permanent structures may be built and all temporary ones must be removed at the end of each season; no fences may be built to block access to any strip of the beach; and at least 80% of the beach surface at mid-tide should be free of structures.
Mr Durand-Raucher fears there will be rent hikes for concessionaires, therefore price increases. “We just want to keep La Baule family-friendly,” he said.
Mayor Yves Métaireau said: “Talk about ‘privatisation’ of the beach is fake or dishonest – the public domain has always been inalienable.” The mairie is now talking to Véolia about a compromise solution of creating a SEML (local public-private partnership company).
