Saudi Royals in Hot Water with Riviera Nudists over Access to Public Beach

The house of King Fahd of Saudi in Golfe Juan, France

THE TELEGRAPH: French bathers, including nudists, declare war on Saudi royal family over a bid to privatise a public beach at Vallauris, between Cannes and Antibes, during an upcoming visit

A row has erupted between the Saudi royal family and French bathers who have accused it of commandeering a public Riviera beach ahead of an impending visit as the strip runs right by the monarchs’ luxury villa.

Locals are threatening to sue the Saudi royals over a bid to block an underpass leading to the public Mirandole beach at Vallauris [F] - between Antibes and Cannes - with wire fencing.

They are also furious that workers have begun illegal construction work on a huge concrete slab in the sand as part of the royals’ plan to have the beach all to themselves during their stay.

Under French law, the beach is normally open to local bathers, with part of it reserved for nudists.

The villa is reportedly owned by Muhammad bin Fahd, the eldest surviving son of the late King Fahd, who bought the property around 20 years ago. » | Henry Samuel, Paris | Thursday, July 16, 2015

Une plage du sud de la France fermée le temps des vacances du roi saoudien » | jeudi 16 juillet 2015