“The risk-taking is too great”: in Trouville, the new call for tenders which could disrupt life on the beach

The apparent calm of the beach at Trouville-sur-Mer (Calvados) contrasts with the hustle and bustle behind the scenes. “The beach belongs to the state. It grants it to the city over periods of 10 years, which sub-grants it to professionals,” explains Stéphanie Fresnais, new mayor of the seaside town. The former municipality has therefore relaunched the consultation for the operation of businesses and beach activities. But with specifications that make one cringe.

“I pay around 60,000 euros per year, between the fixed part and the variable part on receipts,” indicates Cyril Leseur, manager of the Galatea restaurant for 37 years. There, we would go to 60,000 euros… just for the fixed part! Plus 1.5% variable portion of profits. The call for tenders does not correspond to the activity of independent contractors. »

In fact, the specifications modify the lot of the restaurant, including in the future ten beach cabins and two terraces. “It’s 150,000 euros of investment, not counting the furniture, the maintenance as well as the assembly and dismantling operations,” continues Cyril Leseur, who estimates that his business would remain profitable only on the condition “of doubling [son] turnover”, which he does not believe is possible.

Mega dealership, profitability in question

Several batches were thus recast based on criteria that were largely revised upwards. This is the case with mini golf, trampoline and the small electric car circuit. These three lots will become one. “There is an associated lot of 50 cabins and a beach club,” explains Bernadette Pedrono, the minigolf manager. You have to have strong backs, hire several additional employees for the club and the new services of this mega dealership. For our structure, it would not be profitable. » Especially since these professionals are dependent on a seasonal activity, itself dependent on the weather. “The risk-taking is too important,” summarizes Cyril Leseur. These two professionals, who have been present for thirty years and more, are not applying again. The closing date for applications took place on May 15.

Under these conditions, who can take a chance? “Large groups, capable of supporting investments, which do not have the same projection as an independent,” replies the restaurateur, who has seen certain candidates come to visit his establishment. A more profitable approach for the town, which could change the atmosphere of this beach. Leader of the opposition in the former municipal council before her election in March, Stéphanie Fresnais says she disagrees with a consultation “oriented towards large groups and financial guarantees. I have a vision of a family beach. I am surprised that the former municipality has moved away from the identity of the beach.”

Situation inextricable

However, the consultation, as it was launched, is, so to speak, set in stone. The new majority tried to ask the State for a delay to relaunch a call for tenders with new criteria… in vain.

The concessions end on December 31, 2026. “Our room for maneuver is tiny,” regrets the councilor, who will devote himself to studying the applications. Trouville-sur-Mer could choose no one, but on condition of justifying it… according to the famous criteria! And a hypothetical new procedure would exceed the December 31 deadline.

In short, a rather inextricable situation, which professionals deplore, some of whom are therefore preparing to tour the beach, wondering how this space will be transformed. The town hall’s first choices are expected in September. Until then, assures Stéphanie Fresnais, “we will let the traders breathe for the season”.