The Saudi monarch, who arrived in the southern French community of Vallauris on July 26, boarded a Sunday flight from Nice airport to the Moroccan city of Tangiers, bringing an end to his planned three-week holiday only after eight days of stay.
We can assume that the king has ended his stay, local official Philippe Castanet told AFP, adding that at least half of his 1,000-strong entourage left France with the king.
It is not yet clear why the king and his massive entourage have left.
Castanet also said the beach, which had been closed for security reasons and the Saudis privacy, would reopen to the public on Monday.
The closure of the public beach had angered some of the locals, generating global headlines and prompting over 150,000 people to sign a petition protesting against the privatization of the public land.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="555"]
A French police officer stands guard at the entrance to a public beach closed to locals during a visit by the Saudi King Salman in the southern French community of Vallauris, July 26, 2015. ( AFP)[/caption]Elsewhere in his remarks, Castanet said a temporary lift connecting the beach to the port yard of the kings villa which had also outraged some local people would be removed in the coming weeks.
It is unclear whether the king intends to return to his villa this summer.
Salmans trip to Vallauris created mixed emotions among the locals.
While some residents were displeased with the closure of the beach, local dealers welcomed the king and his wealthy entourage.
The Saudi royals have, on a number of occasions, aroused controversy in European countries by renting out vast public spaces as their private vacation spots.
By Press TV
