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This paper presents the results of an interdisciplinary research programme combining sociology and geology. Our analysis focuses on urban vulnerability in relation to the erosion of coastal cliffs. The study area centres on the coastal fringe of the town of Carry-le-Rouet (CLR). Geological observations were conducted from the regional scale (diachronic comparison of aerial orthophotos) down to the city level (Data Catalog “historical events” identified by visual observation and innovative scan Laser acquisition). The sociological survey, focussed on the town of CLR, combines 43 interviews and 125 questionnaires conducted with decision makers, professionals and residents. The analysis showed that the wealthiest neighbourhoods in the area are also the most exposed to cliff erosion, a break from the “classical” pattern of cumulative social and environmental vulnerabilities. Although well aware of the risk, these residents are attached to an anthropocentric and technical culture and tend to negate the vulnerability path, i.e. their responsibility for their deteriorating environmental vulnerability. Finally, these influent and wealthy populations manage to manipulate territorial solidarity to their interest by having public authorities fund consolidation works, while insisting on keeping their socio-ethnical apartness.