French resort town cracks down on ‘half-naked’ visitors

A French seaside resort has introduced fines for people who are walking naked breasts or in their swimsuits anywhere on the beach.

The authorities of Les Sables d’Olonne, located in the Vende region, on the French Atlantic coast, announced fines of up to 150 euros ($ 175) for those who walk in the city “half naked”, according to an article on Facebook by Mayor Yannick Moreau, published on Tuesday.

Building on topless men, Moreau criticized the “indecent behavior”.

“It is a question of respect for the inhabitants who do not want people to wander in their half-naked city,” he wrote.

“It is also a rule for basic hygiene on our markets, our stores and our streets,” added Moreau, who called on the local police to ensure that the rule is applied.

“If you want to show your pectorals and your best swimming shorts in Les Sables d’Olonne, 11 kilometers from the beach at your disposal,” he said.

Moreau’s position was accompanied by an image of an poster announcing the fine, alongside the slogan “In the sands of Olonne, respect does not go on vacation”.

This decision seems to have been welcomed, many Facebook users leaving positive comments as part of the mayor’s publication.

“Thank you mayor. I find it completely intolerable, ”wrote Dominique Camio-Martial.

Claire Gourlaouen added: “My parents are traders, sometimes they ask people to dress.”

However, some have suggested that there are more important things to fear, such as treating crime.

Les Sables d’Olonne is the last in a series of French cities that reprimand what is considered disrespectful behavior.

In Arcachon, another popular holiday place on the west coast, the authorities also introduced a fine of 150 euros for anyone walking in the city in a state of undress.

In the south of the country, the city of Grande-Motte also introduced a fine of 150 euros for a lean dress in any part of the city other than the beach or its promenade by the sea.

And it is not only France that tries to improve the behavior of visitors.

In 2023, the authorities of the Spanish city of Malaga announced that anyone who has seen in the street or public spaces without clothes, or only wore underwear, would grant a fine of up to € 750 ($ 874).

And in September of last year, the town hall published display panels which aim to educate tourists on the appropriate behavior during their visit, including the one who reminds them of wearing clothes.