French seaside town will fine “half-naked” tourists
Les Sables-d'Olonne tells visitors to save swimsuits for the beach or pay a fine.
The seaside resort Les Sables-d’Olonne, on the French Atlantic coast, is much-loved for its surfing, sailing, long, beautiful stretches of beach, forest landscape, and unspoilt nature. It also offers elegance, public art, fine dining, and boutique accommodation.
Holiday-makers love it and perhaps forget that this is a town of decorum. The sight of shirtless “half-naked” tourists strutting their stuff through his town has prompted Yannick Moreau, the mayor of Les Sables d’Olonne, to make a plea to visitors on his Facebook page (22 July).
“It’s time to remind them clearly: it’s forbidden to walk around naked or in a swimsuit at Sables d’Olonne”. He pointed out that “This is indecent behaviour that has a nasty tendency to escalate summer after summer.
Moreau insists that the ban is a mark of “respect” for the residents of Les Sables-d’Olonne and has instructed municipal police officers in the area to enforce the rule.
Topless tourists face fines up to €150 (£130) if they are caught without clothes away from the beach.
Moreau said: “To flatter your chest and your most beautiful swimsuit at the Sables d’Olonne: 11 km of beaches are at your disposal. Enjoy it, in compliance with the rules and traditions of our resort.”
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