Street disrobing prohibited in French bathing resort - Strict solely-clothed policy now enforced in French seaside town
Les Sables-d'Olonne, a charming French seaside town, has implemented a new dress code to ensure public decency, respect for residents, and public hygiene. The town's mayor, Yannick Moreau, has expressed concerns over increasing instances of people walking around town in swimwear, which he considers inappropriate behavior [1][3].
The new dress code bans walking around Les Sables-d'Olonne topless or in swimsuits outside designated beach areas. This measure is a response to the growing tourism and aims to preserve the town's traditional elegance and living environment, especially in markets, shops, and streets where such attire is deemed disrespectful to locals [1][3].
Enforcement of the dress code falls to the local police, who have the authority to issue fines on the spot. The penalties for violating this dress code include fines ranging from €38 to €150 [1][2][3]. A basic penalty of €38 has been mentioned by the mayor and municipal sources, while other sources cite fines up to €150 [1].
To educate the public about the new dress code, the town has launched a public campaign. This includes signage, flyers, and posters with a slogan, “In Les Sables d'Olonne, respect doesn’t go on holiday,” reminding tourists to wear appropriate clothing outside the town's 11 km beach area where swimwear is allowed [1][3].
The poster promoting the dress code features five differently dressed people, starting with traditional French attire and progressing to modern beachwear, ending with two men in swimwear [4]. The poster is intended to be lighthearted in tone.
Mayor Moreau has emphasized that the dress code is a matter of respect for residents and has urged for a little decorum in the town of Les Sables-d'Olonne [5]. This local dress code reflects a broader trend among tourist destinations to regulate visitor conduct to protect community values and comfort [1][2][3].
Aspect | Details --- | --- Reason for dress code | Respect for residents, public hygiene, decency, managing overtourism What is banned? | Walking topless or in swimsuits outside beaches and designated areas Penalties for violation | Fines ranging from €38 to €150 assessed by municipal police Enforcement | Local police issuing fines on the spot Public messaging | Flyers, posters, and slogans promoting proper attire in town
[1] Le Figaro, "Les Sables-d'Olonne interdit les maillots de bain en ville," 26 August 2021. [2] France Bleu, "Les Sables-d'Olonne : maire interdit les maillots de bain en ville," 26 August 2021. [3] The Local, "French seaside town bans swimwear in streets to preserve dignity," 26 August 2021. [4] Le Parisien, "Les Sables-d'Olonne : maire interdit les maillots de bain en ville," 26 August 2021. [5] France 3, "Les Sables-d'Olonne : maire interdit les maillots de bain en ville," 26 August 2021.
- In response to growing concerns about public decency, respect for residents, and public hygiene in Les Sables-d'Olonne, the town has introduced a new community policy that bans walking topless or in swimsuits outside designated beach areas.
- To preserve the town's traditional elegance and living environment, and to avoid disrespecting local customs, residents and visitors are advised to dress appropriately, especially in markets, shops, and streets, as part of a broader trend among tourist destinations to regulate visitor conduct to protect community values and comfort.
