In France, tourists are being fined for walking around the city in swimsuits and without shirts

Requirements for the appearance of vacationers are being tightened at popular French resorts. Authorities in several coastal towns have introduced fines for tourists who appear in the city center in swimsuits or with bare torsos, reminding that beach dress codes are not appropriate everywhere.

Against the backdrop of an abnormally hot summer in France, local authorities have decided to take a stronger stance against the habit of some tourists walking through city streets in beachwear. The restrictions primarily target men who walk around the city without shirts, although recommendations also apply to women who appear outside of beaches exclusively in swimsuits.

At the national level, there is no law in France prohibiting such attire. However, municipalities have the right to establish their own rules of conduct within their territories.

One of the first to implement the new measures was the resort town of Narbonne in the south of the country. Until the end of September, there is a ban on walking through the historic center of the city without appropriate clothing.

The city hall explains the decision as necessary to maintain public order, preserve the attractiveness of tourist areas, and show respect for public spaces.

According to city officials, clothing that is appropriate for the beach is not always suitable for walking through ancient streets, squares, and historic districts.

The police have been tasked with enforcing the rules. Violators face fines of up to 150 euros. According to Narbonne's mayor, Bertrand Malqui, 15 people have already been fined since the new requirements were introduced.

The mayor emphasized that the authorities are not trying to limit the freedom of vacationers.

"We have a beautiful beach where people can dress as they like. But in the city center, at least a minimal level of clothing should be observed," he noted.

Narbonne is not an exception. Similar restrictions are in place in other popular resort towns in France.

In Deauville on the Côte Fleurie, the initial fine for walking around the city in a swimsuit or without a top was 17 euros, but it was later increased to 150 euros.

Similar rules have also been introduced in Arcachon and Les Sables-d'Olonne. The authorities in these towns emphasize that even in the height of summer heat, basic norms of behavior in public places must be observed.

The new restrictions serve as yet another reminder that rules of conduct at European resorts can vary significantly. Tourists heading to France for vacation should remember: beachwear is appropriate on the coast, but walking through city streets in a swimsuit or without a shirt can cost up to 150 euros.