In France, male tourists are fined for walking around topless

In France’s coastal regions, local authorities have begun actively penalizing travelers who walk through city streets without outerwear or in swimsuits amid the unusually hot summer weather. The restrictions primarily apply to men with bare chests and women in swimsuits outside of resort areas. 

 Although the country has no nationwide bans on beach attire, municipalities in many well-known resort towns have been granted the right to regulate this matter independently in order to maintain public order and respect for historic sites.

In particular, the popular southern town of Narbonne has imposed an official restriction on appearing inappropriately dressed in the city center until the end of September. Narbonne Mayor Bertrand Malki explained that the decision is based solely on common sense and respect for public spaces, as beachwear is inappropriate in public squares and on the streets. The police are strictly enforcing the new rules, and the first fifteen violators have already been fined.

Similar fines of up to 150 euros are currently in effect in other regions of France as well. For example, the fine has been significantly increased in the city of Deauville on the Côte d’Azur, where it previously amounted to only 17 euros. The popular resorts of Arcachon and Les Sables-d’Olonne, located on the country’s Atlantic coast, have also joined the initiative to preserve the aesthetic appeal of their city centers.

This was reported by The Independent.

In Albufeira, one of Portugal’s popular resort towns, it is now prohibited to wear swimsuits in public places that are not part of a beach or pool area. Violators face a fine of up to 1,500 euros.