READ MORE: Little-known laws Brits must know before driving across Europe this summer See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy ERIN DEBORAH WAKS, TRAVEL WRITER Published: 13:23 BST, 17 June 2026 | Updated: 13:33 BST, 17 June 2026
France is cracking down on toplessness in towns, in a strange turn of events that seems miles from the country's previous reputation as a haven for those who prefer to soak up some rays bare-chested.Gone are the days when thousands took to French beaches topless, with many citing unwanted attention or sun safety as their reasons.But while it is still legal to sunbathe topless on the majority of beaches, some resorts have banned men from walking around bare-chested in town centres.This is, reportedly, on the grounds of hygiene and decency.Now, local councils across the country have introduced fines for men who choose to ignore the rules. In the seaside resort of Deauville, fines have skyrocketed, going from €17 (£15) to €150 (£130).Meanwhile, in Narbonne, a seasonal ban was introduced on walking shirtless in the streets - with fines also up to €150 (£130).The new rule, in operation from this week until 30 September, will apply to main tourist and pedestrian areas. France is clamping down on people being topless in city centres, with fines up to £130The municipality said goal is to preserve 'public tranquillity, respect for the living environment, and the attractiveness of the city centre during the summer season,' reports The Connexion.According to the municipality, during the summer 'some forms of dress, which are suitable for beaches and bathing areas, are not necessarily appropriate in the streets, squares, or heritage areas of the city.' 'Having bare-chested guys on the terrace can put off other customers,' Anthony Hill, 53, an Australian who runs a local restaurant, told The Times.A total of 15 people were fined there last summer. Bertrand Malquier, the mayor of the town, said: 'It's about hygiene and avoiding exhibitionism.'These are not the only destinations with such rules.In Nice, you can be fined €35 (£30) for walking in swimwear or shirtless outside of designated zones. Narbonne is the latest French town to impose a string of rules against shirtlessnessSimilar rules are in place in Arcachon and Cassis.However, some have criticised the rules, with one Reddit user writing: 'Lots of towns and cities on the Riviera have had laws like this for quite a while. I'm pretty sure even Nice does. 'I think it's less prudishness and more a desire to keep France classy and elegant. Or at least to keep the alive the popular delusion that France is more classy and elegant than the rest of us.'Another added: 'It is just standard French Rivera stuff, it is about keeping up appearance, a leftover of 1800's upper-class vacation and not looking like Sunny Beach in Bulgaria, Costa del Sol or Mallorca, even if there are tons and tons of middle-class tourists.'
