The mayor of Les Sables-d’Olonne, Yannick Moreau, announced on social media a new rule imposing fines of up to €150 for people walking around shirtless in the town, a move aimed mainly at men, whom he accused of “inappropriate behavior.”
Citing the need for “respect” for the local community and “basic hygiene in our markets, shops, and streets,” the mayor called on the local police to enforce the measure. “If you want to show off your abs and your best swimsuit, Les Sables offers 11 km of beach just for that,” he added.
In 2023, the Spanish city of Málaga implemented its own policy, fining people up to €750 for being in public spaces without clothes or while wearing only underwear.
His announcement was accompanied by a poster bearing the slogan: “In Les Sables-d’Olonne, respect doesn’t go on holiday.” The post received a mostly positive response on Facebook, with many commenters thanking the mayor and criticizing shirtless behavior in town. One user said her parents, who run a shop, often have to ask customers to put on a shirt.
Les Sables-d’Olonne, a popular summer destination on France’s Atlantic coast, isn’t alone in the move. Other seaside towns such as Arcachon and La Grande-Motte have introduced similar restrictions.
In 2023, the Spanish city of Málaga implemented its own policy, fining people up to €750 for being in public spaces without clothes or while wearing only underwear.
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