Tourists in one beach town could now be hit with some steep fines if they don’t abide by the resort town’s new dress code.
Authorities in the French beach town of Les Sables d’Olonne, located in the Vendée region on France’s Atlantic coast, have announced fines of up to 150 euros ($175) for anyone found to be walking around topless or in their swimsuits anywhere other than on the beach.
The town’s mayor, Yannick Moreau, announced the new dress code in a post on Facebook last month, calling out what he described as “indecent behavior.”
“This is indecent behavior that has a vicious tendency to develop summer after summer,” he wrote in his post on Facebook. “So it’s time to remind it clearly: it’s forbidden to walk around naked or in a swimsuit at Sables d’Olonne.”
“A little outfit, please!” he added.
In his social media post, Moreau shared an image of a poster announcing the fine, alongside the tagline “In Les Sables d’Olonne, respect doesn’t go on holiday.”
Moreau explained that the fines are out of respect for the residents as well as to promote good hygiene in public spaces.
“It’s a matter of respect for the Sablais people who don’t want us to walk around half-naked at home,” Moreau wrote in his post. “It’s also a basic public hygiene rule in our markets, our shops, our streets.”
“We stick to our life frame and I asked our Municipal Police Officers to enforce this rule,” he added.
Moreau reminded everyone that they are still free to wear their swimsuits on the beach.
“To flatter your chest and your most beautiful swimsuit at the Sables d’Olonne: 11 km of beaches are at your disposal,” he wrote. “Enjoy it, in compliance with the rules and traditions of our resort.”
So next time you find yourself on the coast of France, be sure to check to make sure your attire is appropriate.
Beach Town Issues Dress Code For Tourists With Heavy Fines first appeared on Men’s Journal on Aug 6, 2025
