British tourists have been warned to be careful in France this summer after new rules were brought in during a heatwave as temperatures rise across the country
Tourists have been warned not to go topless in France(Image: Getty)
British tourists have been warned they could be hit with a fine of up to £129 this summer if they visit France. The ban, which applies to non-Brits as well, is in relation to public decency.
Just like the UK, though to a greater extent, France has been experiencing incredibly high temperatures in recent days. In response, several measures have been put in place to protect the public.
One of the laws brought into place has been a ban on men being topless in public places, resulting in a fine that could be as high as €150 (£129.62). The bans have been brought into force in coastal towns including Narbonne in southern France.
In some cases, the ban has been brought in to maintain respect for urban spaces, whilst others have brought it in for hygiene reasons. In places such as Narbonne, the ban will be in place until the end of September.
Residents have so far, it appears, backed the plan. Speaking to the Times, an Australian living in the town, Anthony Hill, 53, said: “This isn’t something the staff of our café can easily police on their own without getting into arguments with customers.
“So I think it’s a very good thing. Having bare-chested guys on the terrace can put off other customers.”
Meanwhile the local mayor Bertrand Malquier, added: “It’s about hygiene and avoiding exhibitionism.”
The attitude has been reflected in La Grande-Motte where local Marie, 37, expressed her support to the publication. She said: “If I’m out with my kids in the town centre I really don’t want to see guys without shirts. It’s a matter of decency — and there’s also the smell when they walk past you.”
A French Twitter user, Yannick Moreau, agreed: “This is inappropriate behaviour that has an unfortunate tendency to increase year after year. So it’s time to make it clear: it is forbidden to walk around shirtless or in swimwear in Les Sables d’Olonne. A bit of decency, please!”
This isn’t the only ban that has been introduced in France, with the country’s capital Paris also introducing a ban on drinking takeaway alcohol in the street.
The ban began at midday today (June 26) and will run all the way until 7 o’clock France time on Saturday morning. It will then return at midday on Saturday and the end again at seven o’clock on Sunday morning.
Talking about the ban, the city’s police chief Patrice Faure, told BFM TV: “As you know, drinking alcohol with the sun beating down can have a devastating effect. We are reaching a saturation point in hospital facilities.
“I must ensure that the pressure decreases.”
Hospitals in the city have been under increasing pressure as more people have come in after being affected by the heat which has been so high that the city’s LGBTQ+ Pride march has been delayed until September.