Tourists are being slapped with huge fines over swimwear as French town cracks down on strict rule
The mayor of Les Sables d'Olonne on the coast of western France has asked for "restraint" when it comes to tourists wearing inappropriate clothing in the town.
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Tourists are getting fined when wearing bikinis in towns and restaurants
Credit: Alamy
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The mayor of Les Sables d'Olonne has asked for tourists to be 'hygenic'
Credit: Alamy
During the summertime, tourists flock to the beaches, including that of Les Sables d'Olonne donned in bikinis and swimwear.
But when it comes to going to a nearby shop or restaurant, not everyone covers up.
Yannick added:
"So it's time to make it clear: it is forbidden to walk around shirtless or in a
in Les Sables-d'Olonne.
"If you go to a market to buy local food — fruits, vegetables, meat — you cannot be half-naked with hair falling onto vegetables."
Read More on Europe
The town has even been giving out fines to tourists not wearing appropriate clothing since 2020.
As of July 2025, 10 people have been fined up to €150 (£130).
It's not just this French resort town that is cracking down on tourists wearing swimwear in the streets, lots of other destinations around Europe are enforcing new rules too.
Anyone holidaying in the
Most read in News Travel
And
There are 10 rules, one of which is the 'dress completely' rule stating people should wear an upper garment for respect and hygiene both on the street and in public spaces.
Explore Algarve with The Sun's Best of Beaches
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Tourists leaving the beach need to cover up this summer
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The popular city of
These include not drinking in public places, a ban on smoking on certain beaches, rowdy hen or stag dos, littering and sun lounger hogging.
In France, another rule holidaymakers need to be aware of is the banning of smoking in all outdoor areas frequented by children.
This started being enforced on July 1, 2025.
These areas include parks, beaches, public gardens, bus stops, school entrances, and sports venues.
Anyone seen breaking the rule whether that be locals or tourists face a fine of €90 (£78.03) if you pay within 15 days, going up to €135 (around £117) afterwards.
The new rules are part of President Emmanuel Macron's pledge to create 'the first tobacco-free generation' by 2032.
Here are
Before you head on
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One French town is enforcing strict rules on swimwear
Credit: Alamy
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