The mayor of Les Sables d’Olonne, France, has issued a public appeal to tourists, requesting that they maintain a level of modesty by avoiding the display of swimwear in public areas of the town. The plea comes as part of an ongoing effort to enforce local regulations that prohibit visitors from wearing only swimwear outside the designated beach zones. This measure has been implemented to preserve a culture of respect and to uphold the town’s standards of modesty.
The city of Les Sables d’Olonne has had a policy in place since 2021 that fines tourists for straying beyond the beach’s designated area in their swimwear. This rule is part of a broader initiative to regulate public behavior and ensure that the town maintains a certain level of decorum, particularly in areas frequented by both residents and visitors. The fines, though relatively modest, serve as a deterrent for those who might otherwise feel emboldened to disregard local norms.
While the move has been met with mixed reactions, some residents and local officials argue that the policy helps protect the town’s image and ensures that public spaces remain respectful. Others, however, believe that such regulations are an overreach and that personal freedom should prevail in such situations. As the town continues to balance the needs of tourism with the preservation of local customs, the issue remains a point of debate among both residents and visitors.