French Beach Town Implements Swimsuit Restrictions to Combat Overtourism
Les Sables-d’Olonne, a seaside resort in western France, has implemented a ban against tourists wearing swimwear in public, with the mayor Yannick Moreau citing respect for locals and public hygiene as major concerns. The restriction, which prohibits walking around topless or in a swimsuit, aims to address the disruptions caused by overtourism in the town. The measure includes fines of up to $175 for violators, and is supported by a campaign promoting the slogan, “In Les Sables d’Olonne, respect doesn’t go on holiday.”
Moreau explained that the rule is meant to uphold “respect for locals who don’t want people wandering around their town half-naked” and to maintain “basic hygiene” in markets, shops, and streets. The decision has sparked debate, as similar measures have emerged in other parts of the world. Earlier this month, the mayor of Chetaïbi, Algeria, issued a decree banning men from wearing too-short shorts, leading to public backlash and a subsequent reversal of the order. The Algerian mayor, Layachi Allaoua, claimed the rule was aimed at preserving societal morality and decency, adding that “the population can no longer tolerate seeing foreigners wandering the streets in indecent clothing.” However, the decision was criticized, with officials in Annaba, another coastal city, calling on the mayor to rescind his order after two days of controversy.
Les Sables-d’Olonne is one of the largest seaside spots in Europe and saw over 100 million international visitors in 2024, according to the French Ministry of Tourism. The recent restrictions reflect a growing trend among seaside resorts to manage the effects of overtourism, with some implementing rules to limit inappropriate attire while attempting to balance tourism with local community concerns. The French town’s decision, coupled with similar measures elsewhere, highlights the complex interplay between tourism, local culture, and public policy in managing the challenges of mass tourism.