Full Breakdown
French Towns Impose Fines on Shirtless Men Amid Tourist Restrictions
6/18/2026, 12:49:08 AM
Core Event: Municipal Fines Target Male Toplessness
Mayors in at least twenty French resort towns—including Deauville, Narbonne and La Grande-Motte—have introduced fines for men who walk shirtless outside beaches. Penalties reach €150 (£129.70). Deauville raised its fine from €17 to €150; Narbonne, in its first summer, fined 15 people and also banned barefoot walking while requiring women to wear a t-shirt over bikini tops. Officials cite hygiene and public-order concerns.
Official Statements & Responses
Mayor Bertrand Malquier of Narbonne called the rule a “common-sense decision” for public order. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin reiterated support for beach toplessness, describing freedom as a “precious commodity.” After a 2020 Perpignan incident where police asked three women to cover up, the officers apologized for a “blunder” and “lack of tact,” and a National Rally spokesperson warned the action threatens French identity.
Criticism & Opposition
Local business owners and residents are divided. Anthony Hill, owner of Le 89 in Narbonne, praised the ban as “very good,” noting that shirtless patrons could deter other customers. In La Grande-Motte, 37-year-old Marie said the rule protects “decency” for families. Holidaymaker Gabriel called the policy “excessive puritanism,” arguing that a bare chest poses no danger. Feminist groups note a gender gap: men face €150 fines, women up to €15,000, prompting criticism.
Background & Context
Topless beach culture has existed on the French Riviera since the 1960s; the 2020 Perpignan police incident revived debate.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the number of towns with the shirtless ban—some cite “as many as 20,” others list ten. The €150 male fine versus up to €15,000 for women is noted, but enforcement data for the higher penalty is missing.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Mayor Bertrand Malquier said it was a common-sense decision, adding it was due to "hygiene and avoiding exhibitionism".” — Bertrand Malquier, Mayor of Narbonne
- “Having bare-chested guys on the terrace can put off other customers,” — Anthony Hill, Owner, Le 89 restaurant
- “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,” — Marie, 37, La Grande-Motte resident
- “Let people live a little. A bare chest never killed anyone,” — Gabriel, identified holidaymaker
What's Next
Municipalities will monitor compliance as a heat wave pushes temperatures toward 40 °C, likely increasing shirtless visibility. Observers expect the policy to spread, while feminist groups plan legal challenges.