ONE seaside resort in France is clamping down on tourists wearing swimwear in shops and restaurants this summer.
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.
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 swimsuit 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.”
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 Algarve this summer has been warned they could face £1,250 fines if they get caught walking along the streets in their bikinis or swim shorts.
And Malaga has launched an ‘Improve Your Stay Campaign’ where holidaymakers must ‘dress completely’ and ‘not be conspicuous’.
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.
The popular city of Barcelona has also introduced strict summer rules for tourists .
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 more rules and things you can and can’t do in favourite summer holiday destinations .
Before you head on holiday this summer, check the latest passport rules .
