British holidaymakers heading to France this summer have been warned they could be hit with fines of up to £129 if they ignore strict new public decency rules. As soaring temperatures grip the country, several French towns have introduced measures aimed at keeping order during the heatwave—and walking around shirtless could prove an expensive mistake. The crackdown does not only apply to British visitors. French residents and tourists from every country could also face penalties if they breach the rules, which have been introduced in several coastal resorts as authorities respond to both the extreme weather and concerns over public behaviour. One of the most eye-catching measures is a ban on men going topless in public places. Anyone caught breaking the rule could be fined up to €150, equivalent to around £129.62. The restriction has already been introduced in coastal towns including Narbonne in southern France. There, the measure is expected to remain in force until the end of September as officials attempt to maintain standards in busy public areas throughout the summer season. Authorities say the rules are not simply about appearance. In some areas the ban has been introduced to preserve respect for urban spaces, while elsewhere hygiene has been cited as the main concern. Many local residents appear to support the move. Anthony Hill, a 53-year-old Australian living in Narbonne, said staff at his café should not be expected to challenge shirtless customers themselves. He told The Times: "This isn’t something the staff of our café can easily police on their own without getting into arguments with customers." Hill added: "So I think it’s a very good thing. Having bare-chested guys on the terrace can put off other customers." Narbonne mayor Bertrand Malquier also defended the decision, insisting: "It’s about hygiene and avoiding exhibitionism." Support for the restrictions is echoed elsewhere along France's coastline. In La Grande-Motte, resident Marie, 37, said she did not want her children confronted by shirtless men while walking through the town centre. She said: "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." Similar frustrations have also been voiced online. French social media user Yannick Moreau said shirtless walking had become increasingly common and described it as inappropriate behaviour that needed to stop. He wrote: "This is inappropriate behaviour that has an unfortunate tendency to increase year after year. So it's time to make it clear: it is forbidden to walk around shirtless or in swimwear in Les Sables d'Olonne. A bit of decency, please!" The public decency crackdown is not the only emergency measure introduced as France battles intense heat. Paris has also temporarily banned people from drinking takeaway alcohol in the street in an effort to ease pressure on hospitals. The restriction began at midday on June 26 and runs until 7am on Saturday. It then resumes at midday on Saturday before ending again at 7am on Sunday. Paris police chief Patrice Faure said: "As you know, drinking alcohol with the sun beating down can have a devastating effect. We are reaching a saturation point in hospital facilities." He added: "I must ensure that the pressure decreases." Hospitals in the French capital have experienced increasing demand as more people require treatment for heat-related illnesses. The extreme temperatures have also forced the city's LGBTQ+ Pride march to be postponed until September. Visitors travelling to France this summer are therefore being urged to stay aware of local regulations, as authorities continue introducing temporary measures to manage the ongoing heatwave and protect public health. Tourists could be slapped with £129 fine for inappropriate look in France this summer
