New Delhi: It is a truth universally acknowledged that shirtless men are a menace. Their sweaty, hairy beer bellies are a sight one can do without. The French government’s latest ban on topless men seems to be in accordance with this view.
French resort towns are now banning shirtless men from roaming the city; violators could face a fine ranging from €17 to €150. For most towns, the basis of the ban is public decency and hygiene. However, no law in France prohibits anyone from being topless at the beach.
Narbonne in the south of France has banned topless men in city centres till September. Mayor Bertrand Malquie told BBC’s World at One that the ban is not about restricting tourists or personal freedom.
“This decision is simply about common sense and respect for shared public space,” Malquie said.
In 2025, Les Sables d’Olonne introduced a ban on walking naked or in a swimsuit in public, with a fine of €135. The former mayor, Yannick Moreau, said in a Facebook post that it was a matter of respect for those who object.
“It’s also a basic public hygiene rule in our markets, our shops, our streets,” Moreau added.
In Arcachon on France’s Atlantic coast, there is a ban of €150 on anyone walking around the town shirtless or in a state of undress. But this isn’t a new occurrence; French resorts have been limiting public undress outside of nude beaches for a few years now.
Yay or Nay?
However, the public is slow to adapt. With a record-breaking heatwave gripping the European nation, keeping one’s clothes on seems to be a bit of a problem. Last year, almost 15 people were fined in the first few days after Narbonne introduced the ban.
The Guardian columnist Emma Beddington, referring to the latest set of rules, said, “Quel dommage (What a pity).”
Beddington also wondered whether such a ban would soon be implemented in the UK as well.
Cathy Adams, for The Times, on the other hand, supports the ban.
“Topless strolls are a massive travel ick,” Adams said. She also urged a ban on “moaning about sunbeds, tat shops, mobile massages, and dogs.”
“If you ask me, the kids are bad enough,” Adams added.
Social media, however, remains confused on whether this is all a big joke or not, after all, the country is famous for its promiscuity and nude beaches.