Tourists vacationing in France are now obligated to follow a fresh dress code or face potential fines.
In the charming town of Les Sables-d'Olonne, France, a new poster campaign has been launched to remind tourists of the local dress code. The campaign, which features a humorous twist, aims to maintain the town's elegance and tradition while ensuring public hygiene in markets, shops, and streets.
The poster, designed to raise awareness, showcases a progression from traditional French attire to more casual outfits. It starts with a man and a woman in traditional clothing, followed by a tourist in sneakers, shorts, and a shirt, and finally two men in swim trunks, one barefoot and the other wearing socks and flip-flops. The poster humorously states, "After 200 years of elegance in Les Sables, we don't want to end up in our underwear in our alleys!"
Mayor Yannick Moreau emphasized the importance of the dress code, stating that going shirtless or in swimsuits in the town is considered indecent and disrespectful. Tourists are encouraged to enjoy their swimwear only on the 11 km (about 7 miles) of beach but must cover up when in the town’s alleys, markets, and shops.
Violations of the dress code can result in fines of up to €150 (around $175). The municipal police enforce this rule strictly, and signage and flyers have been distributed to warn visitors of the dress code and associated fines.
The poster campaign is part of a wider effort to maintain the reputation of Les Sables-d'Olonne as a sophisticated vacation destination. By adhering to the local dress code, tourists can help preserve the town's rich history and culture while enjoying their visit.
In Les Sables-d'Olonne, the poster campaign also extends to the 'lifestyle' and 'fashion-and-beauty' categories, advising tourists to respect the local dress code and maintain elegance during their stay. Meanwhile, for those interested in 'home-and-garden' matters, it's essential to know that the town's alleys, markets, and shops are off-limits for beachwear, as indicated by the signage and fines for violations.
