Barbecues, dogs, alcohol… here’s what you’re allowed and not allowed to do when you’re at the beach

De nombreuses activités restent interdites sur les plages. MAXPPP – Patrick Lefevre

En ce début d’été, le littoral devient peu à peu le lieu le plus fréquenté par les vacanciers. Mais nos côtes méditerranéennes restent soumises à certaines règles, pas toujours respectées.

In order to make the most of the summer season and the coast, it is important to respect certain rules in force on French beaches, which are not always known to vacationers. In La Grande Motte, Sète, in Cap d’Agde, and everywhere else, what are these prohibitions and what do we risk in the event of an infraction?< /p>

While last summer, cigarettes were still tolerated on the sand, the regulations regarding smoking have changed. Smoking is now prohibited on all beaches, reveals La Dépêche. On the other hand, the consumption of alcohol is permitted, but not everywhere. In fact, more and more municipalities are banning alcohol on their coasts. It is therefore necessary to take a look at the regulations in force in the seaside resorts where you go.

Different rules depending on the municipality

Another rule change which this time concerns holidaymakers: sunbathing topless is no longer prohibited this year, unless a prefectural order states the contrary. However, sexual relations are obviously prohibited in public and can be punished with one year's imprisonment and a fine of 15,000 euros.

As for barbecues, if their ban is not formally enshrined in law, some municipalities may also prohibit them for safety reasons. In this case, displays will be found at the entrance to the beaches and non-compliance with the rule may result in a fine of 38 euros. Other activities are also prohibited on the beaches such as making a campfire, collecting shells, or even walking your dog reminds La Dépêche.

Finally, if partying or listening to music on the sand is authorized, the municipalities can again prohibit these activities if they judge that there are too many noise. Indeed, any attack on residents' rest is likely to result in an intervention by the municipal police.