While topless sunbathing remains legal on most French beaches, resorts from Deauville on the Channel coast to Narbonne on the Mediterranean have introduced bans aimed at preserving standards of hygiene and decency. Fines can reach €150.

Narbonne’s seasonal restrictions came into force this week and will remain until the end of September. The rules prohibit people from walking barefoot or wearing only swimwear in the town centre. Last summer, 15 people were fined after similar measures were introduced.

Bertrand Malquier, the town’s mayor, said the ban was intended to prevent “hygiene” problems and “exhibitionism”.

Many local businesses support the move, arguing that bare-chested visitors can deter customers, although critics have described the restrictions as excessive.

The trend comes as topless sunbathing among younger French women has declined, with concerns over unwanted attention, social media scrutiny and skin cancer contributing to changing attitudes towards beachwear.