It's not unusual to see people flash more skin during summer in Europe.
In France, many are flocking to parks and the banks of the River Seine to
bask in the summer sun.
But it seems they have been taking off a little too much in recreational
areas in Paris.
The French police have now told Parisians to keep their clothes on or
they'll be fined - or even jailed.
In a statement posted on its website, the Paris police outlined rules for
basking in the sun and at the popular annual Paris Plages event, in which an
artificial beach - complete with deckchairs and palm trees - is created on the
banks of the Seine.
The statement noted that it is not forbidden "when the thermometer rises a
few degrees to put on your best bathing suit and find a little corner of grass
or head to the welcoming banks of the Seine to put down your towel."
But it said that bathing suits should not be worn in official city parks and
that dress should be "decent and in accordance with good morals and public
order," reported AFP.
Those caught wearing inappropriate attire could be fined at least 38 euros
(S$58). They could also face fines of up to 3,750 euros and get two years in
jail if suspected of soliciting sex, police said.
Unlike many beaches in France, topless sunbathing or nudity is completely
forbidden on the banks of the River Seine.
"Any outfit that allows for the genital area or breasts to be seen
constitutes sexual exhibition and is punishable by a year in prison," police
said.
People cool their feet in the Trocadero fountains near the Eiffel as high
summer temperatures continue in Paris July 26, 2012.
People cool off in the Trocadero fountains as high summer temperatures continue
in Paris July 26, 2012.
People sunbathe on the grass near the Eiffel Tower as hot summer temperatures
continue in Paris July 26, 2012.
People rest on sand on the Seine river banks, on July 23, 2012 in Paris during
the 11th edition of Paris-Plage, a temporary artificial beaches, which takes
place from 20 July to 19 August 2012.
Every July and August, roadways on the banks of the river are blocked off and
host various activities, including sandy beaches and palm trees.
People rest on sand on the Seine river banks, on July 23, 2012 in Paris during
the 11th edition of Paris-Plage, a temporary artificial beaches, which takes
place from 20 July to 19 August 2012.
People walk along the Seine river, on July 23, 2012 in Paris during the 11th
edition of Paris-Plage, a temporary artificial beaches, which takes place from
20 July to 19 August 2012.
Women eat ice creams on sand on the Seine river banks, on July 23, 2012 in
Paris during the 11th edition of Paris-Plage, a temporary artificial beach,
which takes place from 20 July to 19 August 2012.
People rest on sand on the Seine river banks, on July 23, 2012 in Paris during
the 11th edition of Paris-Plage.
