Paris Beach Bans Bareness

Friday August 4, 2006

No thongs and no toplessness -- that's the latest word from the Paris beach, the manmade sandy stretch along the Seine created annually for summer sun fun. Along with "indecent dress (nudity, thongs, mono-kinis, etc.)",* the Paris Plage rules include no demonstrations (as in political or religious), and no activities that are "dangerous or contrary to public order."* That could cover a wide area, but the Int'l Herald Tribune says that means activities like gambling. In any case, remember to cover your areas if you go or risk a $48 fine (seems unlikely, according to the Int'l Trib) or a possibly embarrassing encounter with Paris beach police on the lookout for bare parts.

Elsewhere in Paris, the free outdoor movies are under way nightly but Monday at the Parc de la Vilette (the 1932 Tarzan this Saturday). All part of the top free things to do in Paris for student travelers this summer.