Bringing your dog, smoking… What are you allowed to do on the beach?

The beach, the sand, the holidays… The summer months are made for relaxation. But be careful: even at the water’s edge, not everything is allowed or tolerated and fines can spoil the party.

On the deserted beach, shells and crustaceans? Certainly, but that’s no reason to do anything, once you’ve laid your towel on the sand. What are you allowed to do? What is forbidden? In summer on the sand, as in the forest the rest of the year, not everything is allowed. Review of what is allowed and not allowed to do on the beach.

At the beach, no campfire on the sand

Many people took advantage of the late evenings in the middle of the heatwave to cool off on the beach. However, there was no question of doing just anything there. So, while in principle nothing prohibits drinking or eating on the sand, it is very possible that a municipal or prefectural decree may have been issued. If this is the case, you still risk a fine of €150.

What about making a fire, or even a barbecue, on the beach? In principle, whether it is to light your way or to keep warm, It is forbidden to light a fire on the beach. Here too, you risk seeing the municipal police arrive, who will fine you €38.

Pay attention to respecting bathing flags and discarding cigarette butts

And bathe with a red flag will be done mainly at your own risk, however you may receive a fine, again of €38, for non-compliance with safety regulations. The rate will be the same if you smoke on a beach when a municipal or prefectural decree prohibits it. Beyond cigarette butts in the sand, beaches labeled smoke-free are becoming more and more numerous, just like those without music, moreover. Besides, there is no question of leaving waste behind: if this is the case, you risk a fine of €135, to be paid within 45 days.

Also read: New flags on the beaches this summer: what do they mean?

Can my pet come to the beach?

What about your dog? Can he come to the beach? Often, during the season, from June to September, municipalities prohibit the presence of animals even on a leash on supervised beaches. But if you are not accompanied by your best four-legged friend, nothing prevents you from sleeping on the beach under the stars.

Can you cross a private beach?

Leaving nothing behind is one thing, but can we, on the contrary, collect sand, shells and pebbles to decorate your garden? The Environmental Code prohibits it when “ the extraction of materials (…) risks compromising, directly or indirectly, the integrity of beaches, coastal dunes, cliffs, marshes, etc. ” Generally, picking up a small amount is tolerated, as is driftwood or frosted glass deposited by the tide.

Finally, there is one important thing to know, and a legal text that is best printed and carried with you in certain regions of France: According to article L. 160-6 of the Urban Planning Code, you have the right to cross a private beach. There is a right of way of three metres wide along the water’s edge, and this on the 5,000 km of French coastline. There is no question, therefore, of prohibiting you from walking along a private beach. Obstructing this right of way can be punished by a fine of €1,500.