Some beaches reopen with new rules in France

In Le Conquet, Finistère, two of the town’s beaches are now accessible to the public from 7:00 to 20:00.

Beaches in La Baule and Pornichet (Loire-Atlantique) are also open. However, picnics and gatherings of more than ten people are not allowed.

It comes after decrees to open the sites were made by local mayors and accepted by prefects.

Access to the sea is possible for individual sport. Walking along the beach is permitted but staying there to sunbathe is not.

In the Alpes-Maritimes, some beaches will reopen this weekend. Cannes, Nice, Antibes, and Cagnes-sur-mer notably made a request to the prefect to reopen.

The prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes, Bernard Gonzalez, said that reopening beaches will be possible only for walking or individual sport practice. Surveillance measures, social distancing, and displays will be put in place.

In the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, mayors of Biarritz, Anglet, Bidart, Guéthary, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Ciboure, Urrugne and Hendaye have submitted a request to the prefect to be able to reopen beaches this weekend.

They suggest reopening until 19:00 every day to avoid late gatherings for picnics or to watch the sunset. The beach would be open to surfers, people who want to swim or who would like to walk or run. 

However, staying on the beach for hours on a towel will not be permitted. The prefect is expected to announce a decision later this week.