Topless Sunbathing on the Way Out in France?

I'm always skeptical of this type of article claiming a shift in culture while offering no substantive proof aside from a few anecdotal observations. Reports claim that topless sunbathing by women is on the decline in France.

For some it is simply a change in fashion, for others it marks a new conservatism sweeping France. Yet others say it is to do with increased health concerns about skin cancer and sensitivities to the growing Muslim community.

"It is seen as a bit vulgar now," said Sabina Hourdin, 38, from Paris, holidaying in St Tropez. "It is like mini-skirts. You don't show your legs any more, you cover them up more.

"In the 70s and 80s less was considered more when it came to clothes but now that has changed. It has gone out of fashion."

This might be true, at least from an observational point of view, but how does a "change in fashion" account for the fact that the naturist section of Cap d'Agde in France swells to a population of 40,000 in season. Maybe mere topfreedom is no longer appealing, that people are chosing nude sunbathing instead.

A British columnist welcomes the reported cover-up.

The Brits I have seen this summer, however, seem immune both to any question of modesty or health warnings. In London's parks, young women strip down to their bras and knickers and stretch out. The men, bare-chested or sporting baggy shorts, are similarly lacking in aesthetic appeal. Last week, in Italy with my mother - both of us are of southern Italian origin, therefore not pasty-skinned - we watched from beneath our hats and parasols as an almost naked English couple cooked themselves to the colour of a rare lamb roast.

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