Bikini- topless in France?

[Userengage]

Taking my teenagers to south of France. We usually holiday in places where going topless is banned/frowned upon however, I’m hearing that it is boobs ahoy when it comes to the beach in France.

If you usually wear a bikini on holiday, do you go topless in front of your teens? I am speaking specifically to bikini wearers as if you only wear a swimsuit, you’re possibly more modest so less likely to have your boobs out anyway. My swimsuit only comes out for actual swimming, otherwise I wear a bikini.

I am making the assumption that French teens are less uptight because their mums have been beach-topless forever.

My AIBU is: topless is absolutely fine in front of one’s teens.

I genuinely had no idea that people would
be concerned about this I just thought it was the done thing on the beach, but then I don't live in mainland UK. They are just breasts nothing to worry about. I think it's good to demonstrate body confidence.

Going topless is one of the things MN is a bit weird about. In reality, most people don’t care.

In my experience, it’s now significantly less popular than it used to be, which is probably due to camera phones, but in France lots of women still do it. So if others are getting their boobs out, it’s fine to go along with it.

I agree with PPs topless sunbathing is becoming much rarer since the proliferation of camera phones.

my mum was very comfortable nude so it didn't bother me, even as a teen I'd go in and chat to her when she was in the bath, getting dressed etc, but I think I would've been a bit mortified of her being naked in public. I understand that's not necessarily logical but I have a strong feeling that's how my teen self would've felt

We used to go on holiday with friends every year to France when I was a kid. My friends Mum always used to go topless, and my friend and his sisters always used to absolutely die of embarrassment.

We've holidayed for years on the Côte d'Azur and in South West France and have very rarely seen anyone go topless.

So I wouldn't do this.

There will be plenty of men out there with far bigger boobs than me so I see absolutely no reason why they are allowed to be topless but I have to cover mine.

Maybe I’m the weirdo as I wear a swimming costume or go topless!

Topless people on a beach (men and women) is common for all ages where I’ve lived in Spain and France. It’s a lot more common in older people than younger. I would have no issue with seeing my parents topless, but I’ve never thought being topless on a beach was in anyway erotic (especially if it was my parents)!!

No. My teen boys dot need me sunbathing topless.

I used to love swimming topless. Wouldn’t dare now!

Just back from Gran Canaria a couple of weeks ago and there were LOADS of women sunbathing topless on the beach. It’s a set of tits - not a big deal. Plus an even tan is very nice!

Where my aunt lives in France, and where we visit often in summer - it is most definitely “boobs ahoy” on every beach we go 🤣 - I might start using that!

I've just holidayed in the south of France for the first time in 20 years. We went to a different busy beach every day for a week.

I only saw two women sunbathing topless - both 50+ and one was on some rocks by herself well away from the main beach, I only saw her because I was swimming nearby. I was a bit surprised and it's made me wonder if topless sunbathing has had its day. I didn't see any younger women topless. I don't have any strong opinion on it either way but in the area I was in, it wasn't happening.

Also… why “ugh boobs” when everyone seems to be wearing a thong/floss bikini these days?

Yuck. So tacky OP. Not to mention embarrassing for your teens

Yes. If they not a naked family then showing your boobs to your teen boys is really disturbing! It's not sexual if it's normal in their family, but it sounds like it's not and why OP is excited about getting her tits out

I actually burst out laughing at your post @Chrsytalchondalier where you said I was “excited” about getting my tits out! Yes, I’ll be cartwheeling down the beach with my breasts freestyling in the Riviera air. Practising in the garden as we speak.

I’m guessing you’re anti-topless but I may be wrong.

I occasionally sunbathed topless (laying down on my back/front) pre-children but our holiday destinations changed when they came along and being on the beach was more about playing than chilling so the bikini top stayed on. Also, as I previously said, topless bathing was not a thing in the family holiday destinations.

it’s interesting how decisive it is.

Ha ha, careful you don't give yourself a black eye 😆 Yeah not really into it in crowded places tbh, my boobs get enough attention with my top on so I don't feel the need to give men even more of them to perve at

I genuinely had no idea that people would be concerned about this I just thought it was the done thing on the beach, but then I don't live in mainland UK. They are just breasts nothing to worry about. I think it's good to demonstrate body confidence.

It's not about worrying or body confidence really, it's just a question of what's normal in your culture. If you live in a country where women don't go topless, then it's not surprising if it's a bit out of your comfort zone to do it. If someone from a 'topless beach' country went to a country where people walked down the street stark naked, they might not fancy copying the locals either.

Of course they're just breasts. Penises are just penises. Arses are just arses. Not wanting to go topless doesn't mean you're on the beach going 'Ooh, how erotic and shameful!.

*Divisive not decisive

I personally dislike women topless at the beach. I think it’s probs triggered by my own issues with body image and hating my own boobs but either way, I don’t like it

I'd find it physically uncomfortable to walk around topless as well tbh, especially if I were running about with the dc or the dog!

As others have said it's less common in The Languedoc than it was 20 years ago and seems inappropriate nowadays on a busy public beach. Less so at a quiet beach which is less accessible.

It was never a problem at our home when the DC were small bit it was private. The DC never cared. 20 years on I don't do it. I am heavier, and there is no point because I wouldn’t wear a strapless or very low cut dress. We are also much more sun protection conscious and no longer would I work on my tan; now I work on looking rested.

I decided to keep my nipples to myself and keep my bikini top on. Am now on the beach and as per @mrssquidink there is only one topless woman here. Brazilian bottoms are popular and many moobs.

I hate writing this but if yu have a son he will probably be interested in any boons that aren't his mums.

I don't think I'd visit a top less beach with a teen son if I wasn't going topless myself.

If you're comfortable being topless that's fine but if you're worried about your kids reactions and that might come into the decision, why not just tak to them about it first?