Antibes has refused to comply with a préfecture order requiring beach showers to close as part of tightened water restrictions now covering 43 communes across the Alpes-Maritimes, according to ICI Côte d'Azur.
Mayor Jean Leonetti decided the showers would stay open on hygiene and public health grounds, according to deputy mayor Marika Roman, who oversees civil security and risk prevention for the town. "It doesn't represent much in terms of water savings compared to the showers," she said, noting most beachgoers using them have no idea the town falls under the préfecture's restriction order at all.
The préfecture said the deteriorating state of the department's water resources had forced authorities to strengthen restrictions, and confirmed checks were being carried out to ensure compliance. "Anyone found in breach faces a fifth class fine and possible legal proceedings," a spokesperson said. According to state estimates, the roughly 400 beach showers across the department together use as much water each year as around 1,500 households.