In the coastal departments, the beaches can reopen under conditions, on May 11, at the request of the mayors at the prefect. A provision that satisfies many local elected officials, who mobilized for a reopening of the beaches from the start of the deconfinement. "That we put the prefect-mayor couple to the maneuver, it really pleased us", explains to the microphone of Europe 1 the mayor of Ploemeur, in Brittany.

In his speech to the National Assembly, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe had initially planned to prohibit access to the beaches until June 1. But Thursday, during a press point in Matignon, Christophe Castaner explained that beaches could reopen on a case-by-case basis as of May 11, the date of the start of the deconfinement. "The general rule will remain closed, but the prefect may grant access to beaches and lakes on a case-by-case basis at the request of the mayors," revealed the Place Beauvau tenant. A provision that gives a smile to elected officials on the coast. 

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"If it's a mess, I will not hesitate to close the beaches"

And some mayors wereted no time. "Two seconds after hearing these announcements, I sent a little message to the prefect," said Ronan Loas, mayor of Ploemeur in Brittany. With many other Breton elected officials, he campaigned for a reopening of the beaches.

"That we put the prefect-mayor couple to the maneuver, that really pleased us. It is true that we lived a moment when the mayors became executors with less and less means", recognizes the elected official , which also warns its citizens. "We are going to appeal to the civic spirit of our inhabitants. It means that if it messes up, I will not hesitate to close the beaches," he said at the microphone of Europe 1. 

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Mayors keep hope for summer

In the south, on the shores of the Mediterranean, where the impact of the coronavirus on the tourist economy is already being felt, we want to believe that this reopening under conditions is a first step. Antibes mayor Jean Leonetti is hopeful for the summer season.

"You can't imagine a tourist season on the Côte d'Azur without breweries and restaurants," he said. "Already that we have removed all major events, such as the Jazz festival, if in addition we do not have access to the sea, we can see that the tourist attractiveness is somewhat reduced". 

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The opening will nevertheless be subject to conditions, said Christophe Castaner. "The mayors will have to present a sufficient device and facilities to allow physical distance," he said. No question, therefore, of tolerating a relaxation on the beaches. But for some, it will not be a problem: "On the banks of the English Channel, even in the height of summer, the towel next door is 20 meters away," replies an elected Norman.