Dog-friendly beach trial begins in Mandelieu-la-Napoule
Dogs are being allowed on part of a beach in Mandelieu-la-Napoule for the first time as part of a trial running through the summer season.
Dogs are being welcomed onto a section of beach in Mandelieu-la-Napoule for the first time as part of a summer trial running until 30 September.
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The designated area at Plage des Mineurs allows dogs on the sand provided they remain on a lead, while they can be let off lead in the water under their owner's supervision.
The initiative aims to test whether beachgoers and pets can safely share the coastline.
Early reactions have been mixed but largely positive.
Some visitors have welcomed the opportunity for dogs to cool off during the summer, while others have raised concerns about cleanliness and overcrowding if the number of animals increases.
The experiment is already attracting attention from neighbouring Riviera towns, where dogs remain banned from most public beaches.
Local authorities say the success of the trial could help determine whether similar schemes are introduced more widely in the future.