Town in south-west France bans hanging laundry out to dry

A town in south-west France has taken the unusual – and controversial step – of banning residents living in the centre from hanging out clothes to dry in a bid to make it look more ‘aesthetically pleasing’. 

A municipal decree banning the hanging and drying of clothes in public in certain streets of Villeneuve-sur-Lot (Lot-et-Garonne) came into force in June, and is a permanent measure. 

Residents of the area – roughly the historic town centre – are banned from drying items of clothing outside on windowsills, balconies, or “any other part of the building façade.” 

These areas “possess a heritage, tourism, or commercial character that must be preserved,” the decree says.

It specifically highlights “reports from local residents regarding laundry visible from public spaces, including garments that could disturb public tranquility.”

These items “when visible from the street, are liable to disrupt the harmony of building facades and the town's image, as well as create visual pollution,” the decree went on. 

Impacts poorer residents 

Unsurprisingly, the ban has been met with fierce backlash. 

The area covered by the decree “includes the area with the highest levels of poverty,” said opposition councillor and lawyer Thomas Bouyssonie to France 3. 

“There are many apartments here, some of them substandard, and often without tumble dryers or gardens where laundry can be hung to dry.” 

“To ban a behaviour, it must infringe upon public order… [but the decree is instead] a fairly severe restriction on freedom.”

“Villeneuve isn't buried under laundry; it’s never struck me as an issue,” he added, noting that he lives in the area impacted by the decree. 

Not first town to enact ban

Local authorities back the decision, which is not the first of its kind in France.

Robert Ménard, the far-right mayor of Béziers, instituted a similar policy in 2014, aimed at preserving the  “economic and tourism appeal,” of the Mediterranean town. 

“I recently went back there to visit a friend… It’s nice to see that sense of authority and well-being,” said deputy mayor Jean-Eric Rosier to Sud-Ouest. 

Mantes-la-Jolie, a suburb of Paris, has also banned the practice in certain areas – alongside beating rugs out of windows after 10:00 – for aesthetic reasons, and in both communes fines of €38 are possible. 

Other cities have partial limits in place, including Paris. 

A 1979 bylaw for the capital states that “objects, plants, and laundry placed on balconies and windows must not create unsanitary conditions or pose a danger or nuisance to passersby and occupants of neighboring buildings.” 

However, this bylaw is less restrictive than the others mentioned since the hanging of laundry is not explicitly banned unless it is considered disruptive.

Hanging laundry outside remains less common in France than in other Mediterranean countries such as Portugal or Italy, where washing hanging outside, often in inner city areas, forms part of their aesthetic heritage. 

Those living in shared buildings may want to check their building rules, as it is rare but possible that hanging laundry to dry outside is prohibited. 

Tenants may also be limited in where they can hang laundry in rental agreements. 

Controversial ban splits online opinion 

The story has been picked up by several media outlets in France, and a wealth of residents have commented on the ban – many in support.

“I find this decision reasonable. It’s neither attractive nor hygienic,” said one 68-year-old to Le Dauphiné Libéré.

“This issue blights many façades in our town. The same laundry often stays hanging for days, exposed to the elements”, said another, with a third saying "it’s a disgusting practice."

"What kind of image does that project to the town and the neighbors… Where is the respect and common courtesy?” said a fourth. 

Others however have pointed to the benefits of natural drying in comparison to other more energy intensive methods. 

“Aren't there more important issues during this time of climate change?” said one 74-year-old from the Lot-et-Garonne department.

“I don't understand a measure that discourages natural drying, which prevents moisture buildup in a house or apartment, in favour of an energy-hungry tumble dryer,” said another.

What do you think about hanging laundry to dry on balconies? Do you agree with the ban or not? Let us know your thoughts via feedback@connexionfrance.com