The heatwave makes you crave escape, but sometimes it turns the loveliest cool spots into a sauna...te;ritable battlefields. That's what happened at the lake of Nantua, in Ain, where over 12,000 people flocked over the weekend of June 21-22 according to information from Actu Lyon. A tide of tourists seeking a swim, some having traveled from far away – Lyon is only an hour away – drawn by the clear water and beautiful views. But the idyllic scene quickly turned to chaos, much to the dismay of Mayor Jean-Pascal Thomasset.
An Escalation of Incivilities
"Never again," thundered the elected official, clearly annoyed by the overwhelming influx but especially by the behaviors that came with it. Among the abandoned trash, cars parked haphazardly, and the grand finale: young people playing soccer on the monument itself!Department of Deportation. Yes, absolutely. "Everything can be explained: the heat, the closed swimming pool in Oyonnax, the growing appeal of our town… But not this kind of behavior. It’s disgraceful," he exclaimed.
In the face of this out-of-control situation, the town hall has pulled out all the stops. Private security, extra lifeguards, paid parking… but the little town can’t do it all alone. And the elected official doesn’t hide his bitterness: without the help of the State or local authorities, he fears that the same scenario will repeat itself with the next heatwave.
Drastic solutions being considered
An urgent meeting has been scheduled for Monday, June 30th, with the prefecture and local authorities to seek concrete solutions. Among the options discussed: restricting access to public beaches, and even prohibiting approaches to the historical monument during the summer. The message is clear: paradise spots like Nantua should not become lawless zones as soon as the temperatures rise. Because enjoying nature is great, but respecting it is even better.
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Source: Actu Lyon