1952: Synchronised sunbathing on the banks of the river Seine in ParisPhotograph: Roger-Viollet/Rex Features1953: A little thing like lunch doesn't stop the true sun worshippers - even in the south of FrancePhotograph: Bettmann/Corbis1955: British models enjoy a glamorous photoshoot on the French Riviera - well, it beats SkeggyPhotograph: Bert Hardy/Getty Images
1956: Men and women alike soak up the sun at Hotel du Cap at Eden Rock in Cap Ferrat, near NicePhotograph: David Wharry/Getty Images1962: Topless bathing was de rigueur in the 60s, as these women show. They're taking a break from arduous film-viewing at the Cannes film festivalPhotograph: Paul Schutzer/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image1965: Colour photography finally reaches the promenade des Anglais in NicePhotograph: Roger Viollet Collection/Getty Images1967: Proving that the weather isn't always perfect, here holidaymakers in Cannes shelter from the Mistral behind umbrellasPhotograph: AFP/Getty1967: Modesty, 60s-style ... Shells preserve this sunbather's decencyPhotograph: Roger-Viollet/Rex Features
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