TOURISTS in France will be protected by armed police and soldiers at holiday sites, including beaches, this summer, according to reports.

Britons visiting the country will see increased security at festivals, fairs and beaches, as well as stations and airports.

New rules banning backpacks on some beaches have also been introduced, The Times said.

Cannes council announced on Wednesday that the rucksacks and other large non-transparent bags that could hide bombs would be banned from beaches. Offenders could be fined or ordered to leave the beach.

The increase in security measures comes after a series of terror attacks in the country, including the murder of a priest in his church on Tuesday.

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The Foreign Office's travel advice warns that there is "a high threat from terrorism" and also said that the French government had reinforced its security measures.