Men and boys in France are prohibited from entering pools and beaches in free swimming trunks. According to the Daily Star, the law is over 100 years old, but there are no plans to repeal it.
This is not a joke, but the law – all males can swim in public pools only in tight-fitting swimming trunks. In addition, both men and women are required to wear a bonnet de bain (swimming cap).
In most cases, only bald swimmers are exempt from this rule. The unusual law is explained by concern for hygiene.
“You can only swim in small tight swimming trunks. Bermudas or larger shorts are worn everywhere. People walk around the city in them and bring sand, dust or germs into the water,” an excerpt from an interview with The Guardian of the main pool attendant at 11 arrondissements of Paris by Emmanuel Dormeau.
Thus, if you are going to the Cote d’Azur, do not forget to bring tight-fitting swimming trunks with you. Otherwise, you may not be allowed into the pool or asked to leave the beach if you enter the water in Bermuda shorts or any other loose shorts.
“Some regions of France are trying to repeal the outdated law. In May 2022, the city council of Grenoble decided to relax the strict rules on swimwear in municipal pools.
According to their initiative, women were allowed to swim topless or in burkinis, and men were allowed to wear less tight swimming trunks. The French government has challenged the city’s decision, and the regional authorities have cut funding for the area,” media reported.