If you’re planning to visit France during this Easter holiday, you might be aware of a peculiar rule regarding swimwear for men. While there’s no restriction on what you can wear at the beach, the rules for swimming pools are much stricter.
In many pools across France, especially those run by Eurocamp, baggy or loose-fitting swim shorts are prohibited. Instead, men are required to wear tight-fitting trunks. This rule, which may seem unusual or even intimidating to many British tourists, actually serves practical purposes related to hygiene and safety, not fashion.
Eurocamp, a popular holiday park chain with sites across Europe, explained the reasoning behind the rule. According to the company, the requirement isn’t based on French fashion preferences, but rather on cleanliness. “Unlike body-fitting swimming briefs, most styles of men’s shorts can just as easily be worn throughout the day, with some even having pockets,” Eurocamp noted. “As such, they can pick up dirt and dust, which contaminates pool water.”
Additionally, loose shorts tend to retain more water, creating slippery puddles on the poolside and sunbathing terraces, making it a safety concern. Tight-fitting swimwear, on the other hand, is easier to dry and uses less water, reducing the risk of bacteria buildup.
While the rule is enforced in most Eurocamp pools, it’s worth noting that not all parks follow the same regulations. Some locations may be more lenient about the type of swimwear. However, Eurocamp reassures visitors that they don’t need to wear the smallest swimwear options, like the infamous “budgie smugglers.” Instead, men can opt for more fitted swim shorts that are above the knee, made from water-friendly fabrics. A style called “jammers” is often recommended, and can be found online.
Baggy swim shorts, however, are generally prohibited in public pools across France, so holidaymakers should be aware of this rule to avoid any inconvenience. While holiday parks like Eurocamp may allow some flexibility, it’s always a good idea to check the specific rules of the campsite or pool you’re visiting.
This regulation, which dates back to 1903, applies primarily to public pools, including those in hotels and spas. In May 2022, the city council of Grenoble attempted to relax these swimwear rules, but the French national government opposed the change. For now, the law remains in effect, with no signs of it being altered anytime soon.
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