Travel Expert Issues Warning Over France's 'Speedo Rule' For Public Pools
British holidaymakers planning to swim in France's extensive network of public pools this year have been issued a crucial warning by travel expert Simon Hood regarding a little-known regulation that could disrupt their aquatic activities.
The Strict Swimwear Requirement
Simon Hood, executive director of John Mason International, has highlighted that men visiting any of France's over 6,000 public swimming pools must adhere to a specific swimwear requirement. The regulation, which dates back to 1903 and is enforced by local municipalities and French regional health authorities (ARS), mandates that men wear tight-fitting swimwear such as Speedos or similar close-fitting trunks.
"Failure to comply with these hygiene regulations could see you marched out of the pool and leave you waving at your family or friends from the outside," Hood explained. "While most pools will offer appropriate swimwear onsite, it could set you back somewhere between €10-€20, a bit of an unnecessary spend."
Hygiene Origins And Cultural Context
The regulation stems from longstanding hygiene concerns within French public swimming facilities. Hood elaborated on the cultural reasoning behind what might seem an unusual rule to British visitors.
"When you bottle it down, the rule stems from a concern about hygiene in the pools," he said. "It was originally enforced as culturally French people tend to walk around in swimwear well before they attend the pool in the summer months. Thinking about this, it means people could track all manner of dirt in once they jump into the pool hours later."
He noted that unlike in Britain where people don't typically wander outdoors in their swimwear, this French cultural practice necessitated stricter poolside regulations to maintain water cleanliness.
Practical Advice For Travellers
For those concerned about the requirement, several practical alternatives exist beyond traditional Speedos:
- More fitted swimming shorts that sit above the knee
- Water-designed fabrics that dry quickly
- Styles known as 'jammers' available online
Major holiday provider Eurocamp, which operates numerous sites across France, confirms the regulation on their website: "It's true that many swimming pools prohibit the majority of baggy or loose-fitting shorts. Why? Simply because of hygiene concerns."
The company adds that tighter swimwear wastes less water and dries faster, reducing potential bacterial buildup. They recommend travellers check specific pool regulations in advance, as rules can vary between locations.
No Sign Of Rule Changes
There appears to be little prospect of these regulations being relaxed in the near future. In May 2022, when the municipal authority in Grenoble attempted to ease restrictions, the central government in Paris intervened to block any modifications.
Hood's final advice to British travellers is straightforward: "Like with any holiday, all I'd recommend is researching in advance since these rules exist for a reason. If Speedos aren't your thing, either don't swim or use a pool where these regulations don't apply."
He concluded with a practical perspective: "At the end of the day, Speedos might be out of style, but missing out on a day at the pool due to your fashion choices could be worse."
With France remaining one of Britain's most popular holiday destinations, attracting an estimated 9-13 million British visitors annually to cities like Paris and the glamorous Riviera, this swimwear regulation represents an important consideration for those planning aquatic activities during their French getaway.
