If you’ve ever travelled overseas, you’ll know that sometimes the biggest surprises aren’t the sights or the food, but the little cultural quirks that catch you off guard.
Well, one Aussie family recently found themselves on the receiving end of a particularly odd European tradition—and it’s got everyone talking!
Lauren Lakin, an Australian mum and content creator, is currently exploring Europe with her family of five. With France in the grip of a sweltering heatwave, the family decided to cool off at a local public pool near their Airbnb.
Sounds like the perfect way to beat the heat, right? But what happened next left them scratching their heads—and has since gone viral online.
As Lauren’s husband Kit and their young son eagerly lined up for a dip, they were stopped at the entrance and, to their shock, told they couldn’t swim. The reason? They were wearing boardshorts. Yes, you read that right—boardshorts are a no-go in many French public pools!
Lauren captured the moment on Instagram, with Kit explaining, ‘You have to wear Euro shorts or Speedos.’ Lauren chimed in, warning fellow travellers: ‘Just be warned, maybe pack some of those—they had a vending machine there where you could buy them.’
So, what’s behind this unusual rule? After a quick Google, Lauren discovered that the French have enforced this policy for ‘hygiene reasons’ for decades. The logic is that board shorts are often worn outside and can pick up dirt and dust, which could then contaminate the pool water.
In contrast, tight-fitting swimwear like Speedos is typically only worn in the pool, making it more hygienic.
It’s a tradition that’s been around for hundreds of years, and while it might seem strange to us, it’s taken very seriously in France.
According to Eurocamp, there’s even more to it: longer, looser shorts can retain more water (wasting precious pool resources) and take longer to dry, while fitted swimwear dries quickly and is less likely to bring in outside grime. For those who aren’t keen on donning a pair of budgie smugglers, there’s a compromise—fitted swim shorts above the knee are usually acceptable.
Interestingly, Lauren noted that the rule only applied to men and boys—women and girls could wear whatever swimwear they liked. This double standard has sparked plenty of debate online, with some calling it outdated and others defending it as a sensible hygiene measure.
Lauren’s video quickly racked up over 3.4 million views, with thousands of people chiming in to share their own experiences or express their surprise. Some Aussies recalled similar run-ins with French pool rules, while others admitted they’d never heard of such a thing.
In the end, the Lakin family didn’t end up swimming that day—not because of the boardshort ban, but because the pool was closing soon after they arrived. Still, Lauren said they’d be back, and next time, they’d be sure to pack the right swimmers (or buy some from the handy vending machine at the pool entrance!).
So, if you’re planning a European getaway—especially to France—don’t forget to check the local pool rules before you pack your togs! And if you’re not keen on Speedos, look for fitted swim shorts that meet the requirements. It could save you a lot of hassle (and embarrassment) at the pool gate.
Key Takeaways
- An Aussie mum was surprised when her husband and son weren’t allowed to swim at a French public pool because they were wearing boardshorts, not Speedos or fitted swimwear.
- French pools often ban loose shorts on males for hygiene reasons, as board shorts may pick up outside dirt and are considered less sanitary than swimmers only worn at the pool.
- While women and girls could wear almost any swimwear, the strict rule about fitted swimmers applied only to men and boys.
- The family’s experience went viral online, with many taking an interest in the unusual local tradition and hygiene rule at French pools.
Have you ever been caught out by a strange rule while travelling? Or do you think the French are onto something with their strict swimwear policy? We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories—share them in the comments below!
