Swimming pool rules in Italy and France

You may have already experienced this: you’re walking to the campsite swimming pool in your swimming trunks, and just before you wanted to dive into the water, the lifeguard stopped you. Why? Probably because you were wearing a loose-fitting pair of swimming shorts, something that isn’t allowed in many French swimming pools. Italy, too, has swimming pool rules, for example that bathing caps are compulsory in many pools. That’s why we’ve put this list together for you.

Swimming trunks in France

Before you go on holiday to France, it’s worth knowing that there are various rules about swimwear at French campsites. For example, men and boys are not allowed to wear loose or long swimming shorts, as this is considered unhygienic. A tight-fitting pair of swimming trunks or shorts is required.

At some campsites, wearing long swimming shorts is permitted, but you are not allowed to wear boxing shorts underneath them. Do be aware that these rules don’t apply to all campsites. If you’re going to France, it’s worth checking out the campsite’s website before you leave, to check what their rules are.

As well as the rules regarding swimwear, many campsite swimming pools have some additional rules. For example, in some pools, you are not allowed to dive bomb, or play with inflatable animals or airbeds, or swim in t-shirts or other clothing.

The bathing cap in Italy

While the French don’t allow long or loose-fitting swimming shorts for hygiene reasons, Italian campsites prefer you to wear a bathing cap in the pool. They think this is a way to keep the pool clean. If this didn’t occur to you when packing, you can usually buy a bathing cap at the campsite shop or at the campsite reception.

It’s also true in Italy that not all campsites follow these rules. There are a few campsites we know of where you can definitely have a splash in the pool without a bathing cap.

Campsites that don’t require you to wear a bathing cap

Other rules that are common at Italian pools include washing your feet or showering at the entrance to the campsite, and the prohibition on topless sunbathing and swimming.