France is famous for cheese, wine, fashion, and for its determination to outlaw baggy shorts from swimming pools.
Traditionally, French pools have strict rules on what swimmers can wear on their family holiday to France, with many declaring a firm ‘non’ to swimming shorts in favour of skimpy speedos and tight-fitting trunks.
And as the ladies probably already know, this presents a problem for British men and the teenagers, with most saying they are embarrassed about pulling on the skimpy slip de bain.
Unlike the French, who always appear to be super confident in their swimwear, however brief!
Tight trunks or baggy shorts?
In our recent survey of 1,700 British dads, almost two thirds said they are not confident wearing the tight trunks that are the norm with French hommes, with only 15% expressing complete self-confidence in wearing skimpy swimmers.
The French fashion for tight-fitting trunks goes back more than 100 years, with French regulators deciding in 1903 that restrictions were needed to stop men wearing baggy swimsuits at the beach or around town and then bringing back dust, sand and sweat when they enjoy a dip in the pool.
Without the same rules in place, swimwear styles for British men have gone from all-in-one swimsuits to flamboyant florals on matching boxer trunks and shirts, to skimpy trunks for muscle men and back to knee-length board shorts, before setting on the bold-patterned shorts style that many wear today.
So, to save dads’ blushes, we have highlighted our holiday parks in France that have brilliant pool complexes, including indoor pools, for families and have said ‘au revoir’ to restrictions on swim shorts.
Siblu holiday parks that allow shorts in pools
Domaine de Kerlann, Brittany
This is one of Brittany's best known holiday villages, with indoor and outdoor pools, adventure playgrounds and children’s clubs making it an easy choice for families. There are five superb sandy beaches within five miles, and the local town of Pont Aven is so pretty it inspired the artist Paul Gauguin.
Domaine de Dugny, Loire Valley
Set on the north bank of the Loire River, Domaine de Dugny is the perfect base for exploring the region’s famous chateaux and vineyards. Relaxing on site takes place at the hearted indoor and outdoor pools and there are waterslides for family races.
Le Bois Masson & Le Bois Dormant, Vendee
These two holiday parks in the popular Vendee region, on the coat and south of the Loire River, are set across the road from each other, so families can use the facilities at each. That means a double dose of heated outdoor pools, and water chutes.
Les Charmettes, Charente Maritime
Les Charmettes, on the sunny west coast in Charente Maritime, is one of the biggest holiday villages in France, with a pool complex and entertainment set up to suit. There are indoor and outdoor pools with slides and fountains, tennis courts, kids’ clubs for tots to teenagers, and nightly entertainment.
La Reserve, Aquitaine
Nestled in a forest in the south west region of Aquitaine, Siblu's La Reserve holiday village sits on the banks of Lake Biscarosse, so families can laze around the large outdoor pool, of grab a spot of the lakeside beach and enjoy the shallow warm waters of the lake. Those who head to the coast will find big golden beaches and waves made for surfing, plus the dramatic Dune du Pyla.
Plus, Le Congeal and Les Pierres Couchees in Brittany, Domaine de Soulac, Les Dunes des Contis and Les Viviers in southwest France, La Pignade, Bonne Anse Plage and Mer et Soleil on the west coast.
Siblu fantastic water complexes
Each Siblu family holiday park in France offers a fun swimming pool complex. You'll discover slides of all shapes and sizes, splash zones, toddler pools plus indoor and outdoor pools that will keep the whole family entertained for hours!
And you can relax safe in the knowledge that all our swimming pool complexes have fully trained lifeguards on duty at all times.
Remember, all our pool complexes are free to enter, every day, with your Fun Pass, that will be included for every member of your holiday party.
Check out our parks with the best pool complexes, including campsites in France with splash zones, campsites in France with indoor pools, and campsites in France with waterside