Rules for wild swimming in France

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In France, the law puts the mayor in charge of securing bathing areas so all rules are indeed local. However, it's mostly about deciding where bathing is allowed or not and not so much on clothing and other details.

While there are typically extensive rules for public swimming pools, I have never heard of similar rules for open-air swimming, whether they are under watch or not. At most, I imagine that some general “indecency” law could be invoked if you swim completely naked but beyond that you can wear pretty much whatever you want.

Similarly, safety equipment for children is neither forbidden (!) nor mandatory as far as I know but if something happens you could of course find yourself liable (criminally or civilly) if you did not take all necessary precautions. There are of course extensive rules regarding what you are allowed to do with a group of children you are in charge of professionally (summer camps, etc.) but I assume you are considering a trip with your own children.

Also note that dogs and other pets are frequently not allowed on beaches, again per municipal decision.

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