Appropriate Clothing for French Churches
 

Does anyone know if there are clothing restrictions for visiting French churches? I know in Italy you can not have bare arms, shorts or short skirts? How about in France? Thanks!

Assume the same rules apply. This is a respect thing. CJ

Nothing that I know of. You wouldn't want to walk into a church wearing bikinis or swimming trunks, but other than that anything goes. I have seen both French and non-French visitors in a variety of dress, shorts, tank-tops, mini-skirts etc. Those who attend Mass tend to dress a bit more tidily. Respectful attitude towards a place of worship is expected, like no loud talking, eating, playing music or walking about during services.

Thanks. I wanted to know mostly for my children's sakes who will be unhappy if they have to wear long pants when it is warm.

I suspect that depending on the age of the children as long as they are polite, etc., they could probably wear shorts and nobody would say anything. I think the dress expectations are mostly for adults..then again I could be wrong.

My boys both wear those long shorts that are so popular, and no one has ever said anything about it in French churches, though if we were really going to a service, I would make them wear long pants, just as I do here in the US. I've seen all manner of dress in churches and have worn sleeveless tops myself in France with no problem.