Bathroom policy in France

[Megan.]

I'm off to Paris this week for 2 nights,  does anyone know what the laws state for gendered bathroom use in France?

TYIA. X

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[christinej78]

I'm off to Paris this week for 2 nights,  does anyone know what the laws state for gendered bathroom use in France?

TYIA. X

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Hi Megan,               13 May 2018

My instinct's tell me you are in the UK; I know nothing of France's restroom policies. I was only there once in early 1966. I didn't stay long; stayed about 5 minutes and was kicked out.

I spent five years in Japan; Arrived there in 1964. Found their restroom policy quite fascinating. Co-ed, which was a cultural shock that lasted... two seconds. Their urinals were long troughs that you stood in front of and peed with all the other "gentleman" visiting the bar.

I'm standing there draining my lizard when in walks a good looking "lady" of possibly dubious character. (I was in a Honky Tonk bar frequented by ladies for rent). As I prowled around the city I managed to see customs that I thought dated back to the Neanderthal era; people relieving themselves in public: #'s 1, 2 and 3. What might # 3 be? I understand 1 & 2; # three was anything stranger than anything I had ever done.

By the time I left Japan in 1972, things had improved substantially; they had replaced open sewers with pipes, which was a big help in improving the aroma of the place. It had smelled like s*** before with summer being unimaginable.

My five years there were spent in parts of each of the following years: 64, 65, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72. 66 was spent in the civilized part of the world: Ireland, England, Portugal, Spain and my 5 minute residence in France.

I have never forgiven Charles de Gaulle for his rudeness in terminating my stay in France. I showed him, I never went back, always around. Just because I didn't have my passport, which was in Ireland or Portugal, shouldn't have mattered: I had my military ID, but it wasn't good enough for Mr. de Gaulle. I tried entering from San Sabastian, Spain. Had an interesting experience there; will have to write about it one of these days.

I hope you have a better outcome with your visit to France; thankfully, Mr. de Gaulle doesn't have much say these days.

And all you wanted to know was what their bathroom policy is in France. I hope I didn't answer your question because I haven't a clue. Enjoy their bathrooms, I'm sure they are lovely.

Best Always,
Christine

[Mendi]

The same as in EU generally, do your business, don´t bother anyone, and you are set to go to the bathroom. I cannot see any reason, why bathroom would be issue, if you are giving indication (appaerance etc.), that you are a female.

It is not like in USA.

[Devlyn]

The same as in EU generally, do your business, don´t bother anyone, and you are set to go to the bathroom. I cannot see any reason, why bathroom would be issue, if you are giving indication (appaerance etc.), that you are a female.

It is not like in USA.

I'm sad to hear this. As Megan will tell you, she came to the US and had no bathroom issues at all. It's too bad her visit to France isn't going to go as smoothly.

She found that the negative hype about the US was, to use a technical term: A bunch of horse hooey.

[Megan.]

While my trip to the USA was very smooth and without issue, I did technically break the law when I used the public bathroom at a road stop in New York state (as my birth certificate still states me as Male).

I've been unable to find any specific legislation on French bathroom access laws, and regardless I expect no issue as most of my time will be spent either in hotels or corporate premises.

There is definitely a difference between legislation and experience  'on the ground' in most places and in most aspects of life!

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[MaryT]

I can't imagine the French making a fuss about it.  I went to France for that total eclipse in about 2000.  We went to a field that was prepared for the viewing.  There was one mobile loo with male urinals and toilet stalls for use by men and women.  While the men used the urinals, the women queued at their backs, waiting for stalls to be vacated.  Nobody seemed to mind or bat an eyelid.  Besides, I suspect that willing EU members are typically worried about being referred to the European Court of Human Rights if they discriminate against anybody.

[Mendi]

I'm sad to hear this. As Megan will tell you, she came to the US and had no bathroom issues at all. It's too bad her visit to France isn't going to go as smoothly.

She found that the negative hype about the US was, to use a technical term: A bunch of horse hooey.

Good to know, because I´m relying only on what I read from various LGBT+ sites and reading those, it seems, that the bathroom is always the issue.

[Megan.]

To follow up, no issues in France, or Spain that I have also been to since. I'm off to Germany in two weeks and also don't expect any issue.
I present as a typical woman of my age, and have yet to encounter any issues using gendered toilets anywhere.

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[StacyRenee]

While my trip to the USA was very smooth and without issue, I did technically break the law when I used the public bathroom at a road stop in New York state (as my birth certificate still states me as Male).

I'm surprised at this. I was born in New York. New York is a very progressive "blue" state. I was able to change my birth certificate without any surgical requirements.

Just curious, where did you go in New York?

[Megan.]

I'm surprised at this. I was born in New York. New York is a very progressive "blue" state. I was able to change my birth certificate without any surgical requirements.

Just curious, where did you go in New York?

I was driving up through the state from Philadelphia to Boston, I stopped en-route at a service stop and used the ladies toilet. I was surprised too when I discovered (before my trip) that NY state still used the sex assigned on birth certificate as policy, didn't stop me though [emoji6], and I don't travel around with my certificate! X

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