The west (Atlantic) coast of France is wild, rough and cheaper than the more chic and settled Mediterranean coast. The wealthy and the fashionable go to the Med. while the Atlantic attracts the young and adventurous. Those who follow fashion tend to be conservative adopting the "in" look and avoiding committing a faux pas, while those who go to the beach to surf swim and sunbathe do it not to be seen but just to do it.
On the west coast the water is cold and the surfers wear wet suits, and they have speedos and square cuts under them, they wear their board shorts to get to the beach. On Med. coast they may wear their high fashion board shorts on the beach.
What I like about Western France is the toleration, there is space for everyone, you can do and wear what you like and no one minds as long as no one is hurt. Speedos , short shorts and board shorts mingle happily, you can go to the supermarket in a wetsuit if you want to. The speedo, bikini and swim thong wearers often like to get away from the crowded main beaches to find a little seclusion and peace, which is where the best surf is. They happily co-exist without conflict or judgement.
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