Overview
- In Dunkerque’s Malo-les-Bains, thousands joined the “bain des givrés” in 6°C seawater, many arriving in costume for a carnival-like plunge.
- At Marseille’s Petit Roucas Blanc, about 100 participants took part in a Libres Nageurs swim, with the Mediterranean measured at roughly 13–13.4°C.
- Across the Savoie and Annecy area, more than a hundred people immersed in lakes at about 5–6°C, including sessions with local “Vikings” groups and a Wim Hof instructor.
- L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue’s long-running New Year dip proceeded in the 12°C Sorgue despite posted bathing bans, with organizers treating it as a standing local tradition.
- Additional Provence sites, including La Ciotat and Fos-sur-Mer, hosted first-of-year swims in roughly 12–13°C water, featuring music, hot drinks and convivial rituals.