Overview
- In Marseille, about 100 people joined the Libres Nageurs at Petit Roucas Blanc on Jan. 1, with the sea measured around 13–13.4°C.
- Dunkirk’s “bain des givrés” packed the Malo-les-Bains seafront with thousands diving into 6°C water in carnival dress.
- Around Annecy and other Savoie lakes, groups topped a hundred participants for brief immersions in 5–6°C water, including a Wim Hof–led session at Tresserve.
- Along the Mediterranean, towns reported solid turnouts, including roughly 100 at Fos-sur-Mer in 12°C water and a city-run swim at Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer at about 14°C.
- The tradition’s roots were highlighted as Marseille’s Cercle des nageurs held its annual plunge dating to 1934, while swimmers at L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue entered despite prohibition signs.