To think this is fucking crazy

[itstheendoftheworldasweknowitnow]

We’re en route to a holiday rental in France. I wasn’t sure if the pool was shared or not between other guests so emailed the owner to ask. This is his reply - which I put in to google translate
Could you tell me if sharing the swimming pool with us who occupy the ground floor bothers you and for what reason? Recently we refused the rental because the wife and the two young daughters were veiled; are you english or muslim? We do not want you to make the trip and see yourself refused access to our property for reasons of displaying religious beliefs which are very resented by the neighborhood.

Fuck Fuck Fuck
What the hell do I do?
I am not a Muslim.
I am also not a racist.

I wouldn't give them my money

I would NOT be stopping there!

did you message him in French or English? It’s possible your message was misinterpreted

Are you Muslim?

Blimey. Seeing as you’re en route right now, I’d just reply saying “Our religion is not relevant to you. We are happy to share the pool - we wanted to clarify whether it is shared or not”.

Too late, he has it already

Perhaps they don't want to be fined?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_ban_on_face_covering#:~:text=The%20French%20ban%20on%20face,in%20public%20places%2C%20except%20under

I would still go. I’m not white but I’m not veiled either. I’d smother him with kindness in fluent French. Sometimes it’s better to educate than storm off in a huff.

France is very different to the UK. Isn’t the burka banned in France? If you don’t go remember it’s his circus and you can’t demand your money back.

Also google translate is literal. You may find the tone was actually very different.

Get to the rental, forget about the email, and enjoy your holiday.

Oh!!! I had forgotten this.

I find it very easy to believe this is true. France has a very chequered history with religious head/face coverings - you can read up on it easily.

Their attitude is not uncommon in parts of France hence them being so free with expressing it - I would not be giving them my custom knowing they hold these views but understand you’re in a tight spot as on your way there.

Remember that in France it's illegal to wear the hijab ("veiled") in public. Same for wearing "burkini" swimwear.
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/07/france-hijab-bans-olympic-and-paralympic/#:~:text=In%20France%2C%20the%20prohibition%20on,both%20professional%20and%20amateur%20levels.

Google translate probably misses a lot of the proper translation (tone, nuance etc).

Can you post the original here for those who speak the language?

Why didn’t you ask before you booked? It’s too late now …

What do you do?

You're enroute and have already paid.

Reply and say 'we have no problem in sharing the pool, I was just curious, thanks'. Then go on holiday.

This. No need to pretend to be woke about it.

This is the original:
Pourriez-vous me dire si le partage de la piscine avec nous qui occupons le rez-de-chaussée vous importune et pour quelle raison?
Récemment nous avons refusé la location car l'épouse et les deux jeunes filles étaient voilées; êtes-vous anglaise ou musulmane?
Nous ne souhaitons pas que vous effectuiez le déplacement et vous voir voir refuser l'accès à notre propriété pour des raisons d'affichage de convictions religieuses très mal ressenties par le voisinage.
Cordialement

I would imagine the money has already been paid.

Ask what?! Excuse me are you racist?

Bit rude - the OP sounds genuinely shocked, as would be many people.

Also - I have found the use of the word ‘veiled’ commonly used in France as a broad term to describe any kind of religious head covering worn by women, not just ones that actually cover the face (and are banned).

Don't forget men have to wear speedoes 😆😅🤣 always amuses me not so much DH and my boys

That’s essentially what I have done but I was just feeling weirded out by it - less so now I remember the veiling ban in France.

It’s not woke to call out what (appeared to be) racism. It’s human decency.

No France doesn't ban burka, veil or whatsoever - there are plenty in Paris.
What is banned in France are religious signs in public schools and for public servants at work, so all religions are concerned, not just Islam.

The airbnb owner is just racist - nothing to do with french laws.

Isn't this just as racist though 🤔

Can't believe you've only just asked if it's a shared pool! You're on way now he doesn't have to be your new best friend. Have a nice holiday