Nazis, firefighters and masks: The fancy dress costumes that are illegal in France

"While some costumes are obviously socially unacceptable, in extremely bad taste or both, France has actual legislation on this matter and some fancy dress can be punishable by hefty fines and even prison sentences. If you are planning a costume party or trying to come up with your déguisement (fancy dress) then you should know that certain outfits, insignia and accessories are illegal in France."

"Racist costumes Offensive caricatures are not illegal - although hopefully it goes without saying that we're not endorsing them - but there are some situations where an overtly racist Halloween costume might get you in trouble with the law in France. In October 2025, a group of Paris firefighters attended a costume party at a skydiving club in the Aube département. Images on social media circulated of five attendees dressed as members of the Ku Klux Klan, while others were in blackface."

"Perpetrators could be prosecuted for public racial insult ( injure raciale publique) and public incitement to hatred, racial violence, or discrimination ( provocation publique à la haine, à la violence raciale ou à la discrimination), punishable by up to one year in prison and a €45,000 fine."

France has legislation that makes certain costumes, insignia and accessories illegal and potentially punishable by fines or prison. Overtly racist costumes can lead to criminal charges such as public racial insult and public incitement to hatred, violence or discrimination, carrying penalties of up to one year in prison and a €45,000 fine. A 2025 incident involving Paris firefighters in Ku Klux Klan attire and blackface prompted disciplinary action and criminal complaints. The penal code forbids wearing or displaying in public uniforms or emblems reminiscent of those used by individuals or groups convicted of crimes against humanity, notably Nazi symbols. Private ownership of such emblems is allowed but public display is prohibited, with exceptions for film, TV or official purposes.

Read at The Local France