Believe it or not, there is still a law on the books in Paris that bans women from wearing trousers (pants).  The law was implemented back in 1800 by the police chief and has managed to withstand numerous repeals.

Over the years, the law has been adapted slightly to include exceptions.  In 1892 women were permitted to wear pants as long as they were “holding the reins of a horse.”  In 1909 a woman could wear pants on a horse and while riding a bike. 

Most recently (2003) President Sarkozy’s political party penned a letter to the minister in charge of gender equality to protest the law.  (The President is married to former model and fashion plate Carla Bruni who does wear pants.)  The minister declined to repeal making the pants law in Paris one of the most archain laws of fashion. 

The law hasn’t deterred Parisian women from wearing pants, but if you want to steer clear of the long arm of the law, I suggest you stick to skirts. 

Carla Bruni Sarkozy in pants.