French Aire toilets

Found these in sardinia. Awful..

Went to India a few years ago and the toilets in the hotels were fine. We did a trip on a narrow gauge railway up into the mountains and I used the train loo. Not only was it the hole in the floor type but you could see the railway track rushing by underneath which was just a bit disconcerting.

Large part of the world actually use these daily as there is nothing else and that is all they have grown up with - they actually can't use a western toilet without standing on it with their feet. Squatting is actually the best position to be doing what you need to do for your body. Helps to prevent a lot of constipation. My problem is always that when I'm in position to do No 1 I'm in wrong position for No 2's. Not sure I'd be able to use one these days or get up once if I managed to get down to do what I need to do.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

I realise I am in a minority, but I actually prefer this kind of public toilet, as I find the thought of actually sitting on a toilet seat used by strangers repulsive. And if I have to hover above the convenience, I might as well do so on the foot rests provided round the drain than above than with the kind of toilet, I still tend to associate with the firm of Shanks.

And of course, I rarely wear trousers as I much prefer skirts and it is reasonably easy to either take off a pair of underpants, or move the crotch to the side, so one can wee without wetting them.

The bucket and hose, silverlinings, were so you could wash yourself after using the toilet - all Muslims and Hindus do so, as they find the idea of only using toilet paper distasteful.

I lived with those loos for 6 years when living in a Spanish finca when I was young and hardy.

They have the same thing in Egypt, You are supposed to put one foot each side and then squat. I couldn't do that as my knees do not bend like that, so had to stand astride. This however is very hit and miss and not possible when wearing trousers

Quite a few years ago ,walking with a group of friends through a scrubby bit of heathland, my friend just had to go so popped behind a bush. Business finished she got up and walked away only to hear the ‘bush’ say, ‘Thanks a lot’, and a soldier in camouflage walked away.

When we lived in Indonesia most public loos were the hole in the ground sort. There was usually a woman who would dole out two pieces of loo paper. I soon learnt to carry my own small roll in my handbag!

Squatting is supposed to be better for the body as it facilitates 'nature's requirements' and you're less likely to develop piles. It also keeps the leg muscles toned and helps keep people mobile as they age. I'm not sure I could manage it nowadays, though!

Squatting also fully empties the bladder which conventional loos often don’t do.

Wonder if my OH would start digging out the downstairs loo? On second thoughts, given his woeful record on DIY, perhaps not. I’ll just let him continue to look after me all day, every day - except when he pops to Lidl!

Ah! I first came across these in the Middle East 40 years ago, and still have dreams where I'm desperate for a loo and all I can find is these! I definitely couldn't squat now without falling into the sh**t(!) My worst memory is being in hospital; the only way was to paddle barefoot through and then wash my feet thoroughly before going back to my bed.

... remember the days when they were the norm at top of ski resorts. Ice and rigid ski boots and one piece ski suits as was all the rage then

Ah the joys of hole in the grounds loos :-) French Aires can be a challenge as can other such facilities in other parts of the world.

Not easy when you "NEED" to go and you have to juggle clothing, bags, finding a tissue etc.

Now my girls travel they no longer laugh at me for having tissues and a small pack of wet wipes in my bra on certain occasions. We do have a laugh about some of "those situations" we have found ourselves in over the years.

All part of life's rich tapestry :-)

I remember having to use a hole in the ground in Crete when jumpsuits were fashionable. I had to carefully remove it without it touching the wet floor and hang it round my neck while performing.

Last year while travelling first class on the Trans-Mongolian My room had a toilet with sink which connected with the next compartment. The gentleman in that compartment was a very tall Frenchman. He must have had a problem aiming with the motion of the train as the floor was always wet with wee. My compartment ended up smelling of wee from walking in and out of there.

Back in the 1970's in India you were expected not only to use a hole in the ground but also to wash yourself clean using your left hand.
In the countries that were the same you ate with your right hand and people do not like anyone to offer their left hand as it is considered unclean.

Lizsan Apparently if you put you feet on s little stool in front of your toilet at home and put your feet up on it, this aligns your bowel to aid defecation!

Hey, of course they’re awful but part of the experience. What is marvellous is how the French provide such fantastic stopping places that are safe, have toilets and picnic areas. When you think of GB we’re stuck with motorway service stations.
Love France, love the whole relaxed thing. Hope it didn’t spoil your day.

I go back to the early seventies, used to go to Boulogne quite regularly. There was a local café by the castle. The toilet was a hole in the ground, but it was a porcelain hole. I can't tell you the name of the café, we used to call it 'The Hole in the Ground'. It did make life quite interesting. They did have hand rails to hold on to, though.

The Aires we use are generally 'cubicle' style but I am reliably informed that squatting is the best way to, well, do what we normally do on a loo! Apparently it puts less strain on our system and is employed by much of the world

By the by we once drove across Switzerland -with legs tightly crossed - as we couldn't find one loo that was open, nor one field or wood that was not overlooked by the road above. Sheer torture!

You have evoked memories! I was up at Ponte di Legno in northern Italy, 1964. Full ski dress, trousers, long Johns, underwear and voluminous jackets, ski boots! Oh my, what a palaver! But had to go. Thank goodness it was just to pee. Never will I forget that day, had to strip! Ski trousers are high waisted and had in those days a sort’ ve braces affair! At least there was a hook on the door..........

Speaking of clothing, I have never understood why dungarees are so popular for pregnant women. If there's a time in your life when you need to go right now, it's in pregnancy and dungarees do not make for a hasty exit from your clothing!

The French call them ‘Turkish Toilets”, not sure why. they are pretty horrid !!!

silverlining48

The bucket and hose, or large jug in the ladies cubicle are because Muslim ladies are required to wash off after using the toilet.

A nice idea, I think.

I've been using the Aires recently but only the ones with a shop or petrol. They've been fine but not one of them ever has a loo seat. I assume the seats are tricky to keep clean or something but at first I assumed that people steal them!

Mastered these when my twins were small. They had their undies pulled down and were held over the hole to 'perform' and were then handed off to their Dad. Then I removed one leg from trews and undies, tucked the loose leg up my top and did the necessary, before re-dressing and exiting - exhausted, but relieved!

I should add that both girls were utterly terrified of these holes, meaning using them was something of an ordeal for all concerned! I'm pretty sure fellow travellers thought I was murdering them, for as soon as the hole was spotted, the screaming began!