PARIS – Feminist activists startled swimmers Wednesday when they went topless in a Paris swimming pool in a protest against what they said was the different treatment of men and women.

About 10 young women stripped off at Les Halles pool in the centre of Paris, swimming and walking around for about 15 minutes.

One activist said she was taking part because women's bodies were considered more sexual than men's and they were under greater pressure to live up to standards of beauty.

As other swimmers looked on, mostly amused by the spectacle, a member of staff tried to persuade them to put their tops back on.

AFP / Expatica