The city of Grenoble has gone to France's highest administrative court to challenge a ban imposed on a new city rule allowing full-body "burkini" swimsuits in public pools.
Grenoble's decision to authorise all swimwear, including burkinis, sparked a legal battle with the government.
Burkinis are worn largely by Muslim women, as a way of preserving modesty and upholding their faith.
But religious expression in public life in France can be divisive.
Ahead of Tuesday's court case, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin described Grenoble city council's swimwear policy as an "unacceptable provocation" that was contrary to French secular values. Last month, a local court in Grenoble suspended the policy on the grounds that it seriously undermined the principle of neutrality in public services.
The ban on burkinis in state-run pools is also advocated for reasons of hygiene. Men are normally obliged to wear tight-fitting swimming trunks - another rule that Grenoble has decided to overturn. The city council has also permitted men to use Bermuda shorts, which are not usually allowed.
More about:
