A girl could at least make sure her legs are shaved and smooth.

[MacShreach]

You couldn't purchase a single razor in five days? Are they that scarce over in France?

LOL. But it's partially an urban myth. If a girl is out casually in jeans or slacks, yeah maybe she won't bother but if she's dressed to party she will. It also kinda depends where in France you are and what kind of girls you're meeting.

Armpits are much more variable, but again it depends on what she's doing--evening dress, most girls shave, tee-shirt most won't bother. French women can be extremely sexy and fashion-conscious but this is France--the revolution is never far below the surface and being forced to conform to societal norms is routinely challenged here

[MacShreach]

Oh, and French girls don't shave their arms. They would regard that as obsessive anyway

[MacShreach]

As do I

[Prospero]

Do you think the norms you outlined there prevail in Paris and one or two other main connurbations in France, but are less true in rural areas? I've often wondered if the French reputation for stylishness is primarily generated by the women of paris

[Prospero]

Shaving the arms is a bit obsessive. i would agree with that.

[MacShreach]

There's clearly a distinction between what goes in the sticks and what goes in town, but it's not restricted to Paris Lyon and Marseilles...Go to any French town or city and you'll see lots of stylish, sexy women...who will have shaved their legs if they are wearing skirts

[MacShreach]

FWIW (and I have considerable experience here) France is the best place in Europe to live, without doubt. Not just for the women.