From Brittany to Paris and the French Riviera, tourists and locals can dip their toes in over 2880 French swimming pools in France that are open to the public for just a few euros. Here are 39 of France’s most extraordinary public pools and aquatic centres- where you can do some laps, escape the heat with the kids, or mingle with the locals. It’s hard to believe they’re not private.
**This post has a lot of images of French swimming pools in France, so give it a minute to load:
What you need to know about swimming and Public pools in France
Swimming is France’s 2nd favourite sports activity and pastime after hiking, according to a study by Statista.
Every year, millions of French people flock to public pools, and you can too because there is at least one public pool in most French towns above a specific population. Cities with a larger population, such as Paris, Lyon and Montpellier, have several swimming pools. Paris alone has 39 public pools (as of this writing).
In total, there are roughly 2881 public swimming pools scattered across French cities in France. (The number fluctuates from year to year as some pools close and others open).
You might be interested in this list of the ten largest cities in France.
You might be interested in reading about another favourite French pastime: mushroom foraging, which can get a little dangerous.
Public Pools in France are better than you think, but…
Although the public swimming pools on this list are extraordinary (relatively speaking), remember to set your expectations. Public pools in France generally meet or exceed my expectations in one way or another. That’s not to say that every municipal pool in France is picture-perfect.
If you’re up for swimming with locals in a pool that stands out from the rest, then read on.
If you’re looking for a serene, five-star swimming experience with still water in a quiet spa-like environment, it’s doubtful to happen at a French public pool.
Tips about public pools in France
- Because of the low entry fee (a few Euros) and popularity, public pools in France can get crowded and loud. Especially in larger cities, in warmer months and during children’s school holiday breaks. Crowds mean more dirt.
- Don’t assume a pool is open. Check pool schedules and hours. Some pools close during the winter and or summer or for maintenance or other reasons.
- Public pools usually cost anywhere from two to eight euros depending on the facility and the location. If there are saunas or workout rooms, those will cost a little extra.
- Swimming caps are always required. (bonnet de piscine)
- Only certain types of swimming suits are allowed in French public pools. (see an example below)
I handpicked public pools in France for this list, which I think stands out from the rest.
- Some are historical sites that date back to the early 1900s with interesting period architecture.
- Others are in breathtaking locations with spectacular views.
- A handful of these French pools are modern architectural marvels with that ‘je ne sais quoi”.
- And some are so chock-full of amenities: they seem more like an aquatic amusement park than they do a public pool.
- If you’re visiting a city in France not on this list, you can search for local pools by location, size, price, etc. Here’s the link. https://www.guide-piscine.fr/guide-des-piscines/,
- piscine {Pi-Seen} = Pool or swimming pool
- piscine municipale {Pi-Seen Muu-Nee-see-Pal} = public swimming pool.
10 Swimming Pools In Paris
Paris has 39 public swimming pools. Here are my top 10 Parisian public pool pics.
1) Piscine Pontoise (Paris)
Address: 19 Rue de Pontoise, 75005 Paris, France. 5th arrondissement in the Latin quarter close to boulevard Saint-Germain.
https://www.paris.fr/equipements/piscine-pontoise-2918
Designed by Lucien Pollen, the same designer of the Molitor pool
If this pool looks familiar, it’s because Lucien Pollet, the same architect who designed the Molitor pool, also designed this pool— constructed in 1934, 4 years after the Molitor.
This lovely 33m pool is set inside a stunning art-deco building. Its enormous glass ceiling and mosaic frescoes are flanked by two mezzanine levels with vintage changing cabins. And like the Molitor, this pool is a historical monument. The downside is that there is only one pool, so this pool can get quite crowded. It’s also in a popular location near the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Pay a few euros more, and you can use the sauna, squash court, cardio room, and fitness courses. Or go during “nocturne,” night swimming to music from 8 pm to midnight on certain nights, for 11,10 €.
2) Piscine Pailleron (Paris)
Address: 32 rue Edouard Pailleron, 75019
Designed by Lucien Pollen, the same designer of the Molitor and Pontoise pools
Located in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, next to the trendy Buttes Chaumont park is the Pailleron pool nestled inside a charming historic red brick building with an art deco interior.
There is a two-level mezzanine with vintage individual changing cabins. The pool opened in 1933 but was abandoned in 1998. Following a few years of restoration, it reopened in 2006 with a new integrated sports complex. The filtered light that comes through the glass roof gives the pool lots of natural light. In the summer, the pool opens its lawn area, where you can see French families and couples tanning on towels.
3) Piscine Hébert (Paris)
Addressee: 2 rue des Fillettes 18e Paris
www.paris.fr/equipements/piscine-hebert-2943
The secret art deco pool in Paris
One of the best-kept aquatic secrets in Paris is the Hébert pool, hidden behind the Marx Dormay metro station across from a small wooded square in the 18th arrondissement. This pool is far away from the busy Paris center, so it’s usually quiet and calm, unlike many other more popular pools around Paris.
The pool opened in 1896 as a sort of bathhouse fed and heated by artesian wells but was completely renovated in 1990. Its two swimming pools measure 25m x 12m and 12m x 12m and are well-lit thanks to the buildings’ modern solarium design and the roof that opens up.
At just 3,50 € per entry, it’s an affordable way to get some laps in if you’re near the 18th arrondissement.
4) Piscine Roger le Gall (Paris)
Address: 34 boulevard Carnot 75012 PARIS (12th arrondissement)
www.paris.fr/equipements/piscine-roger-le-gall-2950
Care to go skinny dipping in Paris?
The Roger Le Gall Swimming Pool might seem like your run-of-the-mill pool, but what sets this pool apart is that you can skinny-dip here.
Three nights a week, the l’Association des naturistes de Paris (Paris Naturist Association) offers nude swimming at this pool.
If this sounds appealing to you and you want to go skinnydipping, show up with 10 Euros and your birthday suit. If your18 to 26, it’s only 5 euros. Got kids under 18? Bring them; they can swim in the buff for free as long as a paying adult accompanies them.
Although swimming in the nude is open to people of all ages and gender, there is typically more males than females. Typical!
Nudists swim nights: Monday, Wednesday and Friday (9 p.m.-11 p.m.) Check the nature club website as times and days may change. French site: naturistes-paris.fr/adhesion-et-visites/tarifs/
5) Paris Plages Bassin de la Villette (Paris)
Address: Bassin de la Villette 75019 Paris, France
www.en.parisinfo.com/discovering-paris/major-events/paris-plages
The other Paris Beach you didn’t know about.
Most visitors to Paris know about the Paris plage (Paris beach), a temporary artificial beach along the river Seine open from July to September. But did you know there’s a second Paris beach on the outskirts of Paris in the 19th arrondissement on the quay de la Marne?
Le Bassin de la Villette is a set of 3 pools that jut out of the Quay on an artificial lake that connects the humanmade canals de l’Ourcq and Saint Martin. The pools vary in depth to accommodate both children, adult swimmers, and people with reduced mobility.
6) Piscine des Amiraux pool (Paris)
Address: 6 Rue Hermann-Lachapelle, 75018 Paris, France
www.paris.fr/equipements/piscine-des-amiraux-2944
You may recognize piscine des amiraux (the admiral’s pool) immortalized in the French cult film “Amélie.”
Designed by Henry Sauvage, the pool dates back to the 1920s. Monsieur Sauvage also invented the stepped building where the higher floors are set back like a step to give room for each tenant to have an open terrace. At the centre of the apartment building is where he put the municipal swimming pool.
In 2017, the pool closed but opened after two years and a 9.7 million euro restorative facelift. The restoration maintained the original art deco design’s integrity, including the double mezzanine levels surrounding the pool with individual changing cabins — a design feature in many older art deco pools.
7) Piscine Georges Vallerey formerly Piscine Les Tourelles (Paris)
Address: 148 Avenue Gambetta, 75020 Paris, France. 20th arrondissement
https://www.vallerey-piscine.fr
The 1924 Olympics was the first pool to use the standard 50 m pool with marked lanes.
Built for the 1924 Olympics, Piscine Les Tourelles was also the first Olympics to use the standard 50m pool with marked lanes, which we now call an Olympic-sized pool.
In 1989 the pool was renovated and reopened as piscine Georges Vallerey, although it’s often referred to by its original name. The 50m pool is often sectioned into two 25m pools separating the serious lap swimmers from classes.
Sunbathers can get a tan when the weather permits, thanks to the retractable plexiglass roof added as part of the renovation.
8) Piscine de la Butte-aux-Cailles (Paris)
Address: 5 place Paul Verlaine, 75013 Paris. 13th arrondissement
www.paris.fr/equipements/piscine-de-la-butte-aux-cailles-2927
It feels like you’re swimming in a cathedral.
Housed inside a beautiful red brick building and registered as a historical monument is the Butte-aux-Cailles pool. The pool sits on top of an artesian well dug in 1893 and was initially a public shower and bathhouse before becoming a public swimming pool in 1924.
Piscine de la Butte-aux-Cailles is one of the oldest swimming pool in Paris and France.
There are three pools; two 25m by 12m exterior pools and a 33m indoor pool. Swimming in the interior pool, with its art deco high vaulted roof supported by several concrete parabolic arches, is like swimming in a white cathedral. The water temperature is kept warm thanks to the natural sulphurous spring, roughly 28°C.
9) La piscine Joséphine Baker (Paris)
Address: Quai François Mauriac, 75013 Paris, France
Swim on the Seine river in a pool named after a famous Parisian transplant: American singer and actress
Take a walk down the Seine river towards the François Mitterrand library in the 13th arrondissement, and you’ll come across a floating pool that stands out from other Parisian public pools on this list. This impressive glass and steel barge created by architect Robert de Busni has a retractable glass roof and floats on the Seine river.
Due to its location and visibility, it is extremely popular (especially during the summer) and is often jam-packed with Parisians looking to enjoy an open-air swim, a workout in the fitness rooms, or to relax in the sunrooms, saunas, jacuzzi or hammam.
There’s also a wading pool where children love to splash around while parents watch. The pools are open all year round, and with an admission price of 4 Euros for visitors, this is a great place to add to your Paris bucket list.
10) Piscine Château-Landon (Paris)
Address : 31 R. du Château Landon, 75010 Paris, France
www.paris.fr/equipements/piscine-chateau-landon-2923
The Château-Landon was the first pool built in Paris that was also covered and heated. It dates back to 1884 and was initially a public shower and bathhouse before becoming a public swimming pool. It’s now one of the oldest pools in France.
Around 1925 it went through some renovations and was redesigned in the classic art deco liner. It has two mezzanine levels with private cabins which flank the 25 by 10 meters covered pool and a second learning pool of 10m 6 m pool. The high ceiling with glass windows lets in plenty of light and makes the space feel lofty and bright.
MONTPELLIER
Montpellier, located in southwestern France, is the 7th largest city in terms of population. It’s also one of the fastest-growing cities with the youngest population in all of France. It might be the closest thing you get to a college town. It’s also where I’ve lived for the past few years.
10) Piscine Olympique d ‘Antigone (Montpellier)
Address: 195 Avenue Jacques Cartier, 34000 Montpellier, France
https://www.montpellier3m.fr/equipement/piscine-olympique-dantigone-montpellier
Piscine Olympique d ‘Antigone is my favourite pool on this list but I’m biased because this is the public pool we use regularly, and it’s where my daughter took synchronized swimming classes.
Piscine Olympique d ‘Antigone is a modern bi-level sports complex (called POA by the locals). It’s big and bright thanks to its retractable roof and glass enclosure.
There’s an Olympic-sized swimming pool dedicated to serious swimmers and swimming clubs like the polo team and my daughter’s synchronized swimming team. There’s also a jacuzzi and a fun recreational pool with a giant slide where people congregate to talk, and kids splash around very loudly.
A full-price adult entrance fee is 5.20 €, or you can get a family pass for 13.20 € (2 adults +2 children). There are also aquatic classes and activities open to the general public for an additional fee.
Issy-les-Moulineaux
Issy-les-Moulineaux is a suburb of Paris, just 6km from Eglise Notre Dame, considered km zero of France.
12) Piscine Aqua Zena (Issy-les-Moulineaux )
Address: 140-144, Promenade du verger 92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux
Possibly the only Zen Feng Sui public pool in France
Unlike Paris’s art deco pools, the Aqua Zena pool is a very modern experience with recessed rounded skylights and rounded corners. It’s got an almost retro 1960s feel to it. Mikou Design Studio designed this 14.5 million Euro Piscine du Fort structure in 2014.
They engaged Feng shul specialist Laurence Dujardin to guide them in understanding Feng shul’s Chinese philosophical system. Their water in the swimming pools is ozone-treated, so there’s no chlorine smell.
A full-price adult ticket costs 4,70€. You can also buy a day pass, which gives you access to everything- the fitness centre, solarium, squash courts, sauna, and hammam. Hungry? Have a bite in the cafeteria.
Creil
The perfect day trip from Paris is Creil, a short 25-minute train ride.
13) la piscine de Creil
Address: 1 Rue de la République, 60100 Creil, France
www.creil.fr/equipements-sportifs
Another art deco pool inaugurated in 1926. The Creil pool was initially modelled after the Parisian pools Butte-aux-Cailles (1923) and Stade Nautique des Tourelles (1924).
During WW2, the pool was heavily damaged during air raids and bombings, but it was rebuilt in 1963. Over the years, the facilities became dilapidated and out of date, so it was given another update in 2013. The result is a modern pool with updated facilities and art deco touches.
For a mere 4,30 €, visitors can swim in the beautiful 25m pool or splash around in the fun pool with water jets where you have a view overlooking the Oise river thanks to the glass windows. For an extra 4,30 €, take advantage of the sauna and hammam.
Biarritz
In the heart of Basque Country, Biarritz, just 40 minutes from the Spanish border, offers visitors a unique atmosphere. Known for its thriving surf scene, beaches, and therapeutic water, it’s a place where posh restaurants and spas live side by side lowbrow pizza joints and surf shops.
14) Piscine Municipale (Biarritz)
Address: Boulevard du Général de Gaulle, 64200 Biarritz, France
An indoor pool with huge bay windows overlooking the beach
For a few Euros, swimmers can dip their toes in one of two heated indoor sea-water pools in an elegant art deco building. Swimmers can also relax on the indoor decks in front of the large bay windows where you’ll have a view of the beach on the Bay of Biscay.
Aix en Provence
Does Aix en Provence even need a description?
15) Piscine Yves Blanc (Aix en Provence)
Address: 26 Avenue des Écoles Militaires, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France
Peter Mayle (RIP) never mentions the Yves Blanc public pool in his book “A Year in Provence.” However, it’s worth visiting this newly renovated complex, which features a 50m eight-lane outdoor pool under a retracting roof with stadium seating and a smaller 25m indoor pool. There’s also a wading pool for the little ones right outside the building.
You have to see it to believe it. Check out this video showing the pool and building modifications. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQe71HuOtGM
Bordeaux
Out of the six public pools in Bordeaux, France’s ninth-largest city, two stand out.
16) La piscine de Bègles (Bordeaux)
Address: Rue Carnot, 33130 Bègles, France
https://www.mairie-begles.fr/les-bains/
Situated in a 1932 art deco building in Bordeaux, France is a 25m swimming pool with hammam and patio. You can also practice climbing or biking in a grassy landscaped area. And if you’re hungry, grab a quick bite at the restaurant/tea room.
17) La piscine Judaïque (Bordeaux)
Address: 164 Rue Judaïque, 33000 Bordeaux, France
www.bordeaux.fr/o213/piscine-judaique
Guys, bring your speedos here. No joke!
For 5.05 euros, you can swim in one of 2 pools at the Judaique pool in Bordeaux, hidden behind a giant concrete portico of a former riding school dating back to the 1800s.
By contrast, the interior is very modern, open and light.
The retractable roof and glass wall, which divides the two pools, can open up, giving the illusion that both pools are side by side outdoors.
This pool has a reputation for being extremely strict about their bathing suit policy, specifically for men. Many male reviewers have complained that they were asked to exit the pool because they were not wearing speedo type swimming trunks.
Lyon
Lyon, France’s third-largest city in terms of population, has 11 public pools, but there’s one that stands out from the rest because of its location, view, and amenities. This pool is a victim of its success.
18) Centre Nautique Tony Bertrand formerly La Piscine du Rhône (Lyon)
Address: 8 quai Claude Bernard, 69007 Lyon France
Swimming on the Rhone river
In the heart of Lyon on the left bank of the Rhone river is le centre Nautique Tony Bertrand also known by its former name piscine du Rhône. This pool gets extremely popular, especially during the warmer months when many Lyonnais locals complain of waiting up to an hour to gain entry.
Once inside, it’s worth the wait. The open-air outdoor pools give you a spectacular view of the city and the Rhone river. There’s a 50m Olympic size pool for laps. A huge 168m x 24 m pool sectioned off to give swimmers a fun slide area, a wading area with water jets for kids, and a larger space for splashing around.
The centre is open all year round, and the price of regular admission is 3.40 euros while locals pay 2.60 euros. Definitely worth a visit, especially if you have kids or want to get in some laps to burn off all those croissants you ate.
Rennes
Like Strasbourg, Rennes, Brittany’s capital city in northwest France, is known for its traditional half-timbered houses.
19) Saint-Georges pool (Rennes)
Address: 2 Rue Gambetta, 35000 Rennes, France
www.metropole.rennes.fr/les-horaires-des-piscines
Bark at the moon while swimming in an art deco pool
Classified as a historical art deco monument is Renne’s first swimming pool, which opened in 1925.
It was designed by Architect Emmanuel Le Rayhe, who based his design off of the Butte-aux-Cailles pool built-in 1923 as well as the pool in the Nancy thermal complex, built-in 1904.
Strasbourg
20) Les Bains municipaux de Strasbourg
Address: 10 boulevard de la Victoire, 67000, Strasbourg, France
¤¤update: this pool was closed in June of 2018 for renovations which will take several years.
It’s like swimming in a museum
A visit to Les Bains municipaux de Strasbourg (the bathhouse of Strasbourg) is like swimming in an ancient ruin or museum.
First inaugurated in 1908, it’s considered one of the oldest bath complexes in the world. It features two swimming pools, Roman baths, a sauna (previously the medicinal baths), a steam room, and marble pools at different temperatures.
This splendour sits inside a beautiful neo-Romanesque style building, listed as a historical monument since 2000.
Unfortunately, the pools are very rundown but are due for a complete renovation and will likely be transformed into a well-being centre.
Lingolsheim
Lingolsheim is a suburb of Strasbourg you might not have heard of, but this refreshing pool should be on your list.
21) Piscine de Lingolsheim
Address: 15 Rue de Normandie, 67380 Lingolsheim, France
www.strasbourg.eu/lieu/-/entity/sig/406_SPO_7
Swimming in a sunflower pool (Piscine tournesol) that looks like a spaceship
photo © Jean Baptiste Dorner, Communauté Urbaine de Strasbourg
The pool in Lingolsheim, a banlieue of Strasbourg, is one of 183 prefabricated pools built in the late ’70s and early 80’s called Les piscines tournesols (sunflower pools).
Some say it looks like a UFO, while others think it looks like a mushroom. Either way, the sunflower pool has a place in history; many French adults and children learned to swim in a sunflower pool. Unfortunately, half of the original 183 sunflower pools have either been destroyed or fallen in disrepair and abandoned.
A few lucky ones, like this one, have been beautifully restored. It’s like swimming in a spaceship.
Toulouse
There are 12 municipal pools in Toulouse, including the largest outdoor pool in France and Europe.
22) Alfred Nakache été and hiver pools (Toulouse)
Address: 31400 Allée Gabriel Biénès, 31400 Toulouse, France
www.toulouse.fr/web/sports/piscines/nakache-ete
Home to the largest outdoor pool in France and Europe.
On the island of Ramier in the middle of the Garonne river is a swimming centre called Piscine du parc des sports Nakache, named after the French Olympic swimmer Alfred Nakache.
Nakache été
Several pools are set on this 1.85 acres (7,500 square meters), including the pool Nakache été (Nakache summer), first inaugurated in 1931. At a whopping 150m long and 50m wide, it’s the largest outdoor pool in France and Europe and often makes the list of largest pools in the world.
At the far end of the été pool is a man-made Grotte (cave) with a cascading waterfall made of lava from Mount Vesuvius, now listed as a historical monument.
The pool area also features four picnic areas, two paved beach areas for swimmers to sunbath, and various sports activities such as outdoor volleyball. This pool is extremely popular during the summer months. It gets incredibly crowded as people try to cool down in the hot Toulouse weather.
Nakache hiver
The pool is only open during the summer months. During the winter months, swimmers have can head next door to the Nakache hiver (Nakache winter). It features a 25 m and 16 m pool enclosed in a building with art deco touches.
Thonon-Les-Bains
Thonon-Les-Bains is an adorable spa town situated on the edge of Lake Geneva.
23) Plage Municipal (Thonon-Les-Bains)
Address: Quai de Ripaille,74200 Thonon-Les-Bains
www.ville-thonon.fr/165-piscine.htm
Swim on lake Geneva
Another outdoor pool overlooking a body of water is a pool called Plage municipal (public beach), located in Thonon-Les-Bain, an hour from Geneva, Switzerland on Lake Geneva (French: lac Léman).
There are three superb full-size swimming pools enclosed in a grassy park with plenty of trees. There’s a smaller pool for diving: a shallower children’s pool and an Olympic size pool which sits right on Lake Geneva. There’s also a fantastic 100 Metre long slide that winds itself through the park around the pools.
A standard entry is 4.50 euros, but locals pay 3.50, and children under three are free.
Dieppe
Dieppe is a fishing port on the Normandy coast of northern France.
24) Les Bains (Dieppe)
Address: 101 Boulevard de Verdun, 76200 Dieppe, France
Swim with a view of a 1000-year-old castle
Dieppe’s swimming complex is located right off the beach with AMAZING views of Château de Dieppe, a restored castle founded in 1188. The complex features two 50m seawater pools, one indoor and one outdoor pool.
Chamonix
Chamonix, known for its fantastic skiing, is a French resort city nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc. It also shares a border with Switzerland and Italy
25) Centre Sportif Richard Bozon (Chamonix)
Address: 214 Avenue de la Plage, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
www.cc-valleedechamonixmontblanc.fr/
The hills are alive with swimmers.
The Centre Sportif Richard Bozon in Chamonix is a multipurpose sports complex with a lot to offer.
It features a 25m indoor pool, play pool with a waterfall, river rapids, water jets, 130m covered water slide, solarium, a jacuzzi and a hammam. The 50m outdoor pool gives you breath-taking views of rocky mountains tipped with snow and is open from June to September while the indoor pool is open all year round.
Prices are steeper here at 7 euros for adults and 5 for kids.
Hyerès
A city on the French Riviera and one of my favourite outdoor pools.
26) Complexe Aquatique-Piscine (Hyères Les Palmiers)
Address: 37 ave Ambroise Thomas 83400 Hyères France
http://www.ville-hyeres.fr/agenda/complexe-aquatique-piscine
It’s the French Riviera.
I had to include a pool from the French Riviera’s because, well, it’s the Riviera. I also lived here with my children and husband for almost five years before moving to Montpellier.
Getting to this pool can be a little complicated. You need a car, or you need to take the bus. There is no tram or metro in town. There are three main pools, including an Olympic outdoor pool, a 25m indoor pool, and a 12.5m kids pool. There’s also a 21m long slide, a fun pool area with a jacuzzi, hydro-massage jets, massage benches, and a paddling pool. For a few euros extra, you can use the Hammam and Sauna.
I can’t prove this, but my husband used to swim at this pool quite often and said that women often took their tops off in the outdoor lap pool.
Only on the Riviera.
Le Havre
27) Les Bains des Docks (Le Havre)
Address: Quai de la Réunion, 76600 Le Havre, France
www.vert-marine.info/lesbainsdesdocks/
A futuristic modern pool.
Inspired by Roman baths, Le Bains des Docks is a vast complex of 10 indoor and outdoor pools of varying sizes, including an Olympic size pool.
Once inside, straight, boxy designs painted white surround you. It feels and looks very futuristic.
Chartres
28) L’Odyssée (Chartres)
Address: Rue du Médecin Général Beyne, 28000 Chartres, France
Opened: September 25, 2009
What sets this place apart is its size and amenities. One look around the Complexe Aquatique de l’Odyssée, and you might think you’re in an oasis aquatic park.
Largest aquatic centre in France
With over 5000 sq. Meters of surface water, it’s the largest aquatic centre in France. There’s not one but two Olympic size pools where swimmers can swim laps to their heart’s content.
Europes largest wave pool and running river pool
Visitors can float along Europe’s largest wave pool, immerse themselves in Europe’s largest running river, or jettison down one of several slides. There is also an outdoor lagoon and wading pools for the kiddies to splash around. During the summer, the outdoor volleyball and man-made beach areas are quite popular with families and couples, especially when the temperatures start to rise.
There’s a sauna, a hammam, and a relaxing spa with massaging jets for those who want more of a spa experience.
Like many public pools, there is an assortment of swimming classes for kids and adults offered throughout the year, including scuba diving classes. A full price entry for one adult is around 7 euros.
Watch this video; you’re kids will beg you to take them here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0o0qyPY9K4U
Limoges
Limoge is a city in Southcentral France on the Vienne River, most famous for its Limoge porcelain dolls and industry since the 18th century.
29) Centre Aquatique Aquapolis (Limoges)
Address: 359 Rue Aristide Briand, 87100 Limoges, France
https://www.vert-marine.info/aquapolis/
Like the aquatic centre in Chartes, the Limoge aquatic centre is like a big aquatic amusement centre.
It has a beautiful Olympic sports pool, a 25m learning and activity Pool with a moving floor, Lagunas, slides, a 3 level diving pit, workout rooms, a man-made pool river, classes, and more.
Sainte-Radegonde
If you’re ever in the Loire valley, this place is like the Disneyland of pools.
30) Les Bassins du Thouet (Sainte-Radegonde)
Address: Rue Raoul Follereau, 79100 Sainte-Radegonde, France
www.bassins-du-thouet.fr/horaires-tarifs
Made for a new generation, the aquatic centre in Sainte-Radegonde, another giant aquatic complex. Besides a huge indoor and outdoor pool, there are play pools, a 25m nordic pool, slides, a sauna, jacuzzi, workout room, hammam and aquatic classes.
The basic entry fee for one adult is 5 euros. You’ll pay extra to use the sauna, hammam, workout room, and classes.
Villenave d’Ornon
Villenave d’Ornon is the fourth-largest suburb of Bordeaux.
31) Piscine Olympique (Villenave d’Ornon)
Address: 145 Route de Léognan, 33140 Villenave-d’Ornon, France
https://www.villenavedornon.fr/culture-sport-loisirs/piscine-olympique-municipale/
This large complex has an eight-lane Olympic sized swimming pool, several smaller pools, a solarium & sauna and plenty of classes. They claim to be able to accommodate up to 1072 bathers simultaneously.
Bruay-La-Buissière
32) piscine Salengro (Bruay-La-Buissière)
Address: 716 Rue Augustin Caron, 62700 Bruay-la-Buissière, France
http://bruaylabuissiere.fr/index.php/piscine-art-deco/
The only outdoor art deco pool in France.
Constructed in the 1930s, this stadium-park and swimming pool in Bruay-La-Buissière (northern France) claims to be the only outdoor art deco pool still existing in France. It’s also a world heritage site.
It’s one of the few public pools in France where swimming caps are not mandatory.
Saint-Martin-Vésubie
Saint-Martin-Vésubie is a small picturesque village located 1000 meters above sea level, roughly two hours north of Nice and Cannes.
33) Vesúbia Mountain Park (Saint-Martin-Vésubie)
Address: Allée du Dr Fulconis, 06450 Saint-Martin-Vésubie, France
Vesubia-mountain-park.fr/Acces-Libre-Espace-Aquatique_77_82_97.html
A family’s indoor paradise, rain or shine.
The Vésubia Mountain Park activity center is a must-visit, especially if you want to go somewhere truly unique with the kids. The aquatic area features a 25 m pool, outdoor beach area, sunroom, hydro-massage bench and massage nozzle and paddling pool for the little ones. Access to the pool area is around 6 euros for an adult and 4 for children up to age 12.
You can try indoor rock climbing, indoor zipline, and even indoor canyoning and spelunking for an additional fee. Prices for these extra activities vary but expect to pay around 12 euros per hour.
Mérignac
34) Stade Nautique (Mérignac)
Address: 68 Avenue du Truc, 33700 Mérignac, France
www.merignac.com/equipement/stade-nautique-jean-badet
The 50m x 15m pool is under an interesting bubble tench, making the pool bright but keeps the direct sunlight out. There is also a small 25m x 10m pool, a paddling pool for children from 1 to 6 years, and a diving pit (these 2 activities are only available in summer). There’s a sauna for adults and children, and if you’re hungry, head over to the restaurant open for lunch from Tuesday to Saturday.
Outdoor Seawater Pools On the Beach
Can’t make up your mind between swimming in the sea or a swimming pool? Dive into one of several open-air seawater pools (piscine d’eau de Mer ) dug out of France’s beaches on the Atlantic coast.
These pools were all built back in the late ’20s and 30’s and they served a purpose – so swimmers could enjoy swimming in the sea even when the tide is out. The sea retreats very far out on the beaches in NOrthern France.
Saint-Malo
if you read Anthony Doerr‘s novel, “All the light we cannot see,” you probably know a little something about Saint-Malo- a walled medieval port city in Brittany.
If not, you should read the book. I bought the audible version.. Sign up and get 30 days of membership free. You’ll receive 1 audiobook and 2
Winner of the 2015 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction and the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. It's about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive World War II devastation. The girl and her father flee Nazi-occupied Paris to her uncle's house in the walled citadel of Saint-Malo.
35) La piscine Bon-Secours (Saint-Malo)
Address: 6 Rue de la Crosse, 35400 Saint-Malo, France
Directly on the Bon-Secour beach in Saint-Malo is a 5500 sq. Metre outdoor seawater pool. Inaugurated in 1937 by then-mayor M René, the swimming pool is open 24 hours a day, and it’s free.
Saint-Malo has one of the worlds’ most significant tidal changes, so the water in the pool changes up to twice a day, at each tide. In comparison, seawater in the nearby sea pool in Dinard refreshes only on higher tides.
Check out this video and watch the kids dive right into the water. (start watching from 47 seconds)
Dinard
36) La piscine d’eau de mer de la Porte d’Émeraude (Dinard)
Address: 4 Prom. des Alliés, 35800 Dinard, France
The seawater pool in Dinard is located just 20 minutes from Saint-Malo and also has a diving platform.
37) Seawater pool on Prieuré beach (Dinard)
Address: 23 Avenue du Général Giraud, 35800 Dinard, France
Dinard has a second outdoor seawater pool on the beach. Just 21 minutes south of the seawater pool on Ecluse beach is a much quieter beach, Plage du Prieuré. Less is known about this particular pool, but you’ll have breath-taking views of not only the sea but the famous walled city Saint-Malo in Brittany.
Saint-Quay-Portrieux
38) Outdoor Saltwater Pool (Saint-Quay-Portrieux)
Address: 6 Rue de la Crosse, 35400 Saint-Malo, France
www.saintquayportrieux.com/voir-faire/sites-voir/piscine-eau-mer/
Châtelet beach is one of three beaches in Saint-Quay-Portrieuxc, a seaside resort town with another seawater pool. Built-in 1929, around the same time as the other seawater pools on this list. The seawater is renewed at every high tide when the levels exceed 9m. (high tide can go as high as 12m completely hiding the pool.
The public pool turned into a museum in Roubaix.
The next time you’re in Lille, go to the neighbouring city of Roubaix. It has a fascinating pool inside a museum.
39) La Piscine (Roubaix)
Address: 23 Rue de l’Espérance, 59100 Roubaix, France
https://www.roubaix-lapiscine.com/
The pool in Roubaix originally opened in 1932 but closed in 1985 for safety reasons. In 2001, it reopened as Musée d’art et d’industrie, but most people just call it La Piscine Museum.
It’s a unique museum concept and an unusual setting for various works of art. Be sure to check out the stone figures and statues around the pool.
If you decide to visit the piscine museum, be sure to pick up the Lille City pass. For a little less than 30 USD, it gives you free access to more than 30 tourist sites and attractions in Lille, including the Piscine museum of art and Industry in Roubaix. Plus, you can use the pass to travel around the city for free on Lille’s metropolitan public transport network (metro, bus, tram)
Order your Lille city pass online and get instant confirmation.
Free entry to more than 30 tourist sites and attractions. Free use of Lille's metropolitan public transport network (metro, bus, tram). Discounts in selected restaurants and shops in Lille, Roubaix and Tourcoing. Free cancellation Cancel up to 24 hours in advance. To receive a full refund Mobile ticketing Vouchers must be exchanged for tickets. Duration: 24 - 72 hours
Vives les piscines municipales!
The public pools on this list may pale compared to some high-end hotel pools, but remember, these are public pools for the masses with a price point that you can’t beat.
For less than the cost of a Starbucks frappuccino coffee, you can spend the whole day, if you want, swimming and cooling down in these pools. It’s an excellent value for your money. Plus, you can flex your French language skills and experience what it’s like to live in France versus swimming at your hotel pool with other tourists.
