Do the doggy paddle snoop style this summer in one of Paris’ many swimming pools. There are no less than 38 of them in the twenty arrondissements so you’re really spoilt for choice. Where should you dip your pretty little toes into this summer? Here’s some advice…
For the Serious Swimmer
Piscine Suzanne Berlioux
Rue Berger, Forum des Halles, 75004
Right let’s get down to it. You need a place to swim with no nonsense, hardy any bullshit kids flapping around trying to find Nemo, you just want to swim, get the hell out and get on with your day. Well Madame Suzanne Berlioux should quench your thirst just right. Yeah ok, it’s in Forum des Halles, not the best place to spend time in, but its opening hours are the widest in Paris and there’s no time reserved for school children.
Chic Chic Parisian Chic
Le Royal Monceau
37 avenue Hoche, 75008
If you’re feeling flashy, wanting a little privacy and needing a little get away from the daily riff-raff then the Spa at Le Royal Monceau hotel is your one way ticket to Parisian paradise. Why here when there is a plethora of luxurious five star fancy-pants spas kicking around? Biggest infinity pool in Paris, everything is white, the latest rejuvenating skin care treatments, saunas, dedicated fitness coaches and the ‘Royal Detox Pan’ are just a few reasons which should get you going: basically pure relaxation and serenity. Yes it comes at a price but darling you know you’re worth it!
Hello Hipsters, swim here often?
Piscine Pailleron
32 rue Edouard Pailleron, 75019
Situated right beside the trendy hangout that is the Buttes Chaumont Park, one should expect hipsters and bohemian beauties taking centre stage at the Piscine Pailleron. The pool is very popular so get there early if you want to guarantee a prime spot to make love with your eyes to all the tattooed skinny gals and guys flaunting their best dives.
Culture Vultures Unite here
Piscine Pontoise Quartier Latin
17 rue de Pointoise, 75005
Swim amongst the young up and coming intellects of the Parisian world at the Piscine Pointoise. Unsurprising, as it’s probably the most beautiful swimming locations you will find in the city. Set inside a stunning art-deco building with mosaic frescoes, metal railings and an enormous opaque glass ceiling that will let the natural light flow all over your glistening body, this place is worth a visit even if you haven’t the foggiest idea about swimming. Even better go here at night and you will literally be swimming amongst the stars. Its vintage charm and sensual aura should not be missed. Wallet friendly too people!
Best Place to find a sugar daddy…
La Piscine Molitor
Avenue de la Porte Molitor, 75016 Paris
Wow if this swimming pool could talk the stories it would tell. From a swimming pool to an ice rink to complete abandonment to a skate park to an artistic haven to rave central party bonanzas and finally back to a swimming pool its history, one could say, has been fairly turbulent. Now back to its roots, much to the displeasure of all you raging ravers, La Piscine Molitor is open again to the public. Well the wealthy public anyway. At 180 euros a pop this place is little above the average Parisian pool price. It is a celebrity though…the first ever bikini was seen here in 1946 and unfortunately the first monokini a few decades after. Forgiving the latter this place is worth a visit. Best find a Sugar daddy though who can pay the entrance fee then find another one whilst you’re in to buy you a Bellini at the bar!
Swim in the Seine…pretty much!
Piscine Josephine Baker
Port de la Gare, Quai François Mauriac, 75013
All the chillers of the world this one’s for you. In the 80s the Mayor of Paris promised that one-day everyone would be able to swim in the Seine. Well we ain’t quite there yet but the Josephine Baker pool comes very close. Use your imagination people! The floating swimming pool with a retracting roof is perfect for a kick back day in the sun. Splash, lounge and nourish yourself whilst taking in the Parisian scenery. Who really wants to swim in the Seine anyway? So not classy yaa!
By Joanna Reid
