Swimming in Paris, France

I swam in Paris a few years ago and found it to be a wild experience. Every arondissment (sp) has a neighborhood pool. While they do have lap lanes, they are extremely crowded, so if you're expecting a good workout, you'll be disappointed. I never did understand their rules of etiquette which might mean there aren't any. You definitely need a good sense of humor. They do seem to divide their lanes by relative speed, and in some cases by stroke as well, but it is relative to some unknown standard. The best place I found was the 50m pool at Pompidou center. Same number of people, just more room. I know there must be organized teams somewhere in the city. I was just unsuccessful in finding one. Good luck!

I swam in Paris a few years ago and found it to be a wild experience. Every arondissment (sp) has a neighborhood pool. While they do have lap lanes, they are extremely crowded, so if you're expecting a good workout, you'll be disappointed. I never did understand their rules of etiquette which might mean there aren't any. You definitely need a good sense of humor. They do seem to divide their lanes by relative speed, and in some cases by stroke as well, but it is relative to some unknown standard. The best place I found was the 50m pool at Pompidou center. Same number of people, just more room. I know there must be organized teams somewhere in the city. I was just unsuccessful in finding one. Good luck! i too have swam in paris. the 50 m pool at les halles underground. it was about what 3 ft deep. i also swam at georges vallery pool way out, it hosted the olympics in 19?? . it was 33 1/3 m. set up but was a 50m pool. also in the 9th there are some pools. did check out a few teams but come on your in paris ....eat, drink and be merry....:) be ready for arm to arm combat though:chug:

Thanks for the replies. I'll be going to Paris from London, where I'm planning to swim 2-3 times with a masters team there. So it won't be the end of the world if I miss a few days. I was kind of thinking it may be worth it just for the novelty of the whole experience. I'll check at the hotel where I'm staying and see if they know anything, if I get a real itch to swim. I have been listening to some French language podcasts ("Coffee Break French," is pretty good) so I may be able to survive with a team if I had to.

How much do you pay for 1 day for the pools in Paris? Also what's the difference from U.S. pools (rules, etc.)?

We went to the pool at Les Halles, and found that the lanes were divided by stroke, according to the signs. And we went to the freestyle lane and ran into someone swimming breaststroke, very slowly.... so, as often seems to happen in Paris, the rules are a suggestion. We still had fun and got a nice workout in. Bring your sense of humor along with your suit and towel and you will be fine. --mj

i the swimmers guide lists pools all over the world. it tells price if they know. each pool in paris is different. i do remember putting clothes in a basket no locked lockers. there are no rules hahahah joking. they should be posted at pool. i am pretty sure showering before entering is one rule. the word for kickboard is planche and pull buoy is the same. i would never brave it again. i just walked all over the city. www.swimmersguide.com lists pools in the 4th and 12th arrondisement as having masters team. sort of far out these 2 pools. it has links to pools, don't know how up to date the info is.,

Hello-- I'll be in Paris, France for vacation in a few weeks and thought I'd see if anyone here has experiences swimming there. Ideally, I'd love to find a team to workout with, but I don't speak French, so I don't know how that would go. Appreciate any info anyone may have. Thanks! I found this link www.ffnatation.fr/.../structures.php try the listed email

there are no rules hahahah joking. they should be posted at pool. i am pretty sure showering before entering is one rule. the word for kickboard is planche and pull buoy is the same. i would never brave it again. i just walked all over the city. www.swimmersguide.com Cool, thanks. Are the French public good swimmers (the ones seen at the pools, compared to seen at U.S. pools)? Aren't they supposed to be more civil? ;)

The best place I found was the 50m pool at Pompidou center. i too have swam in paris. the 50 m pool at les halles underground. it was about what 3 ft deep. We went to the pool at Les Halles, and found that the lanes were divided by stroke, according to the signs. ....Bring your sense of humor along with your suit and towel and you will be fine. --mj I will be in Paris and am starting to dream of swimming in this place - I just want to swim in a 50m pool :) A few practical questions about the facility for those who've been there in fairly recent years: 1. You need to bring your own towel? (as swimmj said) 2. Do you need to bring your own padlock? Big or small? (it matters!) How big is the locker--can it contain all winter clothing and backpack? 3. How are the showers? Does the water run continuously, or is it the type of push-button-for-30-seconds shower? Thanks :)

i did bring my own towel. always travel with a thin one from the dollar store, in case i lose it somewhere. i think they put your clothes in a basket. like a small basket. ( don';t quote me, it may have changed. ) i was sorta distressed over this as my wallet went on the pool deck with me and my glasses( wear contacts, but not when i swim). showers can't remember - . hope it is or was a great trip. see if you can carry your backpack on deck... i think there are benches. :)