Paris is the perfect example of a city without a single beach that boasts unmatched tourist credentials. The closest beach is about 2 hours from the capital, so that leaves you with the many swimming pools scattered around the city. These pools offer the chance to strut your stuff in the waters – whether it is stroke, crawl, or butterfly. You also have to know that pools in Paris do not come at the same prices. The private ones are very expensive while others are more pocket-friendly.

Some are indoors; some are outdoors, and some come with magnificent architecture. So if you want to take a dip to cool off this summer or want to get in some good exercise by doing laps, hot days make the best time to swim. Here is a list of some of the best swimming pools in Paris based on sun rays, aesthetic interest, and some other factors.

Piscine Joséphine Baker

Situated close to the Bibliothèque Francois Mitterrand, this pool is one of a kind, indeed, as it floats on the Seine river. During summer, when the sun rays beam on the open-air pool, it can only mean one thing: the perfect time for a dip. The pool lacks a removable glass roof that makes visitors enjoy a relaxing swim with a splendid view over the French capital.

Encircled by the river’s water, visitors will definitely have the impression that they are swimming in the Seine, but without having to pass through the sewage that they might come across if they, in fact, swim in the capital’s central river. Piscine Joséphine Baker is incredibly Parisian and, without a doubt, is one of the fun-assured ways to swim in Paris. It is located at Quai Francois Mauriac, 75013.

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Piscine Pontoise 

Designed in 1933, Piscine Pontoise is regarded as a historical monument. The building surely gives the pool a special kind of lure that will take visitors back to the French capital’s historical sporting scene. The pool is open until 11:45 pm if you choose to have some night swim sessions. Piscine Pontoise is used for events as well. It is located at 19 rue de Pontoise, 75005.

Piscine Keller

Located in the center of the Beaugrenelle area in the 15th arrondissement, this pool has witnessed a major revamp. In 2008 the 50 m pool reopened. It is also open during summer. Bear in mind that the water is often at a temperature of 28 degrees. Piscine Keller is located at 14, rue de l’ingénieur Robert-Keller, 75015.

Piscine Georges Vallerey

This museum was built in 1924, and it saw a renovation in 1989. Piscine Georges Vallerey is an Olympic-size pool situated in the 20th district. It opens its roof in the summer so that visitors can swim in the open air. Benchers extend throughout the pool’s length so visitors can have a place to put their towels. The pool is located at 148 Avenue Gambetta, 75020 Paris.

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Piscine de la Butte-aux-Cailles (Butte-aux-Cailles Swimming Pool)

This pool is fed by a natural hot water source and is one of the oldest in the city of Paris. Perching on top of an 1893 artesian well, the historic site used to be a bathhouse and shower just before it was converted in 1924 to a public swimming pool. It has fantastic architecture and a stunning solarium. Piscine de la Butte-aux-Cailles is located at 5 Place Paul Verlaine, 75013 Paris. 

Piscine Espace Form Oberkampf

This pool is a small L-shaped spot that is now part of a private fitness center. Opened in 1886, Piscine Espace Form Oberkampf used to be one of the city’s premières. It is popularly known for its outstanding retro aesthetics, which is Instagram-worthy all the time. The scenery there is so nice that film and photoshoots are often held there. There is a two-story balcony that encircles this pool which leads to locker rooms with vintage doors. Taking the stairs to the top, you will see a small spot that’s perfect for sunbathing. Recorded as a Historic Monument, the building today houses a gym, hammams, swimming pool, and saunas. The pool is located at 160 Rue Oberkampf, 75011 Paris. 

Piscine Edouard Pailleron

Piscine Pailleron was first opened in 1933and although it was classified as a Historic Monument, the facility was abandoned in 1998. After two years of significant renovations, the pool opened in 2006. Still, in the initial building, the indoor pool retains its classic charm. And even though it is covered with a glass roof, the Espace Sportif Pailleron has a big space for lounging in the sun, with neighborhood families often gathering on the lawn on fine days. It is located at 32 rue Edouard Pailleron, 75019 Paris. 

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Piscine Molitor

Launched in 1929, this pool used to be the favorite of Parisians back then. With a large indoor Olympic pool and an outdoor pool encircled by trendy yellow walls and sand, Piscine Molitor attracted several celebrities. However, in 1989, the pools were closed. So what used to be seen as a playground for the rich and famous quickly became a hub for the city’s underground art.

In 2014, the pools reopened. Today, Piscine Molitor is a small Art Deco resort on the edge of Paris, with a restaurant, hotel, and rooftop bar that overlooks the outdoor pool. This place is also regarded as a Historic Monument as it reclaims back its previous status as an exclusive spot to spend the summer. Piscine Molitor is situated at 2 Avenue de la Porte Molitor, 75016 Paris. 

Aquaboulevard

This place surely has one of the most kid-friendly pools in the city. If you are on vacation with the kids, you should consider Aquaboulevard. With a wave pool, 11 slides (4 outdoors, 7 indoors), and activities like a wakeboarding machine or a Tarzan rope, this outdoor/indoor water park in the French capital promises excitement. Adults, too, would love the facilities like a hammam, three saunas, outdoor pools with grassy spaces, big hot tubs, and a spectacular sandy beach for sunbathing. Aquaboulevard is situated at 4-6 Rue Louis Armand, 75015 Paris. 

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Piscine Roger Le Gall

The Roger Le Gall Swimming Pool was built in 1967. It is open to the public in the summertime. Visitors can choose to swim in either the small second basin or the Olympic pool. This place also boasts a terrace with deckchairs and lawns for sunbathing. Even though the structure appears to be traditional, the pool does reserve 3 evenings per week for nudist swim nights. (9-11 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays). Piscine Roger Le Gall is located at 34 Boulevard Carnot, 75012 Paris.

Piscine Georges Hermant

The Georges Hermant pool has undergone two years of renovations before its grand reopening in 2018. Often masked by a rigid clear fabric roof, this Olympic –size pool is entirely open-air. You can get a workout in the rooftop fitness center or work on your tan by the edge of the water. Piscine Georges Hermant is situated at 8-10 Rue David d’Angers, 75019 Paris. 

Best Swimming Pools in Paris – Final Thoughts

In Paris, you will find dozens of swimming pools. And just like any other thing in the city, there are options for you regardless of your taste, preference, or budget. Some pools are kid-friendly, some private, others public, and they all come at different prices. So, you should do a quick check on your choicest pool before heading out. Nothing beats having a relaxing dip on a sunny day in Paris.