Monthly Archives: July 2022

Cheapest and Easiest Beaches to reach from Paris

As the summer weather moves into full swing, you may want to turn to the age-old Parisian tradition of leaving Paris! Like in many cities across Europe, the arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century enabled the bourgeoisie to travel en masse to cool and refreshing waters of the coast. The beaches featured on this list became popular in this way–and while they still offer a respite from the summer heat, you will have to travel to the west or south coasts to find France’s glittering turquoise waters.

Deauville. M6 Metro.

Deauville (Normandy)

The train from Saint-Lazare Station in Paris will take you right into the mythical town of Deauville in around 2 hours, making it the easiest beach to reach from Paris. There is a large, long beach within easy walking distance from the railway station. The water in Deauville is calm, making Deauville ideal for less confidant swimmers. Generally considered a holiday resort town for the upper crust since the Belle Époque, Deauville venues can be pricy so it’s best to bring a picnic or go to the shop rather than one of the restaurants if you’re looking to save money.

Trouville (Normandy)

Trouville can be reached from the same railway station as Deauville. Its beach is slightly smaller and quieter than the one in Deauville. Like many Normandy beaches, Trouville is closely associated with the great nineteenth century author Marcel Proust, who visited Trouville every summer as a child to treat his asthma.

Cabourg (Normandy)

Cabourg is another Belle Epoque northern seaside resort town dotting the English Channel. Also linked to writer Marcel Proust who enjoyed residing in the impressive Cabourg Grand Hôtel, its 4 km-long beach remains popular with holiday-makers. To reach it, you must change trains at Deauville-Trouville. More recently the town was featured in the popular film Intouchables starring Omar Sy.

Plage du Butin, Honfleur. FB | G+ | Site

Honfleur (Normandy)

Honfleur is mostly know for its Old Harbour lined with 16th- to 18th-century townhouses, and has been a subject for artists including Monet and Boudin. However, it also has two nice beaches where the Seine meets the English Channel, about 25 minutes walk from the bus station which has connections running from Deauville-Trouville and Le Harve.

Etretat. GEO.

Étretat (Normandy)

Known for its stunning white cliffs and pebble beaches, Étretat is the most beautiful spot on this list and was painted over 80 times by Claude Monet. The easiest way to reach Étretat from Paris and return in the same day is via coach. However, if you are planning an overnight trip to the Normandy coast, you can catch the train to another nearby town and take a day trip to Étretat from there. Étretat was recently featured in the popular Netflix series Lupin, the modern retelling of the chronicles of fictional gentleman thief Arsène Lupin–also starring Omar Sy.

 

For weekend or longer trips: Marseille and Cassis

Akin to Naples in Italy, Marseille has been the gritty, bad boy of France for the last half-century. But the stunning natural beauty on offer – and the relatively cheaper prices – make it well worth the trip. Thanks to the TGV (high speed rail), you can reach Marseille from Paris Gare de Lyon in just three hours (it’s really not worth flying). Marseille is known for the Calanques–a series of beautiful natural coves just off of its coast. To reach the Calanques National Park (Parc national des Calanques) in Marseille, you will need to take public transport (bus) from the city centre. To reach the equally spectacular port town of Cassis (smaller but cheaper than the French Riviera), it’s just 25 minutes by train from the main railway station, Marseille St-Charles. Enjoy a cool glass of pale Provençal rosé wine or a pastis (usually cheaper than water) or a delicious slice of tarte tropézienne while you’re down south!

 

A Quick Guide to Pools in Paris

With 42 municipal pools (piscines) across the city, Paris is a great city for swimmers – and also very easy on the monthly budget.

There are a few rules specific to Paris pools, however, so we have put together this short guide to help you plunge into the water! French speakers can also have a look at the dedicated webpage for pools in Paris. 

Ticket Prices

Most pools across Paris follow the same pricing scheme; however, some specific pools charge higher rates, so check prices before you sign up for a membership. The main pricing scheme for Paris pools is as follows:

  • Single use ticket: 3.50€ per adult (2.00€ if you’re under 26 – bring proof of ID)
  • Pack of 10 tickets: : 28.00€ per adult (16.00€ if you’re under 26 – bring proof of ID)
  • Three month unlimited pass: : 43.00€ per adult (22.00€ if you’re under 26 – bring proof of ID)

You will need to show your ID to get a discount. You will also be asked for proof that you are a resident of Paris in order to obtain a pack or monthly pass, so be sure to bring your rental contract or other proof of residence with you on your first visit.

If you sign up for a three-month membership, you will be issued with a “pool pass” to which you will be required to affix a passport-style photo of yourself (to avoid passes being shared between multiple users).

Many pools offer a range of classes including aquagym/aquabike or swimming lessons (in French). These are an additional cost.

Useful Information

All swimmers are required to wear a bathing cap. Male swimmers are required to wear a close fitting swimsuit and not loose fitting trunks/shorts. Most pools have vending machines selling approved swimwear as well as goggles, though you should feel free to bring your own so long as it meets requirements. Don’t forget to bring a towel!

Pools have separate changing rooms for men and women or entirely single cubicle changing rooms. All pools have free lockers you can use, usually with a code you decide on the spot, but some still use a €1 coin deposit system, so it’s best to bring a coin with you. Even though there are lockers, it is always a good practice to leave important valuables at home to avoid theft.

You must remove your shoes before entering the changing rooms, and then take a quick shower before entering the pool. There are open showers and some individual ones in closed stalls.

The association Acceptess-t, which promotes education, equal rights, health and sports for  transgender people in France, organizes a special swim session at the Arimaux pool (see below)  on Thursday from 4:30 pm to 6 pm (except for summer and other public holidays). More information here.

Lastly, please note that hours vary greatly depending on the pool and the time of year. During the academic year, some pools are used by school groups, so it’s always best to check the hours of your local pool before heading over. Once you get used to going to the pool, you will get a sense of when is best to go (even pools have “rush hours”!).

Notable Pools in Paris

Piscine Berlioux

Photo: Piscine Berlioux

Piscine Berlioux

This pool is great option for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is very centrally located within the Westfield Forum Les Halles shopping mall (situated close to the movie theatre). Secondly, it is an Olympic-sized pool, granting plenty of space and length for serious swimmers. Lastly, it’s hours are also much better than other pools. Nevertheless, all of these benefits come at a cost, tickets here 5.00€/adult (reduced rate: 4.10€ if you’re under 26).

 

Piscine Roger-Le-Gall, Paris Info

Piscine Roger-Le-Gall

This complex in the east end of the 12th arrondissement is one of the largest pools in Paris. It has a two pools, an Olympic-sized pool of 15 × 50m, which has a retractable roof, and and a smaller pool of 12.5 × 25m. This is also one of the only pools which has a dedicate time frame for nude swimmers (naturalistes), though they still need to wear their bathing cap!

 

Piscine de la Butte-aux-CAilles, Mbzt / CC

Piscine de la Butte-aux-Cailles

Located in the charming Butte-aux-Cailles neighborhood of the 13th district, this is one of the oldest existing pools in Paris. The current brick building dates to 1922 and is classified as a national monument, however, the pool’s origins actually go back 1866. This is when a natural hot spring was discovered on this spot and a public bath house was built around it. The pool is 33m long and its unique curved roof makes for an enjoyable swim. It also has two smaller outdoor pools.

 

Piscine Baker, Paris Info and top photo

Piscine Josephine Baker

For a unique swimming experience, try this pool floating on the Seine. Opened in 2016 and named in honour of performing artist Josephine Baker, who spent much of her adult life in France, the pool is found near la Bibliothèque Nationale in the north of the 13th arrondissement. It is particularly nice in summer when you can swim in the open air, relax on a sun lounger on its raised terrace then make the most of the Paris Plages (Paris Beach) events which are held in part along the river here from mid-July through mid-August.

 

Immeuble et piscine des Amiraux. Remi Mathis / CC

Piscine des Amiraux

Another classified monument, this pool and housing complex were completed in 1927. Found on a back street in the north end of the 18th arrondissement, the pool has a beautiful Art Deco facade. This style is echoed on the interior as well, with the pool surrounded by levels of individual change rooms. The pool made its way onto the silver screen in  Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s 2001 movie Amélie.

 

Piscine Georges Vallerey. Guilhem Vellut / CC

Piscine Georges Vallerey

*This pool is currently closed for renovations ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Updates on its reopening can be found on the Piscine Georges Vallerey Facebook page* 

Found in the 20th arrondissement, this vast pool was built for the 1924 Summer Olympics which were held in Paris. Not surprising, it thus has an Olympic-sized 50 metre-long pool. It also has a retractable roof, perfect for summertime swims.