Quirky Museums in Paris

With over 200 different venues, Paris is home to the world’s largest concentration of museums. Often founded based on donated private collections, these curious venues look into history as well as the particular subject they cover. Once you’ve visited the “big hit” museums, like the Louvre, Orsay and Pompidou Museum, venture off the beaten path to these quirky museums.

Phono Museum / Facebook

Phono Museum

At the base of Montmartre and in the heart of Paris’s music district is this notable museum dedicated to evolution of phonographic devices. On display are over 100 vintage gramophones and other early musical recording machines as well as posters and other memorabilia of this art made obsolete by digital technology.

Musée de la Contrefaçon / Facebook

Musée de la Contrefaçon

The Museum of Counterfeiting is found within an elegant mansion in the 16th district, which is itself a copy of an older historic mansion. The museum presents a wide variety of copied objects, ranging from Louis Vuitton bags to Rodin statues, displayed next to genuine items.

Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature

Situated within two 17th-century private mansions in the North Marais is an eclectic collection akin to a Noah’s Arc of animals from the four corners of the globe and in various forms. The Hunting and Nature Museum is organized as an intriguing cabinet of curiosities that looks straight out of a West Anderson movie.

Musée d’histoire de la médecine, Photo: Emile Barret / CC

The Museum of the History of Medicine

Even if you’re not deeply interested in the topic, this medical history museum is housed within a stunning room of the former Medical College in the Saint Germain neighborhood. It contains the oldest collection of historic medical devices and images, which are certainly fascinating to discover after you’ve taken in the beautiful surroundings.

Les Egouts de Paris. Photo: Mairie de Paris

Les Égouts de Paris

Certainly one of the least most expected museums in chic Paris, this museum offers a unique opportunity to go underground… as you learn about the City of Paris’ sewerage system. Fear not, the experience is safe and clean. Visitors start by learning about the history and environmental issues of the sewers in the dry gallery before moving on to the wet gallery, which discovers a small part of the vast system’s water reservoirs and galleries.

Looking for other original things to do in Paris? Gain further inspiration from these other articles from our blog:

Top Photo: Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature / Facebook

Art-Themed Day Trips from Paris

Viewing artist masterpieces in person, at world-class museums, is one of the top reasons for studying art history in Paris. However, you can put yourself into the shoes, or rather artist smocks, of a wide range of 19th and 20th century artists by visiting the actual places they lived, worked and painted. Many of these are easily accessible on half and full day trips from Paris, a journey which can even be free if you have a Pass Navigo. Giverny often tops the list, however, it can get really crowded in season and is also closed from November to March. Instead, we recommend venturing out on these excellent art-themed day trips from Paris.

The Gleaners, Jean-Francois Millet (1857), Musée d’Orsay / CC

Barbizon

Decades before the Impressionists, an earlier generation of artists took to painting in fields outside Paris, namely around this village. Striving for realism in their works, these artists, including Millet, Rousseau, Corot and Daubigny, formed a movement later called the Barbizon School. In the early 1860s, the young budding artists Monet, Renoir and Sisley were drawn here, helping create the foundations of Impressionism. Modern-day visitors to Barbizon can tour a number of former artist haunts and studios, like the Auberge Ganne, now a small museum. Afterwards visiting the village, take a stroll through the nearby picturesque countryside which so inspired the artists.

Getting there: It takes 40 minutes by suburban train, Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avron (Line R), then take bus 21 to Barbizon.

Eglise Notre-Dame, Moret-sur-Loing. Pierre Poschadel / CC (and top image by Alfred Sisley)

Moret-sur-Loing

Not too far from Barbizon is this pretty Medieval village which was a popular destination of the Impressionists. Alfred Sisley loved it so much that he spent the last 20 years of his life living and painting here. You can follow in his footsteps thanks to some self-guided walks created by the local tourism office (stop in there for more info or see their website). Along the way, you’ll also be able to admire the lovely town’s ancient churches, its medieval gates and historic mills along the Loing River. You can also rent bike rentals at the tourist office to visit the village and its surroundings.

Getting there: It takes 45-minute by suburban train, Gare de Lyon (Line R) to the Moret-Veneux-les-Sablons.

Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Church in Auvers-sur-Oise / CC

Auvers-sur-Oise

In northwestern Paris, not far from Giverny, is this even more charming village with connections to various artists, namely Vincent van Gogh. After two years in Provence, van Gogh spent the last 70 days of his life in Auvers-sur-Oise, painting almost a painting per day. Panels around town allow visitors to compare the Dutch artist’s works with the actual location he painted, many of which are now on display at the Musée d’Orsay. Visitors can peer in at the room he stayed in at the l’Auberge Ravoux, where you can also enjoy a lunch of cuisine from the era. A short walk through the fields will take you to the village’s cemetery, the final resting place of Vincent and his beloved brother Theo. The town is also home to a number of other art studios and cultural venues. Some of these sites close in winter, however, all the outdoor venues are still viewable.

Getting there: From April to October on Sat and Sun, there’s a direct train from Gare du Nord to Auvers-sur-Oise departing at 9:30. The rest of the year, the journey takes an hour, by taking the suburban train from the Gare du Nord (Line H) and changing at Persan-Beaumont to Auvers station.

Ile-des-Impressionnistes – Yvelines Tourisme

Chemin des Impressionnistes

A short ride on the RER A west of Paris will allow you to retrace the path of a range of Impressionists who painted along the Seine River. Many scenes of guinguettes, casual outdoor bars and dance halls, were painted on River’s banks spanning from Le Pecq to Carrières-sur-Seine. These locations are now organised along a route called le Chemin des Impressionnistes. You can choose between five paths (of five to 12 kilometers long) which als have placards illustrating the works created at certain spots. Your meander might take you past Renoir’s Route de Versailles, Pissarro’s Le village de Voisins or to Chatou’s l’Ile des Impressionnistes. The bucolic island is still home to the favourite Impressionist haunt, La Maison Fournaise, a great spot to stop for a break during your outing.

Getting There: There are a number of starting off points, like Marly-le-Roi, reachable in 35 minutes from Saint Lazare (L Line). The Ile des Impressionistes is near RER A in Rueil-Malmaison.

Rouen Cathedral. Facade (Sunset), Claude Monet (1892), Musée Marmottan Monet / CC and Rouen Cathedral, Portal and Tower Saint-Romain in the Sun, Claude Monet (1892-93), Musée d’Orsay / CC

Rouen

A pleasant train ride northwest of Paris will take you to the lovely Normand city of Rouen. Although heavily damaged in bombings during WWII, the city has been wonderfully restored. Its centre, abundant in colourful half-timbered houses, revolves around the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, immortalised by Monet. Found not far from his home in Giverny, between 1892 and 1893, Monet painted the cathedral over 30 times. An experiment of light and colour, he painted it at different times of day and year. After your day trip there, view some of his paintings of the cathedral at the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée Marmottan Monet, an excellent museum in the 16th district which houses the largest collection of Monet paintings in the world.

Getting there: Ranging from 75-90 minutes, regional TER trains depart regularly from Gare Saint-Lazare.

Looking for further art-themed activities in Paris or day trips from the capital? Peruse these other articles from our blog:

Interested in Studying art history in Paris? Learn more about our Master’s in the History and Philosophy of Art here.

Top image: Moret-sur-Loing, Alfred Sisley (1891), Collection particulière / CC

Paris Open Event on Saturday, 12 November – come meet us!

We’re delighted to be able to welcome you to Paris and our Paris School of Arts and Culture.

Discover more about the courses we offer here in Europe at our Paris and Brussels centres, and at our Canterbury and Medway campuses in the UK.

At Kent, you’ll get the support you need to achieve the career you want. Whatever your interests, whatever your goals, you’ll find your place at Kent.

Complete the form at this link to book your place.

Dates and times

Sat 12 November 2022

12:00 – 14:00

Where

Paris School of Arts and Culture at Reid Hall 4, rue de Chevreuse 75006 Paris

France

Open to

Prospective undergraduate, postgraduates and their families and supporters

Who to contact

Recruitment and Events Team

information@kent.ac.uk

How to Get Your Electronics Fixed in Paris – or Buy Discounted New Ones

It can be extremely frustrating to have issues with your laptops or phones, especially whilst in a foreign country and when these devises are essential to getting coursework done. Fortunately, Paris has a wide range of solutions to electronics woes. From repairs to good value replacements, here are some valuable resources if you find yourself in a tech bind in Paris. As a general rule, if you’re having something repaired, it’s always best to ask for a quote (devis) up front so that there aren’t any unpleasant surprises at the time of payment.

Apple Genius Bar – Opéra

Apple Genius Bar

If you have Apple products, the best first step would be to make an appointment at an Apple Genius Bar (same name in French!). Their staff might be able to help you on the spot for free or provide repairs which could be covered by your warranty. The closest Apple Store to the school is in the Marché Saint-Germain and there are other stores at Opéra and on the Champs Elysées. You can make an appointment online here.

WeFix / Facebook

WeFix

If you’re looking to get your smartphone repaired (broken screens or more), you can also try this tech company run by French electronics company FNAC/Darty. They are Apple certified and have reliable, professional service. They have a shop within the FNAC at Montparnasse, so very close to the school, as well as several other locations in Paris.

L’Atelier du Portable

This shop on Boulevard Saint-Michel in the 5th (a short walk from the school), is specialised in laptop and phone repairs. What’s great is that they can usually assist you quickly, without an appointment and within two hours, plus their prices are rather reasonable. They also offer free diagnostics and quotes, so you can know if it’s worth repairing your computer or if it’s simply better to get a new one.

Atelier des Smartphones

L’Atelier Des Smartphones

Another repair shop nearby the school is this good venue on Boulevard Raspail in the 6th. They are especially helpful for quick repairs for any type of smartphone as well as tablets and computers. They can repair screens, replace batteries or motherboards in addition to selling cables and other accessories.

Another good repair shop is the I Repair Center – just a stone’s throw from the Apple Store at Opéra. For repairs, we recommend going in person to explain your problem and get a quote.

Back Market

If your tech has definitely gone kaput, you can get an affordable used laptop, tablet or smartphone via this online platform. What’s particularly useful is that they have an extremely wide range of items which are labeled according to their condition. Therefore, if you’re on a tight budget you can make a quick switch without breaking the bank. They also have great customer service and different guarantee options.

Rue Montgallet – Sortir à Paris

Rue Montgallet – Paris’s Tech City

This street in the 12th district (métro Montgallet line 8) is known as being a little electronics hub in the city. You can find anything from very good value used electronics to parts if you’re handy with repairs yourself.

Image by Bruno /Germany from Pixabay

Useful Terminology

Luckily, a lot of tech terminology is similar or the same in French, however, there are a few differences. If you do need to have repairs or replacements done, this handy vocabulary can help ensure you get what you need done correctly!

Tech – Informatique

Computer = ordinateur

Laptop = portable

Cellphone / mobile phone = téléphone portable or mobile

Repair = réparation

Replace = remplacer

Refurbished (used) = reconditionné

Good condition / Very good condition / Perfect condition = état correct / très bon état / parfait état

Unlocked phone (phones you can put your sim card in) = téléphone débloqué

Screen = écran

Scratch (for screens) = rayure

Charger = chargeur

Cable = câble

Good Luck! Bonne chance!

Top Image by Bruno /Germany from Pixabay

How to Visit Current Art Studios in Paris

While Paris has some of the best museums in the world, the city also fosters the creativity of thousands of modern-day artists. A unique way to experience their work first-hand is to visit their studios. There are a variety of ways you can do this thanks to open days (portes ouvertes), artist association-run galleries, and events in artist squats. Discover some of the best opportunities below, including a few events in the coming weeks!

Cité International des Arts / FB

La Cité Internationale des Arts

This City of Paris foundation in the southern Marais welcomes 1,000 international artists-in-residence every year. On Wednesdays from 6pm to 9pm they host an “artist trail” through a selection of the centre’s 325 studios. They also have an art gallery displaying their artists’ work and host a range of other events, learn more here.

The foundation also manages another art studio centre on the northern edge of Montmartre. Opening in the early 1930s, La Cité Montmartre aux Artistes is comprised of 180 art studios. Some events are held throughout the year or you can also visit it on open days. The next open days are 9th to 10th February!

59 Rivoli (and top image) / FB

59 Rivoli

Since 1999 this colourful artist squat has occupied a former bank building on rue de Rivoli. You can freely wander through the various floors and studios of the space from 1pm to 8pm Tuesdays to Sundays (donations appreciated) or check out its revolving line-up of exhibits (and concerts) which take place in its official art gallery on the ground floor.

6b Saint Denis

This artist squat is found within a massive formerly vacant building in the northern suburb of Saint-Denis. Today 200 artists of varying genres contribute to the vibrant cultural ambiance of the venue. They have an active agenda of events from exhibitions to short film screenings. They are host an open house twice a year.

L’Impasse

This hybrid creative space and bar in the 11th has monthly artist-in-residence. Called the “Aquarium”, the studio is found underneath the venue’s impressive atrium (created by Gustave Eiffel!). You can stop by to see what the artist is up to and you may want to plan to come Thursday to Saturday night to also take in a concert or film screening.

Ateliers de Belleville / Paris Info

Ateliers de Belleville

The Belleville area is one of the most artistic in Paris. Its local artist association is made up of 250 members. They display their art in individual and group shows at the AAB GALLERY (1 rue Francis Picabia, 75020 Paris), located near the Park de Belleville which is usually open from 2pm to 8pm, Thursday to Sunday. Or better yet, if you’re here in mid-May, attend their open days event, the largest in Paris. While you’re in the area, take a meander around to discover the area’s great street art scene!

Ateliers de Menilmontant

This collective of over 200 artists of the bohemian district of the 20th arrondissement date back to 1991. They organise a number of events throughout the year at their gallery, Galerie Ménil’8 (8 rue Boyer 75020 Paris), as well as a larger open house in late September.

Les Frigos / Paris Info

Les Frigos

Originally built in 1920, this former refrigerated storage depot in the 13th district was first squatted by artists in 1985. Now legalized, it houses over 80 artists, ranging from painters to jewelry designers. Although their studios are usually closed to the public, visits can be requested via their website. Nevertheless, you can also visit its art gallery, Aiguillage, to see the work of the artists in residence or check out the venue’s website for occasional workshops, other events and updates on their portes ouvertes which takes place in mid May.

La Galerie Ouverte de l’Apla

This association of artists in the vicinity of the world-famous cemetery aims to make art more accessible and interactive to local residents by organizing seasonal open air exhibits in the Place de la Réunion. Meet the artists and get invited to come back to visit their studios on another day! The next event is 23 March 2024 then there will be other events in June, September and December.

**Other Portes Ouvertes – Annual Studio Open Days**

Various neighborhoods around Paris have associations bringing together their local artists. These are usually once a year and offer an opportunity to visit 50-100 actual art studios. Here are some great options, organised starting at the beginning of the academic year.

Ateliers des Artistes d’Anvers aux Abbesses: around 80 artists sprinkled in the streets surrounding Montmartre. Held mid November.

Le 6è: a collective of the artists of the 6th arrondissement hosts its open house event in mid May.

Ecole des Beaux Arts: If you’ve ever wondered what it was like inside the Paris Fine Arts Academy, you can take a meander through parts of it during its annual open days. The two day event displays the end of year projects of its students and is usually held at the end of June.

Looking for other original opportunities to discover art in Paris? See these other articles on our blog:

Alumnus Tom Baragwanath publishes literary thriller

University of Kent Creative Writing (Paris) graduate Tom Baragwanath‘s crime novel Paper Cage has been published in Australia and New Zealand by Text Publishing. Winner of the 2021 Michael Gifkins Prize, the book is scheduled to be released by Anchor in the United States (2023) and by Baskerville in the United Kingdom (2024).

University of Kent staff spoke to Tom about his new book and how his time at Kent’s Paris School helped shape his novel.

Why did you choose to write this book? I wanted to write something set in my hometown of Masterton, New Zealand, which is so very different from where I’m living now, in Paris. Being in a city with a lot of bustle and action, and a city that is all too present within the global consciousness, I felt drawn to sketching the quieter, less seen parts of the world, and celebrating the smaller stories that exist there – stories which in reality aren’t so small at all. Beyond that, I just wanted to spend time with characters that were familiar to me, both real and invented. During the COVID lockdown, it was also the cheapest form of travel – mental travel, in any case.

Paper Cage…concerns a series of child abductions in small-town New Zealand, and one woman’s efforts to balance her loyalties to her family and community against her obligations to the state. Living in Paris, I found myself thinking often of the Wairarapa region in New Zealand, which is my home, and where the novel is set. There is a certain gorgeous emptiness there, and working on this story was a chance to experience that environment every day.

How have you felt since its publication? It’s all rather surreal, seeing the book in people’s hands and knowing they’re engaging with the story. I’m sure this is a feeling common to novice writers, but it’s been more than a year since I finished the book, and it almost feels like someone else wrote it. Hearing reactions from friends, family, and strangers about the story and particular scenes has been a real thrill – though my stepfather was quick to point out a typo he found on page 173.

How did the MA in Creative Writing help with this particular book? I wouldn’t have been able to think through what I really wanted to achieve with this story without having the rigorous classroom environment of the creative writing MA. There were so many potential directions this story could have gone, and being able to check in with a steady group of attentive and talented readers and writers each week really helped me to refine the voice of the book and understand how it was coming across to my intended audience. It also made me understand how much local slang an international audience might be willing to tolerate.

The guidance and feedback from my teachers and fellow students during my year at Kent helped me to test and refine new ideas and approaches to my characters, and to find the confidence I needed to tell this story.

The University of Kent is incredibly proud of Tom’s achievements and we offer him our heartfelt congratulations!

In Memoriam: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We stand united in grief with the nation, the Commonwealth and all those around the world who have been touched by her dignity, devotion, exemplary service, and unfailing sense of duty.

The thoughts of our entire University community are with the Royal Family at this time.

You can share your own reflections of the Queen and her extraordinary life by leaving a message in our digital book of condolence. Physical books are also available at our Canterbury and Medway campuses.

Professor Karen Cox | Vice-Chancellor and President

E. Tracy Grinnell Named Writer in Residence 2022

The University of Kent Paris School of Arts and Culture is pleased to announce that E. Tracy Grinnell has been appointed to the fourth Paris Writer’s Residency in collaboration with the American University of Paris and the Centre Culturel Irlandais (Irish Arts Centre). We look forward to welcoming her to Paris in October to work with students at both our universities and to join our community of writers.

Grinnell has written four poetry books, including Hell Figures (Nightboat Books) which was a finalist for the Firecracker Award in Poetry, and her poetry has been translated into French, Serbian, Polish, and Portuguese. She translated way by Leslie Scalapino into French (Éditions Corti) along side Isabelle Garron. Her work has appeared in numerous collections and publications, including BAX 2016: Best American Experimental Writing, edited by Charles Bernstein and Tracie Morris (Wesleyan). Grinnell lives in Brooklyn, New York and is the founding editor and director of Litmus Press.

During the month-long residency Grinnell will be leading workshops at the Paris School of Arts and Culture and the American University of Paris, and giving a public reading at the Centre Culturel Irlandais.

Learn more about our Creative Writing Master’s Programme in Paris here.

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. Normandie Tourisme.

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

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.