Swimming pool stories: Immersed in the aquatic culture of Paris

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Immersed in the aquatic culture of Paris

De la Butte aux Cailles Pool in the 13th arrondissement.

Last Saturday I had an article on six pools in Paris in the travel section of The Weekend Australian. The story discusses the French capital's distinctive aquatic culture which includes compulsory wearing of caps or bonnets de bain even at the Roger Le Gall Pool in the 12th arrondissement where the Naturist Association of Paris offers nude swimming two nights a week.

Three pools on the Left Bank and three on the Right Bank are featured including Pontoise Pool where French actor Juliette Binoche swam in Three Colours Blue.

Photo from www.threemenonablog.blogspot.com

I also highlight the redeveloped Piscine Molitor featured in The Life of Pi due to reopen this year. The pool was the setting for the launch of the bikini in 1946. For my complete story click on Bathing Beauties and here for more information on Paris' 38 public pools. Note: for some reason the link to Bathing Beauties isn't working; will see what I can do over the weekend.

Photo from www.fiftytwoshowroom.com/blog

7 comments:

UnknownApril 30, 2014 at 8:17 PM
Well done! I am gratified that you have shared this important news with me. Thanks!
Automatic Pool Covers
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UnknownMay 14, 2014 at 12:50 AM
Good job! Looks like you’ve covered a lot when it comes to swimming pools in Paris. I particularly like you mentioning about the Piscine Molitor, since I’m a big fan of The Life of Pi. Haha! :) I love the vintage photos, by the way. :)

Tiffany Fields @ Pools N More
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ThereseJune 23, 2014 at 6:09 PM
Thanks Tiffany. Apparently the new Piscine Molitor recently reopened. Will try and find the link to the article on it.
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UnknownNovember 15, 2014 at 4:46 AM
Impressive! You truly know a lot about legendary pools. You even backed up your research with photos, including some interesting twists, such the movies they were featured in. Thanks you for your enthusiasm and for always sharing those swimming tidbits with us!

Joanne Henry @ Tranquility Pools, NJ
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ThereseNovember 17, 2014 at 4:34 PM
Thanks Joanne!
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Richard H. BlackMay 1, 2019 at 3:37 AM
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