This century-old Parisian swimming pool in the 13th is closing for a massive renovation until 2028
Close now, come back better: that’s the bet being made by the Butte-aux-Cailles pool, the historic Parisian swimming pool in the 13th arrondissement, as it embarks on a major renovation project starting 7 September. Restoration, modernisation and expansion are all on the agenda for a venue that has long been a victim of its own success.
A historic Parisian swimming pool overwhelmed by summer demand
Every summer, the story is the same. As soon as the sun settles over the capital, the Butte-aux-Cailles pool fills up instantly. According to Le Parisien, it ranks among the most visited facilities in the city, and its current solarium quickly hits its limits under the weight of eager swimmers.
Yet the place has no shortage of appeal. Set on the place Paul-Verlaine, this Parisian swimming pool draws visitors with its Art Deco architecture, designed in the 1920s by architect Louis Bonnier. Its indoor pool, crowned by a sweeping cathedral-like vault, makes it a truly singular landmark among the city’s sports facilities. But a century of intense use has gradually exposed the limits of its spaces.
The aim of the works is therefore clear: increase capacity, better distribute visitors and make the experience more enjoyable, especially on sunny days. Because while the historic setting is undeniably part of the charm, it can no longer absorb the demand on its own.
What the renovation will actually change for swimmers
For regulars of this Parisian swimming pool, the full closure won’t drag on for years. The City of Paris has published a phased timeline that includes several staged reopenings.
- The shower baths reopen as early as mid-November, this autumn.
- The indoor pool will be back in spring 2027.
- A new solarium, designed to better handle summer crowds, will open as part of the final phase.
- A fitness room, aimed primarily at seniors and swimming associations, will round out the new facilities.
- The outdoor pools will be renovated and delivered by 2028.
Indoor swimmers, then, won’t have to wait until the very end of the project. That said, experiencing the fully renovated version of this venue will require patience until 2028.
Heritage preserved, spaces reimagined
The question was a fair one: would the works erase the identity of this historically rich site? The answer is no. The Art Deco building conceived by Louis Bonnier retains its character, and the renovation leaves the original architecture intact. This is a thorough refresh that respects what already exists, not a rebuild from scratch.
Beyond that, the new facilities follow a logic of broader use. The future solarium will be sized to welcome more visitors without becoming overcrowded. The fitness room, meanwhile, is aimed at specific audiences, particularly seniors and swimming associations, which widens the profile of users at this Parisian swimming pool well beyond swimmers alone.
Patience required, results promised
For this Parisian swimming pool that has gone a century without any major closure, this project represents an unprecedented transformation. The works will unfold across several phases through 2028, requiring a different routine for locals and regulars in the 13th.
While the closure is undeniably disruptive in the short term, the expected benefits are tangible: more space, less overcrowding, new facilities and a preserved historic setting. This iconic Parisian swimming pool in the south of the city is about to enter a new era, without abandoning what has made its reputation since the 1920s.
