PARIS SWIMING POOLS

Art Deco Jewels

Public swimming pools have come a long way since the first known swimming pool–the Great Baths of Mohenjodaro in Pakistan–which was used for religious purposes and dates all the way back to 2500 B.C.

In the early twentieth century several public swimming pools were built in Paris. These pools were elegant, chic and lavishly adorned in art deco details. The design is marked by geometry, blockiness, curving, open-brickwork balconies, and playful sculpture. Many of the pools in Paris like Piscine Molitor, Piscine Lutétia and Piscine des Tourelles have since been declared historical buildings and found a new life after renovations.

Piscine Lutétia, located rue de Sevres in Paris, was renovated in 2010 to become the Hermes’ flagship store.

At Piscine Pontoise after dark, soft lights illuminate the water, and visitors can enjoy music while swimming.