The Oberkampf swimming pool, dating back to 1885, was supposed to be demolished to make way for a real estate project. It was ultimately saved thanks to the mobilization of local residents and the city council.
The iconic swimming pool was initially threatened with demolition after closing in February 2022, to make room for a large real estate project. Since then, local residents and the municipality have been strongly against the destruction of this historic pool, one of the last in the capital dating back to the 18th century.
“It was built in the 1880s, there were six pools like this in Paris that led to the creation of baths and this is the only one remaining,” said the district mayor, François Vauglin, to BFM Paris Île-de-France. “It is a very important testimony to the history of Paris.”
The establishment notably features an emblematic L-shaped pool, topped with a glass dome, and surrounded by changing rooms. With its inscription as a historical monument, the pools, stained glass windows, vestibule, and chimney will be preserved, while any real estate project around the building will have to be approved by the architect of historical monuments, according to the mayor.
“The surrounding environment will not be disfigured,” he said.
Carole Battestini, a former private facility employee, had launched a petition with a lifeguard to protect this heritage. “Destroying something that is over 100 years old is amazing, so we fought for it,” she explained.
“It’s more than a victory, I’m delighted to know that this pool will not be touched,” she congratulates.
It is also a victory for residents of the neighborhood, as many of them learned to swim in the pool’s lanes. “My son learned to swim in this pool. My neighbors, a long time ago, used to come here to bathe because they didn’t have a shower at home. We all have a story with this pool,” said Guénola.
Since the start of the school year, schoolchildren are once again welcomed during the week for swimming lessons. Individuals can also reserve time slots. However, the rates are slightly higher than last year.
Written by William Helle and Juliette Vignaud.
