The Georges Vallerey swimming pool in Paris reopens

Just a few months after the reopening of the mythical Piscine Pontoise, another historic pool opens its doors to us, just before the arrival of the Olympic Games. In the heart of Paris's 20th arrondissement, the legendary Piscine Georges Vallerey, formerly known as the Piscine des Tourelles, once again welcomes swimming enthusiasts. Closed for renovation for the past two years, this emblematic pool, which saw the exploits of Johnny Weissmuller at the 1924 Olympics, is ready to write a new chapter in its history.

The work undertaken is no mean feat. They include a complete renovation with an eco-certified timber frame, a new sunroof and significant improvements in terms of energy performance and accessibility. These improvements are aimed at preparing the pool for Olympic and Paralympic athletes at the Paris 2024 Games. It's a return to its roots for this building, which is once again being transformed into a top-level training venue for international competitions.

This ambitious project does not stop at infrastructure modernization. Particular emphasis is being placed on sustainability and recycling. Larch beams from the old roof structure will be reused to create furniture and signage, while the remaining wood will be donated to the Extramuros association. The objective is clear: to reuse or recycle 90% of the site's waste.

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This swimming pool is more than just a place to swim; it's part of the history of Paris. Its original construction in the early 1920s and its participation in Olympic swimming, diving and water polo events make it a living testimony to the evolution of swimming and sport in general. Its massive concrete structure, typical of the inter-war period, houses a 50-meter-long pool equipped with the very first water lines and a diving pit, making it the most modern pool in Europe at the time.

With its reopening on April 17, 2024, the Piscine Georges Vallerey is not only reviving, but reinventing itself while preserving its heritage. It's an invitation to discover or rediscover a place steeped in history, which has evolved with the times. For residents of the 20th arrondissement and swimmers from all walks of life, the reopening of this pool is more than just an event; it's the rebirth of a Parisian sporting and cultural heritage. See you in spring 2024 to discover it in a whole new light!