Residents of the 9th arrondissement will have to wait several more weeks before they can enjoy their local swimming pool again. Closed since June 2024 for major modernization work estimated at 7 million euros, the Vaise pool was originally set to reopen in May 2025. However, the project has faced delays, and the City of Lyon has confirmed that the facility will remain closed throughout the summer.
That's a tough blow for the people of Lyon seeking some cool relief, especially as temperatures soar close to 40 °C. While the lines grow longer in front of other pools in the metropolis, particularly the very popular Rhône pool, Vaise users are seeing their main bathing spot disappear from the map until the start of the school year.
Endless construction work
As is often the case with major public projects, the timeline has slipped.Oh no. The renovation work, which started over two years ago, is taking more time than expected. The result? No chance to enjoy the pools this summer, even as the hot spells keep coming. For people living in the area, this means more trips to other municipal pools, which are already very busy during the summer months.
A closure that comes at the worst time
This announcement comes just a few weeks after the price increase for Lyon's pools, a decision that had already sparked reactions from many users. The entrance fee is now set at 4 euros, up from 3.40 euros, while the ten-entry card has jumped to 32 euros, a nearly 28% increase. The free entry policy has also been tightened, now only applying to children under 4 years old, down from 6 years old previously.
Between With rising prices, a major pool that's still closed, and a heatwave settling in for the long haul, summer is shaping up to be particularly tough for swimming enthusiasts in Lyon. For many, finding a spot to cool off without trekking all across the city is likely to feel like a real obstacle course. It's already making people grumble... and it could spark even more debate if the intense heat continues in the coming weeks.