It's a heatwave that Lyon swimmers would have preferred to avoid. Starting June 6, 2025, the price of municipal swimming pools will rise by about 20%, with an even steeper increase on the ten-entry pass. The decision is set to be confirmed at the city council meeting on May 15, but barring any major changes (spoiler: there won't be), it'll be necessary to dig a little deeper into your pockets to enjoy some laps this summer. The reason, according to the ecologist municipal team led by Grégory Doucet: inflation, rising maintenance costs, and major renovation works underway at several locations like Vaise and Garibaldi. More modern pools, sure, but at what cost?
Price Increase and Free Entry Reduced to Age 4
Specifically, the regular entry price will rise from €3.40 to €4 — not catastrophic, but still an 18% increase. Even tougher: the ten-entry pass will jump from €25 to €32, which is a noticeable hike.+28 %. Free entry for children will now be limited to those under 4 years old, down from 6 previously. The Tony-Bertrand pool (also known as the Rhône pool), however, will avoid the summer price increase, but its hourly tickets are still taking a hit. The city hall acknowledges this and notes that users only pay, on average, 26% of the actual cost of a visit to the pool. It also reminds everyone that its rates are still lower than those in other municipalities in the metropolitan area, backed by studies.
That said, some, like Pierre Oliver, the LR mayor of the 2nd arrondissement, are denouncing this as a disguised revenue increase, and advise Lyon residents to stock up on tickets before the price hike. A strategy worthy of an urban survivalist… with a swim cap and goggles on!
