In a video shared on social media, the 13th arrondissement town hall unveiled its exciting new project: to expand the current walls of the historic Butte-aux-Cailles swimming pool. This initiative aims to create a solarium to address some of the operational issues faced by the aquatic establishment, one of the oldest in the City of Light.
A surge of sunbathing enthusiasts
Behind this renovation project lies a real challenge: currently, the pool is almost more frequented by those looking for a spot to perfect their tan in peace than by swimmers. However, the abundance of loungers and towels on the concrete is becoming a bit of a hassle.
somewhat the access to the pool for the few brave swimmers who came to log their lengths for the week.❓Et si l’on poussait les murs de la piscine de la Butte-aux-Cailles ⁉️
— Jérôme Coumet (@jerome_coumet) July 31, 2025
Dans la vie, il faut parfois avoir des idées originales.
Et cette idée devient une réalité.
2 minutes d’explications ⬇️⬇️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/2sh4YWNX4i
To respond to this request and make everyone's life easier, the municipality simply plans to build a new wall in addition to the already existing pool enclosure, right at Moulinet Street, which is rarely visited. This solution will both solve the space issue and avoid major construction work, thus preventing a lengthy closure of the place that Parisians love.
Several Projects in One
This expansion is quite appealing as it offers multiple benefits. Not only will it provide the public with a quality solarium, but it will also feature a gym right below, dedicated especially to activities for seniors.
The project will also be a great opportunity to restore the existing wall, which has needed some strengthening for several years now.🏊♀️ Inaugurée en 1924, l’année des Jeux olympiques de Paris, la piscine de la Butte-aux-Cailles est remarquable par son mode d’alimentation en eau, son architecture et ses nombreuses innovations techniques. A lire sur le blog Gallica ! https://t.co/vz6H73fuWy pic.twitter.com/spyuMy3TZW
— Gallica BnF (@GallicaBnF) December 20, 2024
Finally, the work will also be an opportunity to renovate the Paris Habitat housing located right next door, and to vegetate the pool, as well as the adjacent street. Thanks to all this, the place, recognizable by its red brick wall, its vault, and its magnificent arches, will be able to welcome more people in better conditions. “There are still a few administrative formalities to complete, but now we know that the work can start next year ,” announced the mayor of the 13th, Jérôme Coumet, at the end of July.