On Paul-Verlaine square, you can't miss it. With its retro charm and indoor pool crowned by an impressive cathedral-like vault, the Butte-aux-Cailles swimming pool is one of the iconic landmarks of the 13th arrondissement. But after a century of faithful service, lap swimming and sunbathing sessions, the establishment is giving itself a new lease on life and closing its doors for major renovations.
A massive project for a pool victim of its own success
Starting September 7th, the century-old pool in the 13th is closing for renovation, modernization and especially expansion of its outdoor areas. A project announced back in summer 2025 and eagerly awaited for several months, particularly because the pool regularly falls victim to its own success whenever the sun peeks out in the capital. According to f="https://www.leparisien.fr/paris-75/paris-la-piscine-de-la-butte-aux-cailles-va-fermer-un-nouveau-solarium-et-une-salle-de-fitness-en-2028-24-08-2026-3VZ64CCEXNHLHL55Z5767CU7IE.php" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Le Parisien, it ranks among the city's most popular swimming pools, especially during the summer season, with its current solarium quickly reaching its limits.
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So the goal of these renovation works is quite straightforward: welcome Parisians more graciously, avoid overcrowding, and better distribute visitors, especially during the lovely weather months. To achieve this, the spaces will be expanded to increase capacity and make the experience more enjoyable. And the historic character won't disappear in the process. This Art Deco building imagined in the 1920s by architect Louis Bonnier will keep its identity while benefiting from a serious refresh.
Several projects in one
Great news for swimming enthusiasts! The closure doesn't mean everything will be off-limits for years. According to the schedule published on the City of Paris website, the bath facilities will reopen in the fall, starting mid-November. As for the famous indoor pool, it will return in spring 2027 with the sunshine. But to enjoy the fully revamped swimming pool, you'll need to wait a bit longer. The construction will continue
until 2028, with the renovation of the outdoor pools and the arrival of new facilities. What's on the agenda? A new solarium, designed to better accommodate the summer crowds, as well as a fitness room. The latter will be primarily intended for seniors and swimming associations, specifies Le Parisien.In short, a little patience will be needed. But after a century of existence, the Butte-aux-Cailles swimming pool can certainly take a few months off to come back bigger, more modern, and especially better equipped to face the beautiful Parisian days.
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