Arriving at the Butte aux Cailles swimming pool on a Saturday morning without knowing the free swimming time slot risks encountering a session reserved for classes or, worse, a pool closed for maintenance. This pool in the 13th arrondissement of Paris attracts visitors as much for its Art Deco architecture as for its pools filled with spring water. However, it is essential to know when to come, what to bring, and what is allowed once on site.
Indoor pool and outdoor pool: two atmospheres, two operations
The Butte aux Cailles swimming pool stands out from other Parisian pools due to its layout. It features a covered indoor pool and an outdoor pool whose water is naturally warmed thanks to an artesian well. This spring water, warmer than that of the municipal supply, makes outdoor swimming possible even when temperatures drop.
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The outdoor pool is not open year-round. Its availability depends on weather conditions and decisions made by the City of Paris, meaning regular swimmers must check its status before each visit. The indoor pool, however, remains the anchor point for daily swimming.
Before packing your bag, it’s best to check the hours and rules at the Butte aux Cailles swimming pool to avoid an unnecessary trip. The time slots vary depending on the day of the week, and certain periods are dedicated to schools or associations.
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Hours of the Butte aux Cailles swimming pool: preferred time slots
Like most municipal swimming pools in Paris, Butte aux Cailles offers different time slots during the week and on weekends. Weekday mornings are often occupied by swimming lessons and school groups. Free swimming is generally available late in the morning and in the afternoon.
On weekends, attendance significantly increases. Feedback on this point varies, but most regular swimmers agree that Sunday morning remains the least crowded time slot, provided you arrive early.
Anticipating closure periods
The pool closes each year for technical maintenance. This annual closure lasts several weeks and often occurs in the summer, which surprises visitors who associate pools with the warm season. Public holidays can also lead to schedule changes without much notice.
Checking the City of Paris website before each visit remains the most reliable reflex. The hours displayed on search engines are not always up to date, especially after a seasonal schedule change.
Pricing and access card for Paris municipal swimming pools
The Butte aux Cailles swimming pool follows the pricing structure of the municipal pools in the City of Paris. The single entry remains affordable. For regular swimmers, the subscription card allows access to the entire network of Parisian pools, not just Butte aux Cailles.
This card is a tangible advantage: if your usual pool closes for renovations, you can switch to another facility without extra cost. Reduced rates apply under certain conditions (age, social situation), and children benefit from a specific price.
- The single entry is suitable for occasional visitors or tourists wanting to explore the place.
- The multi-entry card becomes cost-effective after just a few visits per month for regular swimmers.
- Annual subscriptions provide unlimited access to all municipal swimming pools in Paris.
Rules to follow in the changing rooms and pools
The internal regulations of Butte aux Cailles follow those of the municipal swimming pools in Paris, with a few points that deserve clarification before you go.
Swim cap required
A swim cap is required in all pools, without exception. Short or long hair, the rule is the same. Fabric caps are sometimes refused in favor of silicone or latex caps, which are considered more hygienic by the facilities. In case of doubt, a silicone cap is universally accepted.
Swimsuit: what is accepted
Swim shorts and bermudas are prohibited. Only fitted swimsuits (briefs, swim boxers, one-piece or two-piece swimsuits) are allowed. This rule, common to all pools in the City of Paris, is strictly enforced at the entrance.
Lockers and changing rooms
The changing rooms are communal. Bring a coin or token for the locker, as the lockers operate with a recoverable coin system. There are no individual closed changing rooms. Valuables remain your responsibility, and leaving an unlocked bag in a communal changing room is a real risk.
- Bringing a personal padlock can be useful if all coin-operated lockers are taken.
- Showers before entering the pool are mandatory, preferably soaped.
- Street shoes are prohibited on the pool deck: only pool flip-flops or bare feet are allowed.
Access and location of the pool in the 13th arrondissement
The Butte aux Cailles swimming pool is located at Place Paul Verlaine, in the 13th arrondissement of Paris. The area is well served by public transport, with several bus lines nearby and the closest metro station just a few minutes’ walk away.
The building itself is worth the visit. Classified as a historical monument, it dates back to the early 20th century and retains a characteristic brick facade. People sometimes come as much for the architecture as for swimming. In the summer, when the outdoor pool is open, the atmosphere feels more like a guinguette than a municipal swimming pool.
To contact the reception and check a last-minute schedule, the most direct method is by phone. The number is available on the City of Paris website, under the sports facilities section. Calling before heading out on a public holiday or during school vacation periods avoids unpleasant surprises, especially if coming from afar.
The Butte aux Cailles is not the largest swimming pool in Paris, nor the most modern. This is precisely what gives it its character: human-sized pools, spring water, and a heritage setting. Knowing the quiet time slots and the equipment rules allows you to enjoy it without friction.