Didn’t you always dream of taking a dip in the Cercle des Nageurs pool when relaxing on Plage des Catalans? For many, the Cercle des Nageurs represents an unattainable dream. It seems like a place where Marseille’s elite gather to cool off in summer. But the Cercle des Nageurs is more than just a private pool.
Let’s delve into the history of this institution. The Cercle des Nageurs de Marseille, or CNM, was founded in 1921. Fernand David, a local swimmer, initiated it after returning from the Antwerp Olympics. He wanted to train a small group of swimmers. On April 20, 1921, a handful of swimmers met for the first time to establish the Cercle des Nageurs. Eugène Tisson became its first president on September 10, 1921. Conti and Jean Alezard were vice presidents. Salvator Pelegry took on the role of training captain. Pedro Picornell became the water polo instructor.
All founding members were Olympic-level athletes. The decision to build the first Cercle des Nageurs facilities was made on April 11, 1931. It was to be located above Plage des Catalans on land leased from the Military Engineering Corps. Members of the Cercle helped dig the earth for construction. The first pool was inaugurated on April 30, 1932. A pipe submerged five meters below sea level supplied the pool with water. This original pool was almost entirely destroyed during World War II. The Cercle des Nageurs expanded in the 1950s and 1960s. Cabins, an Olympic-sized pool, a freshwater pool, and a Club House were added.
The Cercle des Nageurs is a prestigious swimming club with international recognition. It is more than just a place for relaxation. Salvator Pelegry in 1924 and his sister Bienna in 1928 were the first club members selected for the Olympic Games. In 1950, Josette Arcucci was the first female swimmer from the club to be selected for the European Championships. François Oppenheim, the coach at the time, turned the CNM into France’s leading women’s club. The CNM holds five French team records. In 1961, the CNM sent 18 male and 12 female swimmers to the European Championships. It was the largest delegation ever sent by Marseille.
The Cercle des Nageurs also excels in water polo. In 1965, the club won its first French Water Polo Championship title. Today, the club holds 40 French Championship titles in water polo and 13 French Cups. This makes the CNM one of the most decorated water polo clubs in France. In 2019, the CNM became the first French club to win a European water polo competition. They won the LEN Euro Cup.
Since its creation in 1921, the Cercle des Nageurs has included great names in French swimming. Alex Jany, a swimmer and water polo player, held seven world records and 15 European records in swimming. Alain Mosconi, a freestyle and butterfly specialist, held three world records in the 400-meter freestyle. Danièle Dorléans was a member of the French team during the 1968 Summer Olympics. More recently, in 2004, Laure Manaudou joined the club. Other prominent names followed including Frédérick Bousquet, Camille Lacourt, and Florent Manaudou.
The Cercle des Nageurs has three pools. These are the Jean Alezard pool which is 25 meters and covered. The Alex Jany pool is 25 meters and uncovered. The Pierre Garsau pool is 50 meters and covered.
Since 2021, the club’s panoramic restaurant “Ô cercle” has been open to the public. You need to book in advance. The menu features seafood, such as scallops and salmon tartare, as well as meat and pasta dishes. You can even rent the outdoor space for events or corporate parties.