“Did someone lose their towel?” a voice called out, snapping me back to the present. Here at Bains des Pâquis, a missing towel is a minor inconvenience, a momentary ripple in the steady stream of life that flows through this unique spot. Bains des Pâquis isn’t your typical beach. It’s a public bathing area, a cultural hub, and a beloved gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The first Bains des Pâquis, built of wood, appeared in 1872 on a jetty extending into Lake Geneva. It became a municipal bath in 1890. The current structure, a striking example of Bauhaus architecture with reinforced concrete and glass, was built in 1932. The Bains des Pâquis has always been a place of inclusion. In the early days, Sundays and holidays offered free entry, and specific hours were reserved for women. The 1932 reconstruction ensured equal space for men and women. This spirit of community continues today. In the late 1980s, a proposed modernization project sparked a passionate response from locals. They formed an association, gathered 9,000 signatures, and ultimately defeated the proposal in a referendum. The association, AUBP, then took on the management of the Bains des Pâquis, adding a sauna, Turkish bath, hammam, massage cabins, and even a fondue chalet. Today, the Bains des Pâquis thrives year-round. In the summer, the beach buzzes with activity. People swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the views of the Jet d’Eau and the city. The restaurant, La Buvette des Bains, offers affordable meals throughout the day. In the winter, the summer swimming area transforms into two saunas and a Turkish bath. The fondue chalet becomes a popular dining spot, its warm glow a beacon against the winter chill. From sunrise concerts on the jetty to the gentle steam of the hammam, Bains des Pâquis continues to evolve. It remains a vibrant testament to the power of community, a place where history and the present intertwine, and where everyone is welcome to enjoy the simple pleasures of life by the lake.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to