Imagine swimming in a pool beneath a bustling shopping center. That is precisely the surprising reality of the Piscine Armand Massard.
The Piscine Armand Massard is a unique swimming pool in Paris. It is located in the 15th arrondissement. More commonly, it is called Piscine Montparnasse. This pool sits below the Maine-Montparnasse shopping center. The center was completed in 1975.
Before the Piscine Keller reopened, Piscine Armand Massard was the area’s top pool. It is named after Armand Massard. He was a French sportsman who embodied the spirit of the Olympic Games. Massard won a gold medal in individual épée and a bronze medal in team épée at the 1920 Antwerp Olympics. He later became President of the French Olympic Committee. He defended Pierre de Coubertin’s memory. He also defended France’s standing within the Olympic organization. Across France, many sports venues bear his name. The Piscine Armand Massard is one such tribute.
This indoor swimming facility offers three pools. There is a large 33-meter pool. Also, an intermediate 25-meter pool exists. It hosts aquagym and swimming lessons. A small children’s pool is available too.
The Piscine Armand Massard is easily accessible. It is near the Tour Montparnasse. Several metro and bus lines stop nearby. TGV, TER, and Transilien trains serve the Gare Montparnasse.
Many activities are offered at the Piscine Armand Massard. These include swimming courses and synchronized swimming. Aquagym and water polo are also available. The pool is open all year with varied hours.
Marina and her friends meet at Piscine Armand Massard on Saturday mornings. They swim laps before window shopping. The children’s pool allows them to swim without disturbance.
Despite not having an Olympic-sized 50-meter pool, the Piscine Armand Massard remains popular. Those seeking a larger pool can visit the Piscine Keller. It is also in Paris’s 15th arrondissement.
So, next time you’re near Tour Montparnasse, consider a dip. The Piscine Armand Massard offers a refreshing escape. It is a tribute to French sportsmanship.