Fancy a dip in history? Right here stands the Piscine de la Butte aux Cailles. It is more than just a swimming pool. It is a monument to Parisian innovation and architectural style.
The Piscine de la Butte aux Cailles welcomes swimmers since 1924. It is nestled in the heart of the Butte aux Cailles district. This pool is a classified historical monument. Its Art Deco style is seen behind a red brick facade. It has curves and is bathed in soft natural light thanks to its large windows.
Let’s dive into the story of this unique place. The Piscine de la Butte aux Cailles history goes back to 1866. A source of hot underground water was discovered. This led to the construction of bathhouses in 1908. Architect Louis Bonnier built the current pool between 1922 and 1924.
Did you know the Piscine de la Butte aux Cailles was ahead of its time? It was the first in Paris to adopt new sanitary and hygiene practices. Showers and foot baths were mandatory before entering the pools. Bonnier used reinforced concrete for the swimming pool’s vault. It is supported by seven light arches.
The Piscine de la Butte aux Cailles has three pools today. There is an indoor pool and two outdoor pools. A solarium is also available. The outdoor Nordic pool is unique in Paris. It welcomes swimmers even in winter. The water is heated to 28 degrees Celsius. An innovative system reuses heat from a data center. This heats the water economically and ecologically.
The Piscine de la Butte aux Cailles has been featured in films and commercials. Scenes from “Le Grand Bain” were filmed here. The pool is a true gem.
The pool uses district heating for its basins. In 2016, a partnership with Stimergy was announced. It heats some of the water using heat from servers installed in the basement. This eliminated the data center’s air conditioning. It consumed 250 MWh and emitted 45 tons of carbon dioxide per year.
The Piscine de la Butte aux Cailles is more than just a place to swim. It is a piece of Parisian history. It is a testament to innovation and architectural beauty. Take a moment to appreciate this unique monument. Consider its history.