Most people know how much I love my pool but I think I’ve finally met its match… in Paris! While researching the great pools of the world this one kept coming up and as I had to be here anyway - in the Parisian summer - it was a no-brainer. My good friend Jennie also loves to swim so it was an easy decision for her to fly down from Wales and join in the fun, not to mention it was high time I met her cheeky husband. If he insists on writing naughty poems about me he should at least have the pleasure of meeting me properly, right?
The weather has been idyllic - high 20s, light breeze, blue skies. Perfection. This fabulous pool is 46 metres long and a range of widths given its unusual shape. There’s a 33-metre stretch for lane swimmers and a variety of “play” areas including high-pressure jets, underwater nresistance bands, water spouts etc. The lane area has an overhead wire for backstrokers and there’s plethora of kickboards, fins and other pool toys. They’ve really thought of everything! We spent two blissful days frolicking and talking, lots of both, with the occasional cocktail thrown in. There’s also an indoor 33-metre pool which has aqua exercise classes and regular lane swimming but I’m saving that for next time.
Piscine Molitor was built in 1929 and on top of its unusual shape the surrounding concrete has minor undulations that make cocktail carrying a challenge, especially when wearing fluffy thongs. Luckily they have poolside service. The original pool was inaugurated by Johnny Weissmuller and other Olympic swimmers. More recently, Emily and Mindy enjoyed a cocktail poolside in Emily in Paris (season 3).
The complex is known for its art deco design and also the unveiling of the first modern bikini in 1946. It was classified as a monument historique in 1990 and fully rebuilt in the original style after falling into disrepair.
The adjacent gym (yes I actually do that these days!) is the best I’ve ever seen, with a whole studio dedicated to boxing and other excellent fun - battle ropes and TRXs complete the line-up. It seems they knew I was coming because the boxing rigs were personalised with my name! LOL. Who knew I had a brand?
The mini-holiday also included disgraceful hijinks in the local supermarket (I may never be able to return there) and jazz at a groovy club in St Germain. My hotel room came with an enormous private terrace which was begging for a party, maybe I can arrange that for next year…
The pools are heated year-round and I have definitely found my new home in Paris. The first arrondissement is so over-rated, right? The Molitor is located in the sporting precinct and Roland-Garros is just across the road. Maybe I’ll even get to the French Open one year.
I’m completely refreshed and recovered from the huge weekend that was, and ready for the next adventure, which will definitely not include summer activities. Au revoir Jennie et Johnet à plus tard!
I do love a mirror that makes you look skinny!
