Piscine Pontoise

Piscine Pontoise is one of the best-loved pools in Paris and Carine Roitfeld counts herself among its admirers. Famous as a distinctive backdrop as well as a cozy retreat, the picturesque pool lends its ambiance to a memorable sporty-chic editorial for the second issue of CR Fashion Book, “Dive Right In.” Carine describes the inspired setting: "The shoot was done at the Piscine Pontoise, which is one of the most exceptional swimming pools in Paris. I first found out about it from Hedi Slimane years ago. It's great because it is open late at night and they play classical music while you swim."

Located on rue de Pontoise in the Latin Quarter of Paris, the stunning Art Deco landmark was designed by Lucien Pollet and built in 1931. The wrought irons ribs and the opaque glass of the ceiling mesh in a dramatic canopy overhead and mosaics decorate the lobby, giving the pool its unique character. The pool itself is in the basin style and measures 33 meters by 15 meters, divided into six lanes. Surrounding the pool on two levels are 160 private changing rooms and the luxury is enhanced by a personal attendant to open the room for you. Note that in all public pools in Paris, proper swimming costumes are de rigueur: bathing caps or bonnets du bain for everyone and Speedo-style briefs for men. Be sure to bring towels and proper footwear.

Among the illustrious moments in the history of Piscine Pontoise: Juliette Binoche seeking tranquility in the hallowed waters in the film Blue by Krzysztof Kieslowski, Jacques Cousteau testing his first scuba suit before heading for deeper waters, Issey Miyake showing his men’s collection on a catwalk spanning the pool, and Johnny Weissmuller perfecting his trademark Tarzan yell against the Art Deco tiles. Take in a late night swim under the stars at Piscine Pontoise and perhaps the sexy woman winking at you from under her bathing cap in the next lane will be Carine Roitfeld…

Piscine Pontoise photos © Franck Bohbot and L’Internaute Magazine/Agathe Azzis and courtesy of crfashionbook.com, justacote.com, metrofrance.com, flickr.com.

Comments

[bernie]

Chic

[Dominatrix]

This is the pool I swim at. Eat your heart out CR. :b
http://www.hotelsone.com/augusta-hotels-us/senator-inn-spa.html?as=g&aid=8659174238&dsti=176237&dstt=8&label=ggehoeu-bh176237&akw=senator%20inn%20augusta&asrc=Search&ast=&gclid=CPutzqDHyLQCFcqY4AodJyUARg

And yes, of course we must have a spa weekend, Kellina. Save your pennies.

[Mike]

This article makes me want to take up swimming again although the pool at the Y isn't quite as nice as this one.