Let's face it; getting exercise while visiting Paris is not really that difficult. You need only rely on the Metro for transportation - and that alone will insure you go up and down many staircases and walk several kilometers each day of your trip. Or you could simply rent an apartment in Montmartre where there are stairs to be navigated on virtually every street. But if you're looking for something a little more structured - and fun - how about a nice swim?
There are several public pools scattered around Paris - but most of them are single pools with limited hours that are usually quite crowded. But smack in the middle of Montparnasse you will find the best swimming experience to be had in the city of light - Piscine Armand Massard, 66 Boulevard du Montparnasse (tel. 01 45 38 65 19).
Admission is just €3 - open to the public daily. Check for times:
http://ville.france.free.fr/horaires_piscines/ARMAND_MASSARD.php
There are several public pools scattered around Paris - but most of them are single pools with limited hours that are usually quite crowded. But smack in the middle of Montparnasse you will find the best swimming experience to be had in the city of light - Piscine Armand Massard, 66 Boulevard du Montparnasse (tel. 01 45 38 65 19).
Admission is just €3 - open to the public daily. Check for times:
http://ville.france.free.fr/horaires_piscines/ARMAND_MASSARD.php
Pool 1 and wading pool It can be a little tricky to find - but just remember that it's in the complex of buildings in which is also located le Tour Montparnasse (the Montparnasse Tower)- in the basement - at the end farthest from the Gare Montparnasse.
This facility is a delight. First of all - it's not just one pool, but two large pools - and one smaller shallow pool perfect for children or water isometrics.
With two large pools available there is room enough for areas devoted to both lap swimming and free-style. And the pools are heated just right to make for a quite enjoyable dip.
The dressing area is for both men and women, and is equipped with private changing rooms. The lockers are large enough for all your clothes and a backpack (not the case at other Paris pools) and each has an electronic combination (like a hotel safe) so you needn't bring a padlock. And the entire area is kept spotless.
This facility is a delight. First of all - it's not just one pool, but two large pools - and one smaller shallow pool perfect for children or water isometrics.
With two large pools available there is room enough for areas devoted to both lap swimming and free-style. And the pools are heated just right to make for a quite enjoyable dip.
The dressing area is for both men and women, and is equipped with private changing rooms. The lockers are large enough for all your clothes and a backpack (not the case at other Paris pools) and each has an electronic combination (like a hotel safe) so you needn't bring a padlock. And the entire area is kept spotless.
Pool 2 In-fact, hygiene is a high priority at the pool - so all swimmers are required to wear speedo style swim-suits - and bathing caps. If you brought neither with you - fear not - they sell them at the pool for a quite reasonable price. Swim suits €10 and caps €4. The shower area is quite large and clean - and just before entering the pool each swimmer must walk through one final 'foot bath'.
Wall mounted hair dryers are also provided free of charge.
So if you're feeling the need for an energizing exercise experience - at a very reasonable price - head over toMontparnasse for one of the best swimming experiences you'll find anywhere.
Wall mounted hair dryers are also provided free of charge.
So if you're feeling the need for an energizing exercise experience - at a very reasonable price - head over toMontparnasse for one of the best swimming experiences you'll find anywhere.
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