Christian Estrosi, the Mayor of Nice, has announced an ambitious Plan Piscines scheme that will significantly upgrade swimming facilities across the city. The centrepiece of this initiative is a new Olympic-sized outdoor pool in the Plaine du Var area, with work likely to begin on the project next year.
The future 50-metre Olympic pool in the Plaine du Var zone of the city will feature eight lanes, a 500-seat grandstand and a dedicated weights room within its 4,000m² footprint. Located next to the existing Camille Muffat pool – reserved exclusively for Olympic Nice Natation (ONN) athletes’ training – the new facility will be open to the general public.
“Feasibility studies were completed in late 2024. The contract will soon be launched, and construction can begin in late 2026 for delivery a year after,” said Mayor Estrosi of the new project in comments published by Nice Matin.
Though this is much later than originally intended – the pre-existing timeline for the project, first floated in 2002, was for completion by late 2025 – the new version places increased attention on sustainability by incorporating solar panels, water recycling systems and a high-performance thermal cover at the site. The pool is set to achieve 82% energy self-sufficiency, with plans to connect to the Nice Méridia geothermal network by 2028, further enhancing its environmental credentials.
Accessibility and community demand
Pascal Condomitte, Deputy Mayor for Sports in Nice, highlighted the “strong demand” from the local community for expanded swimming facilities.
The site will be accessible via public transportation, located within easy walking distance of the Arboras Université stop on the Ligne 3 tramline and nearby bus stops. However, no dedicated parking area is planned for the facility, meaning visitors will need to rely on street parking or existing public parking lots in the surrounding neighbourhood – a detail that has raised concerns among residents.
While the project comes with a substantial price tag of €18.2 million, Mayor Estrosi noted, “Thanks to its energy self-sufficiency, operational costs will be controlled.”
The Olympic pool represents just one aspect of Nice’s aquatic infrastructure plan, which also includes renovations of several existing pools, a new 25-metre outdoor pool at Saint-Roch and the transformation of the Jean Bouin facility into an aquatic centre.
While many residents eagerly anticipate the improved swimming facilities, others remain sceptical about practical considerations, particularly the absence of dedicated parking and the utility of an uncovered pool during winter months.
Read related:
Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.
Image source: Ville de Nice