From Cagnes-sur-Mer’s new ‘ocean pool’ to Roquebillière’s natural swimming spot at the foot of the Mercantour mountain range, Monaco Life explores the best public outdoor swimming pools that the region has to offer.
One of the largest and most modern municipality-run swimming pools in the Riviera can be found in Cannes. The Grand Bleu pool boasts a full Olympic-sized outdoor swimming space, as well as a 25-metre pool. Both are heated to a comfortable 28°C. There’s also a children’s pool, a beach volleyball court and green spaces for visitors to enjoy and relax in between dips.
Entrance prices start at €4.50 for adults and €3.40 for children. The facility is open year-round. For more information, click here.
Just along the coast is Antibes’ Piscine Jean Bunos. The aquatic centre is currently in the midst of major renovations inside, but access to its wonderful outdoor spaces is being maintained throughout the works. There are two Olympic-length pools, which are divided into swimming lanes, a splash pad for young children and plenty of picnic spaces for families and groups.
Tickets start from €3.50 for locals and range up to €6 for visitors to the area. During the summer, the pool is open every day of the week from 8.30am until 10pm. Click here for more information.
Although not quite a swimming pool by usual standards, the ‘ocean pool’ concept being trialled by the town of Cagnes-sur-Mer this summer is worth a mention.
Just along from Port du Cros, an anti-jellyfish net has been strung up to protect bathers in the seawater enclave that has been established between Point 17 and Point 18. At the edge of the space, where the sea reaches a depth of up to seven metres, two swimming lanes of 25 metres by six metres have been strung up to give dedicated swimmers an area to practise their laps in peace.
The space is entirely free for the public to use and a team of lifeguards will be on duty throughout the summer holidays to give families peace of mind.
Up in the hinterland of the Côte d’Azur is where we find our next alternative swimming experience: the Bassin Biologique de Roquebillère. This glorious outdoor pool, which is found around an hour and 20 minutes from Monaco, is totally chlorine-free and is naturally-filtered thanks to planted borders. It measures 1,350 m² and offers visitors beautiful views of the scenic Vésubie Valley, as well as tennis courts, football pitches and even a leisure fishing pond.
Adult entry costs €6 and children’s tickets cost €4. For more information, click here.
And last but certainly not least, Monaco’s own Stade Nautique Rainier III is certainly worth a visit. From the exceptional views of the mountains to the north, the Principality’s cityscape to the east and west, and the superyachts in the marina to its generously-sized swimming space, diving boards, a slide and a programme packed full of fun exercise classes, this family-friendly pool in the heart of Port Hercule has everything going for it.
A standard day pass for a non-resident of the Principality costs €12 for an adult and €9 for children between the ages of three and 17. Residents can benefit from a range of reductions and discounted prices.
This swimming pool will remain open until 19th October. Click here for more information.
Read related:
Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.
Main photo credit: Pure Montagne