No doubt about it—it’s definitely summer! Like quite a few lucky people, you might already be on vacation, lounging on the beach. But if you’re one of those who haven’t had that chance yet, we’ve found a great idea for a getaway.Head to Audenge, about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Paris by train. This charming little town in southwestern France is home to a unique swimming pool… filled with seawater! And it’s the largest in Europe.
Europe’s largest seawater pool near Paris
The Émile Ortel Swimming Pool is a one-of-a-kind seawater pool! At 170 meters long, it’s naturally filled with seawater thanks to the tides of the Arcachon Bay. Formerly a hunting pond, it’s now the largest seawater pool in Europe. People go there to swim with their families , but also to learn the basics of swimming.
You can swim in three pools, all of different sizes, supervised all summer long by certified lifeguards. Every summer, for the comfort of swimmers, the town of Audenge sets upbeach changing rooms with showersso you can rinse off and get changed.
Open from July 1 to August 31, from 1:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., this chlorine-free pool is truly a little slice of paradise. Surrounded by an oyster port, fishermen’s huts, and pine trees, the site looks like something straight out of a postcard. A fabulous place to explore for free all summer long!