- The first summer pools in Lyon reopened on Thursday.
- Access is by reservation for a two-hour slot.
- For the occasion, 20Minutes tested the city's first ephemeral swimming pool installed in the velodrome in the Tête d'Or park.
This is the big summer novelty this year in Lyon. The temporary pool in the Tête d'Or park opened its pools this Thursday at 12:30 pm A first for the city. Towel under the arm, swimsuit under the skirt and camera in the bag, your humble servant went on site to test THE new swimming pool despite the threatening clouds. Entrance, as for other establishments, is by reservation. Here, the number of places is limited to 80 per two-hour slot.
On site, 9 beach huts, looked like in the 60s, allow visitors to change quickly. “Nevertheless, the principle is like that of a lake. We come, we leave with our business, ”explains Olivier Ribotta, who works in the sports directorate of the city of Lyon. Unsurprisingly, the slots for this first day were taken by storm. "Complete within 24 hours," he says. Twenty people, who had reserved, are still missing. No doubt, discouraged by the timid thinnings.
Deckchairs and parasols
Julien took advantage of his lunch break to discover the swimming pool. "I work right next door," he smiles, quietly installed in a deckchair, in the shade of an umbrella. He came with his wife Jennifer. “Our two children are at school. We said we were going to test to find out if it was worth it to come back with them later, ”explains the young woman. And the verdict is final. " That's great. It is calm and very exotic. It is hidden behind the woods, there is a secret side that I like, ”says the husband. "It's a small oasis of tranquility," continues his wife, preferring the place to the nautical center Tony Bertrand. “There are always a lot of people at the Rhône pool. The big ones jump from everywhere and for children, it's a little impressive. Here, it's much quieter, ”she continues, literally won over.
Same enthusiasm a few deckchairs further. Maud comes back from her swim. “It was really worth it to come. I am impressed because the facilities are suitable for all audiences: disabled, children, adults. The exterior is great. I don't see who could make negative remarks, ”she confesses, scanning the site with her gaze. And add a flat laughing: "Yes, it may be missing a snack bar or a small place to buy snacks". Plan a bottle of water before coming and eating because picnics are prohibited on site.
A shallow pool for swimming
“The bet was daring but it is successful. One wonders why they did not have the idea before, “continues this young mother. "Because it comes at a cost," says Olivier Ribotta with a smile, satisfied with the openness. “So far, we haven't had a single negative comeback. But there may be disappointed. The main pool (1 m deep) is not made for the practice of sports swimming. Above all, the concept is relaxation, ”he concludes. Followers of the crawl, you have been warned. For others, you will have a particularly pleasant time.
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- Lyon