Molitor: Paris’ Timeless Oasis

In the bustling 16th arrondissement of Paris, an oasis of memories and nostalgia hides behind a flamboyant Art Deco facade: the Molitor swimming pool. Inaugurated in 1929, this mythical pool is much more than just a swimming venue; it is the silent witness of bygone eras and memorable stories.

The Molitor pool, designed by architect Lucien Pollet, quickly became a hotspot of Parisian life. With its outdoor Olympic pool surrounded by brightly colored bathing cabins and its mural frescoes, it offered an idyllic setting for elegant summer days. One anecdote tells of a young aspiring writer, fascinated by the vibrant atmosphere and the shimmering reflections of the water, sitting by the pool’s edge to scribble the first lines of his novel. He later attributed his flourishing literary career to these inspiring moments spent at the Molitor pool.

In the following decades, Molitor became the favorite spot for Parisians seeking leisure and glamour. Fashion shows, lavish parties, and even beauty contests were organized there. In 1946, the famous fashion designer Louis Réard unveiled the bikini there for the first time, a revolution in the fashion world. A young model, chosen to present this bold new outfit, later recalled with emotion the day she made a sensation before an astonished crowd.

However, the Molitor pool was not spared by the ravages of time. Closed in 1989, it gradually fell into ruin, a victim of neglect and vandalism. Yet, even in its dilapidated state, it retained a mysterious and captivating aura. One night, a group of urban artists clandestinely entered the site to create ephemeral works. They transformed the dilapidated walls into an improvised art gallery, thus immortalizing the indomitable spirit of Molitor.

In 2014, after years of meticulous restoration, the Molitor pool rose from its ashes, regaining its former glory. Visitors, amazed by the resurrection of this architectural jewel, flock there to immerse themselves in history and savor the aquatic pleasures. An old regular, returning for the first time since its reopening, remembered with a tear of emotion the summers of his childhood spent diving into the cool water and running on the hot tiles.

Today, the Molitor pool remains an icon of Parisian elegance, a place where past and present harmonize. Every plunge, every splash is a celebration of the rich and vibrant history of this iconic place. Thus, in the heart of Paris, the Molitor pool continues to write its history, one page at a time, eternal and unforgettable.