Floating Pool Joséphine-Baker in Paris to Close Permanently by 2027
Paris, April 8, 2026 – The Joséphine-Baker floating pool, a well-known fixture on the Seine in the 13th arrondissement, is slated for permanent closure by the end of 2026, with a potential extension until spring 2027. The City of Paris has confirmed that the facility is “at the end of its life” and exhibits a “very degraded general condition,” according to sources close to the matter.
First inaugurated in 2006, the pool’s lifespan was initially projected for 15 years, a duration it has now exceeded by more than 20 years. The structure, composed of concrete and steel, is expected to be dismantled before the end of the year, although official timelines and operational details for this delicate process are yet to be finalized. Despite the impending closure, the pool is assured to remain open through the summer season.
A Tumultuous History and Mounting Costs
The Joséphine-Baker pool, designed as a barge-like structure, was a flagship project initiated by former Socialist mayor Bertrand Delanoë, intended to be a highlight of Paris Plage. However, its operational history has been plagued with numerous setbacks since its inception. Incidents have included detached tiling, a fire, and a mishandling error that nearly submerged the structure, leading to multiple temporary closures.
A 2017 report by the regional chamber of the Court of Auditors highlighted the significant financial burden and technical shortcomings of the 18-million-euro construction. The report noted that “major technical innovations… proved unsatisfactory.” Issues such as repeated incidents with the flotation and hull system, the abandonment of the Seine water potabilization device, and high maintenance demands were cited, casting doubt on its long-term durability.
Structural Degradation and Safety Concerns
On April 8, 2026, the City of Paris provided further details, explaining that the pool, classified as a non-propelled vessel, is subject to stringent and regular controls, including dry-docking operations every five years. Its current certification is set to expire on May 16, 2026.
A comprehensive technical diagnostic conducted in 2021 revealed “significant structural deformation of the barge, known as the ‘banana effect,’ which affects its stability, as well as infiltrating cracks in the concrete walls, posing a risk of water ingress.” Additionally, widespread humidity issues, sealing defects, advanced corrosion of structural elements, and increasing risks to technical networks, particularly electrical systems, were identified. These combined issues render heavy maintenance operations “particularly complex and uncertain.”
Financial Implications and Future Plans
The extensive degradation of the pool would necessitate a “very costly major renovation” and substantial ongoing maintenance expenses, with an estimated total cost of 7.5 million euros. This figure includes 1.5 million euros for dry-docking, at least 4 million euros for structural repairs, and approximately 2 million euros in annual operating costs, with no guarantee of durability beyond a few years.
In light of these financial and structural challenges, the City of Paris has made the “responsible choice not to incur such significant expenses on equipment whose longevity cannot be assured.” Instead, the city has opted to focus on “the construction of a new pool at the Carpentier site,” which is deemed “better suited to user needs and current requirements.”
Impact on Local Community
The news comes as a blow to regular users, particularly schools in the area that rely on the Joséphine-Baker pool for swimming lessons. One AESH (Accompagnant d’Élèves en Situation de Handicap) expressed concern, stating, “I am quite worried because last year many drownings occurred because children didn’t know how to swim. They reinforced swimming lessons at school, but if pools close, it will be complicated.”
The closure of the Joséphine-Baker pool marks the end of an era for a facility that, despite its ambitious vision, struggled with persistent operational and structural challenges. The City of Paris aims to address the community’s needs through the development of new, more sustainable aquatic infrastructure.
