Asnières-sur-Seine: a cultural and sporting renaissance under the leadership of Manuel Aeschlimann

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A Floating Pool on the Seine: An Innovative Project Inspired by Local History

Manuel Aeschlimann launched the idea of a floating swimming pool on the Seine in 2019, hoping to offer residents a visually iconic leisure space, ideally located between the Rosa Bonheur and the Splash restaurant at Port Van Gogh (two projects supported by the city). Despite delays caused in particular by the health crisis, Asnières-sur-Seine has finally obtained official authorization: work is continuing with Voies Navigables de France (VNF) to release the site.

La Halle des Victoires: A culinary hub

The transformation of Place des Victoires into an exceptional gastronomic center is part of the drive to make Asnières a culinary and social magnet. The project, initiated in 2016 with a design competition, has resulted in the creation of a market hall open since September 2023 signed byAtelier Filippini. From October 2025, a modern, bright and welcoming gourmet market will open its doors to gourmets from Asnières and beyond.

SORTIRAPARIS: Your city is booming when it comes to cultural events. What would you say are the three key elements that make your cultural scene unique compared to other cities in the region?

Manuel Aeschlimann: Our first priority is the quality of our events. Whether it's free concerts (like Marc Cerrone the same year as the broadcast of Supernature at the Olympic Games, Kavinsky or Véronique Sanson) or convivial food truck evenings, our aim is to create memorable experiences. Secondly, we are working to democratize culture, making big names and shows accessible at affordable rates, or even free of charge for certain initiatives. Last but not least, our proximity policy is reflected in the diversity of our events in every district of the city. In this way, our residents can enjoy culture close to home, without having to travel far.

Which local cultural initiative are you most proud of and which, in your opinion, best embodies the spirit of the town, and why?

M. A.: The gourmet Christmas market is one of our most cherished events. It's a convivial occasion that brings local residents together around quality products and, every year, appeals to young and old alike. This event reflects our desire to create moments of sharing and to anchor a spirit of festivity and conviviality in the town.

As mayor, how do you encourage talented professionals and artists to come to Asnières and contribute to the city's cultural vitality?

M. A.: We are multiplying our partnerships to attract artists and talent. For example, the Alcazar cinema is an ideal meeting place for previews, and welcomes leading figures from the world of cinema. We have also launched our local Fashion Week, which is beginning to attract designers looking for visibility. For example, we make the Château d'Asnières and the beautiful Salle des Mariages available for film shoots that we feel enhance the city's image. By strengthening our ties with influential figures, we are transforming Asnières into a veritable cultural hub.

Culture is often a vector for social cohesion. What specific projects are you running to encourage residents to get involved and live together? What initiatives are planned to make culture accessible to all, including families, young people and the elderly?

M. A.: Living together is a priority. We have set up neighborhood advisory councils and economic and social commissions to encourage citizen involvement. We also offer free events: Asnières is particularly active in the Fête de la Musique and children's shows, which bring together all generations. In addition, we have developed activities such as chess for young people (a project close to my heart), and are adapting our programming to include the needs of the elderly. Since July 1, we've been offering our seniors Radio Millésime, a brand-new digital service specially designed for them, to keep them informed of what's going on day-to-day in the Commune.

Quality of life: what new facilities, events and public spaces (parks, squares, streets) can residents and visitors expect in 2025?

M. A.: In 2025, Asnières will benefit from new facilities and spaces, including the gourmet market, a redesigned square just a stone's throw from the town hall, with over 150m² of additional play space, the creation of a forest square in the heart of town and, in 2026, the opening of the new conservatory. Culture has an important place in Asnières, with a modernized Émile Bernard library-mediathèque(600^m2 of additional space, an enlarged children's area, concentration and work areas for studying, a redesigned multimedia zone), not to mention the new Nicole Lambert, whose opening is part of the scientific, educational and social cultural project for the municipality's media libraries (larger, accessible to people with reduced mobility, equipped with a work area and digital facilities).

A large footbridge is also under construction to cross the Seine, in partnership with the Conseil départemental. As for Robinson Park, it will be redeveloped to offer residents sports and cultural areas open to all.

Finally, what message would you like to pass on to our readers about Asnières-sur-Seine? And what message do you have for the people of the Paris region and beyond?

M. A.: Asnières-sur-Seine is in the midst of a major transformation, with a dynamism and quality of life that combine modernity and conviviality. Property tax is the lowest in the département, and we don't cut budgets for culture here. It's also the safest city in the Hauts-de-Seine, according to the latest figures from the French Ministry of the Interior. If you're looking for a city where culture and community life are at the heart of everyday life, I invite you to discover Asnières. It's a place where everyone can flourish, and we work every day to make our city welcoming and attractive. Whether you're from the Paris region or further afield, you're welcome to enjoy our cultural offerings and events.