Tucked away in the 18th arrondissement, the Amiraux Swimming Pool stands out as something truly special. An architectural masterpiece of Art Deco and officially listed as a Historic Monument, it is best known for providing the vibrant, azure backdrop and vintage cabins for Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s cult classic, Amélie.
A place where time seems to stand still since 1930, nestled between pristine white columns and patterned tiled floors. Several iconic scenes have been shot here, and architect Henri Sauvage, who designed the building in 1927, likely never imagined that his basin would become a star in cinema. With its two tiers of cabins overlooking the water, this location exudes a distinctive "ocean liner" vibe, creating a stunning depth of field that makes it a filmmaker’s dream
In fact, this swimming pool is literally embedded within a building of affordable Housing for the Masses (HBM). Back in the day, Sauvage conceived the idea of designing the building with stepped terraces to let in natural light, creating an empty inner courtyard… which he ultimately decided to fill with this swimming pool.
It’s this hidden, almost secretive aspect that deepens its mysterious allure on screen. As you step through the door, you leave behind the hustle and bustle of Rue des Amiraux and enter a timeless sanctuary, bathed in the gentle glow of its expansive skylight.
A true pilgrimage for film enthusiasts and architecture lovers, but beware—this pool isn’t for swimmers seeking plenty of space or contemporary design. Don’t expect Olympic-sized lanes here; the basin is quite modest!
On the trail of film shoots in Paris: discover cult locations
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Location
Piscine des Amiraux
6 Rue Hermann-Lachapelle
75018 Paris 18
On the trail of film shoots in Paris: discover cult locations
