A futuristic dome pierced with portholes, evoking a spaceship straight out of the 1970s? That is the distinctive silhouette of the piscine Tournesol in the town of Fosses, in northeast Île-de-France. The Journées nationales de l’architecture return to make Paris buzz and the entire Île-de-France vibrate from 16 to 18 October 2026. This cultural rendezvous invites the curious and the passionate to view our everyday landscapes through a fresh lens, to understand the technical choices of builders, and to step inside buildings that are part of our daily lives. In the heart of the Val-d'Oise, this communal basin tells a major construction tale of the last century.
Built in the late 1970s under the guidance of architect Bernard Schoeller, this aquatic complex springs from the national “1000 pools” program. In the wake of France’s disappointing showing at the 1968 Olympic Games, the State launched an unprecedented effort to teach every young French person how to swim. The Tournesol model sits within the prefabricated industrial architecture of the Trente Glorieuses, defined by standardized components, the lightness of synthetic materials, and aerodynamic lines. The building centers on a self-supporting circular dome carried by 36 metal arches, clad in polyester plastic tiles and pierced by two rows of portholes. Thanks to two movable sectors mounted on rollers, the roof opens onto the surrounding lawns at the first signs of warm weather.
Visit to the Tournesol swimming pool in Fosses
The guided tour will recount the history of this pool designed by Bernard Schoeller and built in 1977 in Fosses as part of the national “1000 Pools” program.
Come discover the architecture of a pool like no other.
For ages 12 and up.
The tour is offered by the Heritage Service in partnership with the Department of Sports.
Participation conditions: Reservations recommended on site at the pool reception or with the Patrimoines service at the following contacts: 06 11 84 46 47 or by email ecomusee.cartoucherie@roissypaysdefrance.fr - Free | Reservation required - 06 11 84 46 47, ecomusee.cartoucherie@roissypaysdefrance.fr
Schedule: Saturday, October 17, 2026 — 5:30 PM–7:00 PM
Screening of "La Piscine" at the Tournesol Pool in Fosses
The Image and Cinema hub invites you to dive into the world of the pool with a screening.
The Pool, Jacques Deray (1969)
Jean-Paul and Marianne seem to be the perfect couple, living the good life in their Saint-Tropez villa, until Harry arrives, flanked by his incendiary daughter Penelope. A former lover of Marianne, he unsettles their tranquil life. Tension rises.
Enjoy a screening set in the unusual backdrop of the Tournesol pool, even inviting you to watch from the water if you wish!
Screening organized by the Image and Cinema hub, in partnership with the Sports Department and the Heritage Service.
Subject to availability. Reservations recommended.
Participation conditions: Free of charge, reservations recommended on-site at the pool reception or with the Patrimoines service at 06 11 84 46 47 or by email ecomusee.cartoucherie@roissypaysdefrance.fr - Free | Reservations required - 06 11 84 46 47, ecomusee.cartoucherie@roissypaysdefrance.fr
Schedule: Saturday, October 17, 2026 — 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
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Dates and Opening Time
On October 17, 2026
Location
Sunflower Pool in Les Fosses
Rue Fernand Picquette
95470 Fosses
Route planner
Official website
www.roissypaysdefrance.fr
