famtrav12

One of the highlights of our family trip in the currency heat wave was swimming in the Trocadero fountain. We heard the kids can also swim in the fountain at Jardin Luxemborg. Is this true?

kerouac

Before I reply, please identify the person who said such a nonsensical thing.

d_claude_bear

"Pelouse Interdite" but people can swim in a fountain? Zut alors!

Christina

no, I can't imagine why someone thought that. It is used to sail boats, for one thing, so you couldn't have kids swimming in it. You aren't even allowed to ride bikes in the Luxembourg gardens or sit on the grass. It is really just a manmade basin or pond, although there is a very small fountain in it, I believe. But they don't call the main pond a fountain. If you are referring to the Medici fountain, I really can't imagine even wanting to get in there.

kerouac

When it is really, really hot, I can imagine that it might be tolerated to sit on the edge and dip your feet, but frankly I doubt it because of the sailboat issue.

The Trocadéro fountains are invaded on any hot day, but that is less of a problem.

StCirq

If they need to swim, the Seine is always right there.

Michael

<i>You aren't even allowed to ride bikes in the Luxembourg gardens or sit on the grass.</i>

I thought I saw people on the grass in its "panhandle" going toward Port-Royal RER station.

kerouac

Yes, I think that the strip in the direction of Port Royal is authorised.

PalenQ

One of the highlights of our family trip in the currency heat wave was swimming in the Trocadero fountain>

Are you saying it is legal to swim in the Trocadero Fountain - is this true?

Incroyable but perhaps during the canicule (sp?) or heat wave they have relaxed the rules.

for a fluuly legal and safe (from disease one may contract from any public fountain take the family to the very popular Aqua Boulevard - a huge swimming emporium - http://www.aquaboulevard.fr/aquaboulevard.html.

Love the French word for swimming pool - "piscine" - very appropo name in English!

justineparis

Yes, it was shown on the news.. many people jumped in the Trocedero fountains,, fair enough in a heat wave,, but the pond thing at Luxembourg would be dirty and gross, ducks crap in there and they do not clean it up.
And yes, in many areas in Luxembourg Gardens you cannot sit on the grass, but there are strips where it is allowed. On a busy day they are so crowded why would anyone want to though.

I love Paris but it is not my favorite place to be in a heat wave for sure.

justineparis

Google "Paris Heat Wave Trocadero Fountains" and you will find quite a few photos showing hundreds of people in the fountain,, thinking it being 38 or 39 degrees , day and day, and many hotels and apartments without a/c,, I do not blame them at all, in fact, it looks fun!

famtrav12

Trocadero was opened for public swim because of the heat- with the alternating fountains and the amazing view of the Eiffel tower it was a memorable experience. Maybe not a clean as a typical swimming pool but a lot of fun an refreshing brake from the heat. Also made for some great photos!

JoyC

Some photos from this year's heatwave in Furope:

http://www.smh.com.au/photogallery/t...820-24hn5.html