Anonymous
A frequent visitor to France, I love just everything there - with the exception of their network of swimming pools, which, as a regular swimmer, is the source of much vexation. A recent visit to Brest and Piscine Foch exemplifies this view.
My choice of pools is cut as only two out of the four pools in Brest are open during the period 2 July to 2 September. On the day in question, a Friday, opening hours at Foch are good, running through the day to 20:00. (My general experience in France is that opening hours can be very restrictive.)
The facility is aged and has not been well-maintained. There is a main pool and a smaller pool for children, which helps to reduce traffic in the former. The main pool is deep, around 2m at the shallow end, and significantly deeper at the deep end, where a diving board is located. Typical of its era, a wave reflecting recess is built in around the circumference of the pool. Wave suppression barriers are used to lane off the four lanes, with a wider non-laned section in the middle. Nevertheless, the water is still rather choppy. The lanes are not streamed: there is a mix of swimming speeds and abilities in each lane. Lane discipline is poor. I did not measure the water temperature but would estimate it to be in the region of 28º - 29ºC (82º - 84ºF). Kickboards and floats are available to borrow.
Shower and changing facilities are basic.
My choice of pools is cut as only two out of the four pools in Brest are open during the period 2 July to 2 September. On the day in question, a Friday, opening hours at Foch are good, running through the day to 20:00. (My general experience in France is that opening hours can be very restrictive.)
The facility is aged and has not been well-maintained. There is a main pool and a smaller pool for children, which helps to reduce traffic in the former. The main pool is deep, around 2m at the shallow end, and significantly deeper at the deep end, where a diving board is located. Typical of its era, a wave reflecting recess is built in around the circumference of the pool. Wave suppression barriers are used to lane off the four lanes, with a wider non-laned section in the middle. Nevertheless, the water is still rather choppy. The lanes are not streamed: there is a mix of swimming speeds and abilities in each lane. Lane discipline is poor. I did not measure the water temperature but would estimate it to be in the region of 28º - 29ºC (82º - 84ºF). Kickboards and floats are available to borrow.
Shower and changing facilities are basic.