‘In the heatwaves, it’s crucial’: the fight to save France’s rural swimming pools

The Guardian UK Saturday 15 August 2026, 04:00 UTC By Angelique Chrisafis in Châteauneuf-sur-Sarthe and Rochefort-sur-Loire; photographs by Thomas Louapre 1 min read

Key Points

Ageing facilities offering daily refuge face funding threat as record temperatures parch the countrysideSuzy Bernard took a breath and jumped into the deep end of her village swimming pool with a splash. “There’s a wonderful feeling of wellbeing in the water,” said the former hospital healthcare assistant, who recently learned to swim aged 75 and was now gliding along with her daughter and grandson.

Ageing facilities offering daily refuge face funding threat as record temperatures parch the countryside

Suzy Bernard took a breath and jumped into the deep end of her village swimming pool with a splash.

“There’s a wonderful feeling of wellbeing in the water,” said the former hospital healthcare assistant, who recently learned to swim aged 75 and was now gliding along with her daughter and grandson.

France (LOCATION) Bernard (PERSON)

Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

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‘In the heatwaves, it’s crucial’: the fight to save France’s rural swimming pools

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