Faced with the many refusals of access suffered, the Marseillais of the 13th arrondissement have come to understand it: in the summer, they are persona non grata in the swimming pools of the municipalities of Allauch and Plan-de-Cuques (Bouches-du-Rhône). The uncovered basin of Plan-de-Cuques only opens from June 8 to September 17. Before the school holiday period, slots are almost exclusively reserved for schools. Afterwards, access is strictly reserved for Plan-de-Cuquois, unless there is an exemption.
“Our gauge is limited to 250 people, for 12,000 inhabitants, it makes sense to give them priority, justifies the mayor LR Laurent Simon with our colleagues from Provence. But we grant some 150 exemptions among the 500 who request it each year, based on no particular criteria, whether address, profile or age. »
When the good weather arrives only the inhabitants have access to it
No need to rush to request a card from the CCAS of the municipality, the dedicated period to do so is only open for three weeks between May and mid-June. Non-residents of Plan-de-Cuques benefiting from this derogation valid only for the season pay 6.60 euros for entry (compared to four euros for others) and 5.40 euros (compared to 3.40 euros) for children from 6 to 16 years old.
On the side of Allauch, one and the same price for everyone, Allaudians or not: 3.50 euros for adults and two euros for children.
However, the card issued to non-Aullaudians is only valid from October 1 to May 31. When the good weather arrives and the outdoor swimming pool opens, only residents have access to it on presentation of proof of residence less than three months old.
Cool off in Gardanne
“We have reached our maximum capacity of 250 people in the two basins combined, explains Mayor LR Lionel de Cala. This municipal equipment is reserved all year round for schools, associations and clubs. The additional slots open in summer for the population mean that the swimming pool is almost 100% occupied. It is normal, given the cost that its maintenance imposes on the municipal budget, that it benefits above all the Allaudians. »
But let the people of Marseille be reassured: not all the neighboring towns are closing the door in their face. Some swimming pools gladly welcome kids from the outdoor centers of the Phocaean city. And for the little ones who have trouble finding a swimming pool with a pool that is suitable for them, some outdoor centers in Marseille do not hesitate to have them travel by train to allow them to cool off in the Gardanne swimming pool.