Piscine St-Germain Glacée

There are other ways to keep cool besides eating ice cream.
 You can take a dunk in one of Paris' public pools. But NOT in the Jardins du Luxembourg Fontaine Médicis. That's artwork.

There are many superb public pools in Paris and throughout France. The Bordeaux community pool is not to be believed. Actually 5 pools under 1 sunroof.
 You don't have to be a citizen or resident to use the pools. Just pay the fee (tarif - 2,60 euros).Or buy a carnet of 10 entrées just like on the Metro and pay even less.
You say you'd love to go swimming but you left your cap, your goggles, your bathing suit at home. Not to worry.

There are POOL VENDING MACHINES!

They sell all this stuff and more at the entrance of the Piscine Municipale Saint-Germain in the 6ème . I bought a pair of swimming gloves (lower right) and one of those little cloths that dry you off quickly (not shown). Everything is 10 euros and most items are 5 euros and under.True the hours are limited depending on the day. Weekdays the scolaires(students) get the most access.
Weekends are open all day to everyone. The schedule can change too, holidays etc. But there's a printed leaflet explaining all. The pools have private changing cabines. You turn in your clothing and valuables to the clothes check and receive a red rubber bracelet in exchange. Showers are unisex. No big deal. The St.- Germain pool is huge, very clean and refreshing.
My only gripe is the French don't swim in an orderly fashion. They haven't heard of circular swimming. Nor waiting to take your turn in a lane. It's a free-for-all. I do water exercises rather than laps.

I HEART WaterGym.

I was happy to find a cheap flotation belt at GO SPORT.

Back in my Astoria pool I watch the clock constantly.

In Paris I'm too busy watching for flailing arms and legs, so time goes faster. This is a plus. Well sort of...Please read Put Your Flare On says about French swimmers here.
You can still get some crème glacée after your swim. Hey you've earned it and already worked off the calories. Well sort of...BTW www.France2.fr is a terrific site to sharpen your Fr. speaking skills and comprehension. At this link click on the Vidéo to see the latest glace fashions in French restaurants.