Why the pool in Vans will remain closed until 2027: the story of a long construction project

Residents of Vans have been waiting for the opening of the renovated Jean-Maret pool for several years. Instead of the promised indoor complex, the municipality now offers a more modest project: two renovated pools with an extended operating season. Let’s figure out why the initial plans were canceled and when the townspeople will be able to swim again at their favorite place.

 

🏛 A bit of history: from post-war legacy to modern ambitions

The Jean-Maret pool, named after the mayor of Vans (1959-1983), has been the main swimming place in the region for decades. However, time has not been kind to the infrastructure: by the 2020s, the facility was in need of major repairs. The original project, developed under the previous mayor, Regis Lebigre, envisioned:

• Complete demolition of old structures
• Construction of a modern indoor complex
• Year-round operation instead of seasonal

“This pool is part of our cultural heritage, but it must meet modern standards,” declared the municipal council at the time.

 

— — — Photo: John Photography / Pexels