You don't have permission to access the page you requested. What is this page?The website you are visiting is protected.For security reasons this page cannot be displayed. Text description provided by the architects. The project is located in the middle of a remarkable “Natura 2000” natural unit with which it enters in harmony. By a view-point effect, the main hall, light and elegant, offers a panoramic sight of the landscape. From a distance, only the main hall emerges above the salt pans and the waterway named La Vie. The roof is expressed in three “petals”, floating above ground; the reasoned form of the structure evokes the movement of water, the undulations of a line-manta moving. The abstract character of this roof in levitation above landscape is allowed by a structure in peripheral lattice, which surrounds the surface of the swimming-pool and supports the roof in an interdependent structural unit. © Jean-François TremegeTo allow the swimming-pool’s main hall to emerge, like the main project’s image, whole of the cloakrooms and technical premises are contained in a building adjoining the main hall that proceeds of a radically different logic. The cloakrooms are integrated in a concrete building which mineral brutal aspect melts in the landscape. Ground floor planThe technical premises benefits from the natural topography of the ground to be embedded there. The facade’s lattice filters the light and the sights and create reflections in the landscape. The curved surface of the interior roof treats both the pools’ acoustics and luminous environment. The white metal structure, the clear grounds, the clear cement walls and the wood cladding, harmonizes with the surroundings vegetal universe. © Jean-François TremegeThe swimming-pool’s main hall, like a timeless shelter, designed in observation of the natural forms, enters in harmony with its environment. Water slide levelThe building is especially outstanding thanks to its glazed wide spaces, with different heights, allowing to reach up to 11 meters. The roofs’ offsets allows a direct daylight incoming in the middle of the swimming-pool’s main hall. The roof’s overflows takes part in the glazings’ solar protection for a good comfort during summer. Glass lays out a particular treatment in order to bring light while minimizing reverberation and maximizing transparency on the swimming-pool. © Jean-François Tremege The structure of the main hall is very specific: located above beams, the ceiling is surfaced with 1400 micro-perforated triangles which model the roof’s curves. It is a visible structure with a system of nonapparent fasteners. © Jean-François TremegeThe metal lattice makes it possible to avoid posts within the pool’s hall. The white structure is voluntarily visible, as a ship’s hull. The row provision of the basins allows to offer to the swimming-pool’s users the best orientations for the sunning, and the nicest views on the site. © Jean-François TremegeAn architecture of nature to serve a serene and dynamic environment It is the identity which the territory’s remarkable landscape inspires to us You'll now receive updates based on what you follow Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors If you have done all of this and still can't find the email This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page News source Le Figaro has revealed its list of the top 50 towns in France to retire to - factoring in housing researchers studied towns with over 10,000 inhabitants that currently attract the most retired people in France the list features predominantly small and medium-sized cities with accessible services and affordable housing prices The basin of Arcachon has remained at the top of the list since 2019 with both of the top two cities located in the coastal area south of Bordeaux with local mayor Jean-Yves Rosazza telling Le Figaro: “We attract mostly young They come to spend the first 20 years of their retirement with us then go to Arcachon [second on Le Figaro’s list] which has more hospital infrastructure and buildings with lifts.” the mayor hopes the town’s number one rating will not attract too many new retirees and drive up property prices Andernos-les-Bains has seen a rise of 36.3% in property prices in the past four years Vannes (Brittany) and Narbonne (Occitanie) were also rated highly in last year’s list Nearby Challans is a new entry to the 2020 list told Le Figaro one thing that attracts retirees to the town is its location Challans is 15km from a rocky coastline that is appreciated by local walkers Mr Pascreau said: “We are lucky to have a hospital for a town with 21,000 inhabitants - not forgetting our quality sports facilities Cannes has fallen from third place last year to seventh in 2020 the town still holds many attractions for retirees not least its location on the French Riviera The CanneSéries television festival is currently underway and there are many other cultural events throughout the year as well as good general services in the city Limoges (Nouvelle-Aquitaine) has retained its place as the only city with over 100,000 inhabitants to make the top 10 in 2020 Deputy mayor Samia Riffaud said: “Housing prices are affordable to the point at which our retirees can sell their houses in the countryside in Haute-Vienne to move closer to the town even if that means buying a smaller property.” In addition Ms Riffaud said the city is a haven for nature lovers with 50m2 of green space for each inhabitant Other high-ranking cities with over 100,000 inhabitants on the 2020 list include Caen (Normandy) in 11th place and Nice (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur) in 17th place Closing out the top 10 in joint ninth place are Agde in Hérault and Saint-Malo in Brittany Agde was also in ninth place in the 2019 list said the town’s top-ten ranking “proves that our seniors are happy here and that the town is responsive to their needs” He added that many retirees are Bretons who return to the region after forging their careers elsewhere Saint-Malo has proportionally gained the most retirees coming from other towns than any other place in the top 10 on this year’s list Besançon was the highest-ranking north-eastern town in 22nd place which still places it in the top five for cities with over 100,000 inhabitants Mayor Anne Vignot said towns in the north east did not rank higher in the list as “there is a complex image to overcome” In reality [Besançon] is a clear and bright town that is a gateway to the mountains and to neighbouring European countries.” Dordogne still area of France after Paris with most Britons New French pension scheme open to all workers Brexit checklist to complete before December 31 The geographical spread of Canadian nationals follows a similar pattern to Americans Her body was found outside initial search area by a walker over the weekend + 5 (View All) With primary school pupils at the newly-named Saint Hilaire Avenue PRINCESS Anne chatted with residents of a new housing development which celebrates Coleford’s twinning links with France on an official visit to the Forest The Princess Royal visited St Hilaire Avenue and Sion Place before moving onto Cinderford for an engagement at the AccXel construction skills college Mayor of Coleford Cllr Nick Penny also introduced the Princess to members of Drybrook and Berry Hill rugby clubs who have been on exchanges to St Hilaire de Riez the Coleford Community Choir who are set to perform there next month and members of the Coleford-St Hilaire Twinning Association Her Royal Highness unveiled a commemorative stone which was supplied by the Forest of Dean Stone Firms. Monsieur Jean Marc Dubois, the Deputy Mayor for Culture and Heritage in Saint Hilaire de Riez and Madame Cecile Brasseur, a founder member of the Association Exchanges Franco Britanniques lifted a French Tricoleur to reveal the St Hilaire Avenue road sign. The Princess was also entertained by a choir from Five Acres High School and students from the school presented her with a hamper of local Forest produce. Marilyn Cox, Chair of the twinning committee said: “It was fitting for Cecile to be involved in the naming of these streets as she was in attendance at the planning meeting of the town council when the request for suggestions of street names was considered.” Cllr Penn said: “Penny said: “The twinning between Coleford and Saint Hilaire de Riez is strong and productive and in just seven years we have already seen over 30 exchanges between the towns ranging from attendance at Civic and charity events, school exchanges, sporting and music tours.” He added: “The twinning of our towns has brought strong personal friendships, with hardly a day passing when I don’t communicate with someone from Saint Hilaire. “More importantly are the opportunities that it has given to our young people to experience the different cultures between the towns. “This development is an asset to our town, bringing much-needed affordable housing and represents a significant investment by the Stantonbury Building and Development Company and Stonewater Housing. “It has also been a strong boost for our local tradespeople with over 90 per cent of the trades employed on this site through Coleford-based Mike Etheridge Construction being residents of the Forest of Dean The visit ended with the Coleford Community Choir singing the British and French national anthems. Comments Tel: 01600 712142 [email protected]Follow us Further Links Owned or licensed to Tindle Newspapers Ltd | Independent Family-Owned Newspapers | Copyright & Trade Mark Notice & 2013 - 2025 COLEFORD is considering twinning with the French town of St Hilaire-de-Riez Paul Kay, mayor of Coleford, recently met with the officials of St Hilaire-de-Riez who are unanimously in agreement over the possibility of twinning with Coleford Coun Kay told members of Coleford Town Council at its recent meeting that he sees twinning as the way forward. “But it’s up to us locally to make it work,” said Coun Kay. “There is European funding available to make initiatives like this work. However a committee, independent of the town council, would need to be formed. “If the town’s people of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez had their way the twinning arrangement would be already be inforce. “But the reality of the situation is that March would be the earliest date a formal twinning arrangement could be conducted and any agreement would have to be cost neutral as far as the town council goes.” Coleford Town Council has already consulted with members of Monmouth Twinning Association, which has been connected with the French town of Carbonne for the past 40 years. Coun Kay concluded: “This is a magnificent opportunity for us to promote the Coleford in France and in the long term I see it generating an increase in tourism and business opportunities alike.” Tel: 01594 820600 [email protected]Follow us Further Links LOCALS lined the streets to greet a special guest on Friday (May 12) as Her Royal Highness Princess Anne made an official visit to the Forest The Royal interest for Foresters continued on from last week’s Coronation of King Charles III with dozens of people lining up to meet or get a glimpse of his sister The Princess Royal on their doorstep - quite literally for some The Princess embarked on a highly-organised tour of two of the Forest’s most prized developments accompanied by Forester Roger Deeks in his role as Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire Her Royal Highness met with local councillors and dignitaries at a newly-built Coleford housing estate to celebrate the town’s twinning with Saint Hilaire de Riez in France, before visiting the successful AccXel Construction School in Cinderford to meet its founders, students, District Council Leader Tim Gwilliam and Forest of Dean MP Mark Harper The first port of call on the tour was to newly-built homes at St Hilaire Avenue and Sion Place off Tufthorn Avenue which were officially named in honour of the twinning There, the Princess Royal met with Coleford Mayor Cllr Nick Penny, who presented her to Lydney-based Gloucestershire County Council Chair Alan Preest and Forest of Dean District Council Chair Julia Gooch. Cllr Preest described the Princess Royal’s visit as “great for the Forest of Dean”. Cllr Penny walked Her Royal Highness around the development, where Monsieur Jean Marc Dubois, the Deputy Mayor for Culture and Heritage in Saint Hilaire de Riez, and Cllr. Marilyn Cox, the Chair of the Coleford Twinning Association, were presented to her, along with local residents and representatives from the developer, housing association and builder of the homes. The Five Acres School Choir serenaded the Princess during the tour, while Cllr Penny also presented members of the Berry Hill and Drybrook Rugby Clubs who have been involved in exchanges, the Coleford Community Choir, who are set to perform in St Hillaire de Ruez next month, and members of both the Coleford and St Hillaire de Ruez Twinning Associations. Monsieur Jean-Marc Dubois and Cecile Brasseur, a founder member of the Association Exchanges Franco Britanniques, unveiled the street names to officially cement the relationship between the towns. Marilyn Cox, Chair of the Twinning Committee said: “It was fitting for Cecile to be involved in the naming of these streets as she was in attendance at the Planning meeting of the Town Council when the request for suggestions of street names was considered”. Mayor Penny then made a short speech before the Coleford Community Choir sang both the British and French national anthems. The Princess then unveiled a special Forest of Dean stone at the entrance to the development, commemorating the visit and the twinning. Mayor Penny said: “The twinning between Coleford and Saint Hilaire de Riez is strong and productive and in just seven years we have already seen over 30 exchanges between the towns ranging from attendance at Civic and charity events, school exchanges, sporting and music tours.” “More importantly are the opportunities that it has given to our young people to experience the different cultures between the towns”. Next, The Princess Royal headed to Cinderford to tour the town’s industry-led construction school, the AccXel Learning Centre, which is co-funded by the Government and Cinderford-based construction firm K W Bell. There, she was met by Deputy Lieutenant Mrs Diane Savory, who presented AccXel’s Founder and Managing Director Nicola Bird, former Leader of Forest of Dean District Council Tim Gwilliam, Forest of Dean MP Mark Harper and Chief Executive Officer of the GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership David Owen. She was then introduced to Managing Director of the K W Bell Group Peter Bell, Non-Executive Director and Governance Board Member of AccXel Yvonne Bell, Founder and Chairman of the K W Bell Group Keith Bell, and Operations Director of AccXel Natalie King. Mrs King then escorted Her Royal Highness on a tour of the centre, where she met with graduates and apprentices and viewed demonstrations of their work. The Princess Royal met with students undertaking a drawing lesson, headed ‘on site’ to get a look at students practicing their bricklaying and ground working skills, and even had a go on the centre’s state-of-the-art plant machinery simulators. Then before departing, the Princess Royal unveiled a special plaque to commemorate her visit in the centre’s reception area. The visit was the second time in a week that Mr Harper, as Secretary of State for Transport, had the honour of meeting members of the Royal family, having attended the King’s Coronation at Westminster Abbey earlier this month. The MP, who worked closely with the AccXel team to secure Government funding for it, said of the impact of the Princess Royal’s visit: “I think it recognises something that I know as the Member of Parliament who gets invited to go and see local companies and local organisations - we have got some fantastic people and fantastic organisations here in the Forest of Dean. “I know that, and it’s brilliant when it gets recognised more widely so that those who aren’t lucky enough to live here get to see that we’ve got some fantastic stuff to offer. “It’s a great place for companies to come and invest and hire fantastic - and brilliantly trained - local talent thanks to organisations like AccXel.” Leader of Forest of Dean District Council Tim Gwilliam, who was recently re-elected as a councillor in Berry Hill, said of AccXel: “When I took over as Leader of the Council in 2017, the Government released a study on social mobility for young people, asking them what sort of future they thought they had and whether they had to move away from where they lived to be successful. “The Forest of Dean I think came 217th out of 220 odd, and I remember saying that when we finish, we need not to be, we need to be a lot higher. “This place (AccXel) and places like it - Hartpury College and University and all sorts of partnerships with other businesses - is giving young people in particular hope that they can achieve their aspirations here. “It’s not like it was 20 years ago - ‘where can I go to university?’ or ‘where am I going to go to get a job?’ - because it can be here in the Forest, and the Forest of Dean can really benefit from that. “I think what Natalie and Nicola are doing here will end up going nationwide, but I expect that alongside our friends at Hartpury, they will go down as trailblazers for changing the future of the Forest of Dean, and I don’t say that lightly.” Tel: 01594 841113 [email protected]Follow us Further Links