Finding somewhere to stay near the Olympic Aquatics Centre in Saint-Denis is a question more and more swimmers, clubs and families are asking. Built for the Paris 2024 Games, where it hosted diving, artistic swimming and water polo, the venue is now open to the public. It welcomes competitions, training camps and visitors from all over France and abroad. The remaining challenge is to find practical accommodation nearby without stretching your budget.
Our NiaBnb apartments in Épinay-sur-Seine and Villetaneuse are on tram line T8, which runs directly to Saint-Denis. In this guide, we explain how to reach the aquatics centre from our apartments, which one to choose for your group and how to plan your stay.
Why stay north of Paris when you are visiting the Olympic Aquatics Centre?
A venue right next to the Stade de France
The Olympic Aquatics Centre, known in French as the Centre Aquatique Olympique, stands in Saint-Denis, directly opposite the Stade de France. A footbridge links the two sites across the A1 motorway. The district is therefore the same one that hosts major matches and concerts, and the routes we have long recommended to our guests for the stadium work just as well for the pool. From our apartments, you stay within the same part of Seine-Saint-Denis and never need to cross Paris.
An entire apartment for swimmers, clubs and families
A stay built around swimming takes organisation: early starts, suitable meals and kit to dry every evening. In an entire apartment, you have an equipped kitchen to prepare meals for the athletes, a washing machine for towels and swimwear, and separate bedrooms so that everyone can rest properly before an event. All our apartments also offer WiFi.
A cost shared between all travellers
Our apartments are rented per night for the whole property, not per person. For a family, a group of swimmers or parents travelling together, the cost per guest falls as soon as you share the same apartment. Eating in also reduces the overall cost of the trip, which matters when you are away for several days.
How do you get to the Olympic Aquatics Centre from our apartments?
You have two options: tram line T8, which runs directly to Saint-Denis, or the car if you are travelling with equipment.
Taking tram T8 to Saint-Denis Porte de Paris
Tram line T8 serves Épinay-sur-Seine and Villetaneuse before reaching its terminus, Saint-Denis Porte de Paris. The journey takes around 15 minutes. From the stop, it is then a walk of about ten minutes to the entrance of the aquatics centre. There is no change to make, which keeps things simple with children or a sports bag.
Driving from Épinay-sur-Seine
By car, allow around 10 minutes between Épinay-sur-Seine and the Stade de France district, depending on traffic. This option suits clubs and families who are carrying equipment or arriving from elsewhere in France by motorway. The Grand Appartement and Dumas 2 both have private parking, so you can leave your vehicle there and decide each day whether to drive or take the tram.
A summary of the routes
- Tram T8: from Épinay-sur-Seine or Villetaneuse to Saint-Denis Porte de Paris, around 15 minutes, no change
- On foot: from the Saint-Denis Porte de Paris stop to the aquatics centre, around 10 minutes
- By car: around 10 minutes from Épinay-sur-Seine, depending on traffic
- Transilien H: from Épinay-Villetaneuse to Gare du Nord in 10 minutes, for an evening in Paris
- RER C: from Épinay-sur-Seine station to the Eiffel Tower and the banks of the Seine
Timetables vary from day to day and during engineering works. We recommend checking your route on the Île-de-France Mobilités app before each journey, especially when you need to arrive at a set time.
Which NiaBnb apartment suits your stay?
For a club or a group of swimmers
The Grand Appartement sleeps up to 8 guests in 3 bedrooms, across 76 m², with private underground parking. Dumas 2 offers the same capacity: 3 bedrooms, 8 guests and private parking, in a fully renovated apartment a 5-minute walk from the RER C station. Both are well suited to a group of swimmers travelling with their coaches, or to two families attending a competition together.
For a family coming to enjoy the pools
Blumenthal sleeps up to 5 guests in 2 bedrooms. The T8 tram stop is at the foot of the building, which makes it a natural choice for reaching Saint-Denis without a car. The apartment has a washing machine, a dishwasher and a fully equipped kitchen. The République apartment, in Épinay-sur-Seine, also sleeps up to 5 guests.
For two guests or a traveller with reduced mobility
Les Coteaux, in Villetaneuse, has step-free access and a lift. Tram T8 stops at the foot of the residence. This apartment suits a swimmer travelling with a parent, a couple or a guest who needs easier access.
How should you prepare your visit to the Olympic Aquatics Centre?
Check opening times and access conditions before you leave
The aquatics centre divides its schedule between the general public, clubs and competitions. Some pools may therefore be reserved at certain times or closed to the public during an event. Before you set off, consult the official website of the Centre Aquatique Olympique for opening hours, admission prices and the rules that apply in the pools.
Organise your competition or training days
On competition days, warm-ups often begin early. By staying 15 minutes from Saint-Denis by tram, you avoid a long morning journey and gain valuable sleep. The kitchen in your apartment lets you prepare a suitable breakfast and packed meals. In the evening, the washing machine takes care of the towels, which are dry and ready for the following day.
Enjoy the area and Paris between sessions
If your programme leaves you some free time, the Basilica of Saint-Denis, burial place of the kings of France, is a few stops from the aquatics centre. The Stade de France is on the other side of the footbridge. For an evening in Paris, Transilien H links Épinay-Villetaneuse station to Gare du Nord in 10 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about staying near the Olympic Aquatics Centre
How long does it take to reach the Olympic Aquatics Centre from your apartments?
Allow around 15 minutes on tram T8 to Saint-Denis Porte de Paris, followed by a walk of about ten minutes. By car, the journey takes around 10 minutes depending on traffic.
Can you come by car with sports equipment?
Yes. The Grand Appartement and Dumas 2 both have private parking. You can leave your vehicle there for your entire stay and unload your equipment without difficulty.
Which apartment should a group of 6 to 8 people choose?
The Grand Appartement and Dumas 2 each have 3 bedrooms and sleep up to 8 guests. They are our two most suitable apartments for clubs, groups of friends and large families.
Can you wash and dry swimming kit in the apartment?
Yes. Our apartments have a washing machine. Blumenthal, the Grand Appartement and Les Coteaux also provide a drying rack, and République has a tumble dryer.
Is the Olympic Aquatics Centre open to the general public?
Yes, the centre has been open to the public since 2025. Opening hours and the pools available change according to the season and the events being held. We recommend consulting the official website before your visit.
Book your apartment near the Olympic Aquatics Centre
Whether you are coming for a competition, a training camp or a family day at the pool, our apartments place you 15 minutes from Saint-Denis by tram. Check the availability and rates of our NiaBnb apartments in Épinay-sur-Seine and Villetaneuse, then book the one that suits your stay directly on our website.
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