The big leap for the Alice Milliat sports complex, in Millau, which will open its doors this Saturday

Le complexe sportif ouvrira ses portes ce samedi 15 juin. Midi Libre Millau – Laura Vaillant

Féru d’escalade, de natation, ou encore de sauna et de hammam ? Le complexe sportif ouvre ses portes ce samedi 15 juin, et pour l’occasion il s’est dévoilé au grand jour ce lundi.

It was expected, here it is! We indicated in our columns a few days ago, the Alice Milliat sports complex will open its doors this Saturday, June 15. A gigantic infrastructure with breathtaking views of the Pouncho d’Agast, a climbing area, another dedicated to swimming and a third dedicated to well-being… In short, everything is there to make this long-awaited complex a must-see in the city of gloves.

Vincent Thomas, director of the sports complex, and the 20 other employees of the structure are in the start in block . Five days before the opening of his jewel to the general public, the director reveals, space by space, the smallest details of the 5 282 m² project.

Also read:VIDEO. Guided tour of the new Millau sports complex

An artificial climbing room of 1 018 m²

Starting with the entrance. On the right, access is given to the climbing area. An increasingly popular sport, especially since its arrival at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020. And to satisfy the Millavois, several spaces are perfectly demarcated in an artificial room of 1,018 m2 ; with 945m² passable.

A kids area, with a block, in the climbing area. Midi Libre Millau – Laura Vaillant

On the one hand, a leisure room of 182 m² on the ground with 46 linear meters of tracks 10 to 13 meters high. A total of 248 m² passable.

The last tracks are being installed. Midi Libre Millau – Laura Vaillant

In the climbing section, speed routes with stopwatches are in place. Midi Libre Millau – Laura Vaillant

On the other hand, with the latest new track installations, is the national competition hall. With its 335 m² on the ground, 51 linear m of tracks 13 m high and its 32 simultaneous lines, it totals 696 m² practicable. The opportunity to find the block spaces "difficulty/speed" and "block". An artificial climbing room which shares the complex with a space dedicated to swimming.

Practical information

"Prices are per entry, formulas or subscriptions, specifies the director of the premises. We have a fairly extensive price list because we have ensured that everyone finds something they need. In January 2021, it was 4 euros; to access the 50 m pool. Today it’s 4.90 € for the three basins."

Opening hours vary during the week and change during the summer period. In terms of access, line 1 offers a stop at the "pool stop". A parking lot has been set up in front of the complex.

List of activities offered in the swimming area can be found by clicking here.

Two indoor pools and a playground

"We tried to have as many activities as possible", says the director of complex. And that’s an understatement to say. Inside and outside, visitors will find what they are looking for. With a 50m Nordic pool outside, the uncovered side of the pool reveals its new features.

For the comfort of visitors, lockers are available. Midi Libre Millau – Laura Vaillant

Here, the northern pool is covered to prevent water evaporation. An energy-efficient system. Midi Libre Millau – Laura Vaillant

A playground to develop a “family” space outside. Midi Libre Millau – Laura Vaillant

While the good weather has definitely shown its face, the complex welcomes – with a view of the  rugby pitch– a playground with – among other things – a beach volleyball court and ping-pong tables. "A space, which, in the summer part will be fun since’in addition we have invested in two inflatable structures of 15 meters , announces Vincent Thomas.& nbsp;They would be next to each other, in the 25m pool, inside."

A 25m covered pool will accommodate swimming schools and aqua activities. Midi Libre Millau – Laura Vaillant

Among the two indoor pools, a 150 m² family pool. Midi Libre Millau – Laura Vaillant

To reach the northern basin from the interior, a channel access has been created. Midi Libre Millau – Laura Vaillant

And concerning the covered space, precisely, this large pool will be "divided in two, allowing the reception of the school of swimming and aquagym classes, among others", specifies the director. The opportunity to come as a family, while everyone having their own time. A few steps further, a family pool of 150m² intended for leisure and moments of relaxation, will also welcome swimmers.

Two saunas and a hammam

Who says relaxation, says well-being. And the sports complex knows it well. In a space of 190 m² located upstairs, there is access to two saunas and a hammam. To complete the offer, massage showers are also accessible on this level of the complex. And the "final touch", which has not been forgotten: a terrace with a breathtaking view of the Pouncho from from which the paragliders take off.

Upstairs, in the relaxation area, a terrace overlooking the Pouncho d’Agast. Midi Libre Millau – Laura Vaillant

Two training rooms are available to associations. Midi Libre Millau – Laura Vaillant

The first room will be occupied by the Aqua Grimpe association for the training of lifeguards. Midi Libre Millau – Laura Vaillant

A long and expensive project, launched in 2021 which sees – finally — the day at the beginning of summer. As a reminder, the installation of the overall site took place in July 2021 and it was in December 2022 that the climbing room was received. A sports complex, with a total value of 27,720,000 euros, awaited with great impatience by the Millavois.