Do you (or your child) want to go beyond recreational swimming? Want to test yourself in a pool, make serious progress, or even experience the competitive spirit? In France, swimming is a well-structured discipline, with a wide network of clubs and local, regional, and national events. Here's everything you need to know to join a club, start competing, or simply follow the circuit closely.
1. The French Swimming Federation (FFN)
The FFN is the official body that governs the practice of swimming in France, alongside other aquatic disciplines such as diving, artistic swimming, water polo and open water swimming.
His role:
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Issue licenses and supervise clubs
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Organize official championships (regional, national)
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Set rules and schedules
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Select swimmers for international competitions
2. Finding a club: entering the circuit
There are more than 1,200 swimming clubs affiliated with the FFN in France, spread across the country.
Whether you are a beginner, an adult returning to training or a young hopeful, you can join a club according to your profile.
To find a club:
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Visit the official website ffnatation.fr → “find a club” section
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Check with municipal swimming pools, which are often partners of local clubs.
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Contact us directly for a trial or level assessment
Membership includes:
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An FFN license
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Access to training slots
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Follow-up by a qualified trainer
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The opportunity to participate in official competitions
3. Categories and levels
Competitions are organized by age category (determined by year of birth):
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Futures, Chicks, Benjamins, Minimes, Cadets, Juniors, Seniors
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And also a specific category: Masters , for adult swimmers over 25 years old
Some clubs also offer "leisure" or "improvement" sections, for those who do not wish to compete but want to progress with supervision.
4. The competition calendar
The swimming season follows a school cycle, from September to July, with several stages:
Local/departmental level:
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Sector competitions (meeting, interclub)
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Qualifying days, often organized on weekends
Regional level:
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Qualifications based on timed minimums
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League or regional championships (25 or 50 m pools)
National level:
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French Championships "Youth", "Juniors", "Elite", "Masters"
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Events often divided according to the time of year and the type of pool (small or large)
Good to know : There are also open meetings , accessible to all levels, allowing you to swim without the need for qualification.
5. For adults: get started at any age
Are you over 25? Masters swimming is for you. It allows you to swim competitively in age-group categories (25-29, 30-34, 35-39, etc.) in a professional yet friendly atmosphere.
Hundreds of adult swimmers take part in this format every year, whether for the pleasure of the personal challenge, the fitness, or the group competition.
In summary
Swimming in France relies on a solid, supervised, and accessible network . Whether you're a beginner or a veteran competitor, a child or an adult, there's a place for you in clubs and pools. And if you're looking for team spirit, a taste for progress, and the adrenaline rush of beating the clock... local competitions are the best way to get started.
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