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Swimming in the Seine: Where to Enjoy It This Summer in Paris
This summer marks a historic milestone: swimming is returning to the Seine after more than a century of prohibition. From July 4 to August 31, 2026, three supervised public swimming areas will open as part of Paris Plages. Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy a safe swim—and why following it with a Seine river cruise is always a great idea!
Official Swimming Areas
As part of Paris Plages, three free public swimming sites are available in the Seine:
- Bercy (12th arrondissement): Located opposite the Bibliothèque François Mitterrand, this site features two secure swimming pools separated from river traffic by a protective barrier, allowing swimmers and boats to coexist safely.
- Bras Marie (4th arrondissement): At the foot of Île Saint-Louis, this historic and central location offers showers, lockers, and changing rooms accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.
- Bras de Grenelle (15th arrondissement): Close to the Eiffel Tower, this family-friendly site includes dedicated areas for children and supervised swimming for younger visitors.
Safety & Supervision: What You Need to Know
Swimming in the Seine had been prohibited since 1923, and this supervised reopening is only authorized from July 4 to August 31, 2026.
Safety measures include:
- Qualified lifeguards on duty 7 days a week.
- Capacity limits at each site (up to 700 swimmers in Bercy, 150 in Grenelle, and 150 at Bras Marie).
- A mandatory swimming test before entering the water.
- Life buoys provided on site.
- Strict supervision throughout the swimming areas.
- Changing rooms and showers available depending on the location.
- Water quality monitored through two daily tests to ensure compliance with European bathing standards.
Why Is Swimming Returning to the Seine?
Since 2015, more than €1.4 billion has been invested by the French government, the City of Paris, and regional authorities to clean up the Seine.
Major improvements include:
- The construction of the Austerlitz storage basin, designed to capture excess rainwater during storms.
- Modernization of wastewater treatment facilities.
- Extensive efforts to improve water quality throughout the river.
The project gained international attention when Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo swam in the Seine in July 2024 to demonstrate that the river met water quality standards, paving the way for its public reopening in 2025.
Tips for a Great Swimming Experience
| Practical Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Arrive early | Especially on weekends, as access is limited once capacity is reached. |
| Bring your swimsuit | Swimwear is mandatory. Swim caps are not required, and life buoys are provided. |
| Shower before swimming | A quick shower is required before entering the water. |
| Check the flag | Green means swimming is allowed. Red indicates swimming is suspended due to safety or water quality conditions. |
| Pack wisely | Bring a light jacket, hat, towel, and reusable water bottle. |
And What About a Seine Cruise?
After cooling off in the Seine, why not continue your day by discovering Paris from the river aboard one of our cruises?
- Enjoy spectacular views of Paris’ most iconic landmarks from a comfortable and accessible boat.
- Regular departures make it easy to combine your cruise with a day of sightseeing or swimming.
- Live commentary and multilingual audio guides help you discover the history and secrets of the French capital as you sail along the Seine.
Enjoy a cruise aboard a silent, 100% electric, environmentally friendly boat!
