Swimming in the Seine is authorized again at three Parisian sites from July 4 to August 30, according to city officials. The reopening of the bras Marie, Grenelle, and Bercy sites follows the 2024 Paris Olympic Games legacy, providing a regulated way for residents to cool off during high summer temperatures.
Where can people swim in the Seine?
Three specific locations are open to the public. The bras Marie site sits in the center of Paris near île Saint-Louis and Paris plage, operating daily from 8:00 to 18:00. The Grenelle site operates Monday through Friday from 10:00 to 17:30, Saturdays from 10:00 to 16:45, and Sundays with split hours from 10:00 to 12:00, 12:30 to 14:15, and 14:45 to 17:30.
The Bercy site, located next to the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF), is open every day from 11:00 to 21:00. Access to these sites depends on safety conditions, including mild weather, moderate currents, and healthy water quality. The mairie de Paris provides a live map to track current availability.
Is the water safe for swimming?
Water samples are collected and analyzed daily in laboratories at the three sites and at the entrance to Paris. Pierre Lombard, who is charged with sanitation and cleanliness, told Le Parisien that water quality was incompatible with swimming on only two days since the beginning of June.
To maintain these standards, Lombard stated that a team will patrol the Seine quays to monitor discharges from the 300 boats in Paris that are required to be connected to the sewage system.
What are the rules for swimmers?
Anyone at least 1.20 meters tall may swim, though children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. All swimmers must wear a buoy, which is lent by the site and must be returned in good condition.
Each location provides toilets, a first-aid station, seating areas, and mandatory pre-swim showers. While Grenelle and Bercy offer changing rooms, the bras Marie site does not; swimmers there are asked to arrive already wearing their swimsuits. Accessibility for people with reduced mobility is available at all sites, except at Bercy, where only the solarium is accessible.
How does the Canal Saint-Martin schedule differ?
Bathing rules for the Canal Saint-Martin follow a different timeline than the Seine sites. Between June 29 and July 4, swimming was permitted in the Récollets sector (10e) between 116 and 126 quai de Jemmapes from 15:00 to 21:00.
From July 5 to September 6, swimming in the canal will only be authorized on Sundays from 14:00 to 18:00, following an earlier announcement by Emmanuel Grégoire on June 17.
What happens next for Parisian swimming?
City officials are considering expanding the swimming season. Antoine Guillou, an adjoint, told Le Parisien that the three current sites could potentially open in May or June and remain open until September in the future.
Further expansion of swimming areas is a possible next step. Maxime Sauvage, adjoint charged with sports and sports equipment, noted that while construction takes time, there are possibilities for new arrangements. This includes a promise from the mayor for a site at the bassin de l’Arsenal, which may not be realized for another two to three years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment is provided at the swimming sites?
Sites provide mandatory showers, toilets, first-aid stations, and seating. Buoys are lent to all swimmers. Changing rooms are available only at the Grenelle and Bercy sites.
Who is allowed to swim in the Seine?
Anyone who is at least 1.20 meters tall can swim, but children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
How is water quality monitored?
Samples are taken daily and analyzed in a laboratory at the three swimming sites and at the entrance to Paris.
Do you think expanding the swimming season to May and September would make these sites more popular?
