Eight Swimming Sites to Open This Summer in Paris, Val-de-Marne, and Seine-Saint-Denis
Paris, June 5, 2026 – This summer, residents and visitors of the Paris region will have access to eight new authorized swimming sites in the Seine and Marne rivers. This initiative, a significant legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, extends the availability of river swimming for a second consecutive season. The announcement was made this Friday by the Île-de-France prefecture, the City of Paris, and the Métropole du Grand Paris.
Three of these sites will be located within the capital, four in Val-de-Marne, and one new addition in Seine-Saint-Denis. These efforts aim to provide safe and accessible recreational opportunities while promoting the ecological restoration of the rivers.
New and Improved Sites in Paris
In Paris, the swimming sites at Bras de Grenelle, Bercy, and Bras Marie will reopen to the public free of charge from July 4 until the end of August. Last summer, these locations attracted nearly 100,000 swimmers. A notable change this year is the slight relocation of the site in the 4th arrondissement, opposite Île Saint-Louis, to near the Pont Louis-Philippe. This adjustment aims to better reconcile river usage, allowing the site to remain open all day, secured by piles. Last year, this particular site was only accessible in the mornings to accommodate boat traffic in the afternoons.
Expansion in Val-de-Marne and Seine-Saint-Denis
Val-de-Marne, which saw 50,000 swimmers last summer, will continue to offer refreshing spots in Joinville-le-Pont, Champigny-sur-Marne, Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, and Maisons-Alfort. This second season also introduces a new eighth site on the Marne River, located in Neuilly-sur-Marne, Seine-Saint-Denis.
Authorities have hailed the first season as a “popular success” and plan to continue expanding these initiatives. Beyond the eight secured swimming sites this summer, there are plans to open new locations upstream and downstream of Paris by 2027 and beyond.
Addressing Safety and Water Quality Concerns
This expansion also serves as a measure to counteract unauthorized swimming, which saw a rise during the spring heatwave. Unsupervised swimming in rivers poses significant risks, including strong currents and potentially hazardous riverbeds with silt and clinging plants. In contrast, last August, the water quality at authorized sites was deemed “sufficient” for swimming. Authorities reported no health alerts to the regional health agency and no major navigation incidents were recorded, underscoring the safety of these official sites.
Long-Term Vision for River Swimming
The long-term vision is to integrate river swimming as a permanent feature of urban life in the Paris region, offering residents a unique way to connect with their environment. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to improve water quality in the Seine and Marne, a commitment that gained significant momentum in preparation for the Olympic Games.
The successful implementation of these sites not only enhances public recreation but also highlights the ongoing environmental improvements in the region’s waterways. The sustained commitment to these projects reflects a desire to make urban rivers a vibrant and safe space for all.
The authorities continue to monitor water quality rigorously and ensure that all necessary safety measures are in place for the public. These initiatives underscore a progressive approach to urban planning, blending ecological responsibility with public enjoyment.
The opening of these new sites is expected to further boost local tourism and provide much-needed relief during the summer months, contributing to the well-being and recreational options for the inhabitants of the Île-de-France region.
