How to Go Swimming within the Seine, If You Should

Théo (who most well-liked to not present his final identify), a Frenchman who moved to Paris a yr in the past for a tech job, discovered it thrilling to swim in such a setting: “I’ve walked and cycled along the Seine many times, but this was a unique opportunity to swim surrounded by beautiful architecture I’ve always seen from a different angle.” He in contrast the sensation to city swimming in Copenhagen and Zurich. “Although the pristine waters of Lake Zurich, these were not!”

Despite lingering issues about historic contamination from industrial runoff and sewage overflow (points that plagued the Seine for many years), strict security protocols have reassured most swimmers. For instance, all should put on yellow lifebuoys round their waists, not just for visibility however to forestall drowning in case of fatigue or a cramp. Additionally, day by day bacterial monitoring has confirmed efficient in protecting swimmers protected: This week, the three official swimming websites had been closed because of heavy rains; vital rainfall can overwhelm stormwater techniques, resulting in spikes in micro organism ranges, together with E. coli and enterococci.

“What I’d love is to swim for more than just these two months,” says nutritionist Ariane Grumbach, who has executed leisurely laps within the Seine a number of occasions. For now, the expertise is proscribed to July and August, the driest and warmest months when water high quality stays most secure. More than 50,000 swimmers have participated within the expertise for the reason that websites’ openings on July 5, with no reported well being points. City officers view this as an important pilot section earlier than increasing entry extra broadly in 2026. If all goes properly, this transient summer time season might mark the start of a beloved new Parisian ritual.

How to go swimming within the Seine in Paris

Want to have your individual Seine swim? Read on for easy methods to go swimming within the Seine, and which of the three official websites is greatest for you. And a reminder: Though swim caps are often required in municipal swimming pools, they aren’t compulsory within the Seine—all you want is a correct swimsuit. For extra info, go to Paris.fr.

Bras-Marie

Swimming hours: 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday-Saturday; 8 a.m. to five:30 p.m. on Sunday

Right off the Sully – Morland cease on the Paris Metro, that is the smallest of the three websites and may welcome 150 swimmers at a time. Swimming hours are shorter through the week because of vacationer boat site visitors. There aren’t any altering cabins obtainable at this location (however there are restrooms), so swimmers ought to plan to return suited up. Children should be not less than 14 years outdated to swim at this location.

Bercy

Swimming hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. day by day

This is the most important of the three websites, accommodating 700 individuals concurrently (300 within the water), and positioned close to the Metro’s Bercy cease. There are literally two bathing areas right here, separated by a lateral safety to permit swimmers and boats. Restrooms, altering cabins, and showers can be found. Children aged 10 and up who know easy methods to swim are permitted.

Bras de Grenelle

Swimming hours: 10 a.m. to five:30 p.m. day by day

This is the one website of the three with a safe pool for kids and households (40 to 60 centimeters—about 14 to 24 inches—deep), which may accommodate 200 individuals at a time. Children should be 14+ years outdated to swim within the bottomless space; youngsters 3+ years outdated accompanied by a mother or father within the safe pool. Get there through the Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel cease on the Metro.