🏊 Ever Dreamed of Swimming in the Seine in Paris?
For years, the ultimate Parisian fantasy—diving into the Seine on a hot summer day in the heart of the city—seemed impossible. But this summer, your dream is closer than ever. Not only can you swim at the beloved Bassin de la Villette, but three more brand-new spots have just opened: Bras Marie, Bras de Grenelle, and Bercy. Let’s get into the details!
📍 Where?
Your ultimate swimming in the Seine Map
- Bras Marie (4th arrondissement, facing Île Saint‑Louis) – a new 70 × 20 m buoyed zone with full lifeguard coverage.
- Grenelle (15th arrondissement) – another brand-new zone offering scenic river views.
- Bercy (12th arrondissement) – joining the lineup in 2025, this spot brings swimming closer to the parks of Bercy and the National Library.
All zones are safely sectioned off, staffed with lifeguards, and equipped with showers and lockers (except Bras Marie) — a fresh way to experience Paris.
⏰ When?
Timetables for swimming in the Seine
From 5 July to 31 August 2025
- Entry is Free
- No booking needed
- Obligation to wear a life buoy, provided on the spot
Bras Marie
- Monday-Saturday : 8 AM – 11.30 AM
- Sunday : 8 AM – 5.30 PM
- Up to 150 swimmers
- Minimum age requirement : 14 years old and at least 1,40 m (4.6 feet)
Grenelle
- Monday-Friday : 10 AM – 5.30 PM
- Saturday : 10 AM – 4.45 PM
- Sunday : 10 AM – 12 PM / 12.30 PM – 2.15 PM / 2.45 PM – 5.30 PM
- Up to 150 swimmers
- Minimum age requirement : 14 years old and at least 1,40 m (4.6 feet)
- For the family pool, children aged 3 and over, accompanied by an adult. Please note: no more than two children under 6 per adult.
Bercy
- Everyday of the week : 11 AM – 9 PM
- Up to 300 swimmers
- Minimum age requirement : 10 years old and at least 1,20 m (3.9 feet). Please note: no more than three children under 14 per adult.
Due to a limited number of swimmers, early arrival is key!
💧 Is the Water Really Clean?
Yes—and here’s the scoop: after nearly a century of being off-limits, the Seine has finally become swim-worthy again. Ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics, the city invested heavily in cleaning up the river:
- €1.4 billion poured into sewage upgrades and modern water treatment facilities
- A massive underground rainwater basin near Austerlitz prevents sewer overflows
- Daily testing for bacteria such as E. coli ensures water safety
If quality dips—especially after heavy rain—swimming in the Seine is temporarily paused. But otherwise, the Seine is now cleaner than it’s been in decades.
📊 Check Water Quality Daily
Water quality is monitored every day at all sites. You can check the current status on the official Paris city water quality page : https://www.paris.fr/pages/meteo-de-la-seine-quelle-est-la-qualite-de-l-eau-du-fleuve-27467. It’s updated in real-time, so you’ll know whether swimming in the Seine is a go or if a spot is temporarily closed.
🛟 Is It Safe?
Definitely:
- Each area is monitored by professional lifeguards
- Boat traffic is halted during open hours
- Safety signage and changing cabins are provided
Some spots, like Bras Marie, may have stronger currents, so a confident swimmer is best suited for these areas.
🧳 What Should You Bring?
- Swimsuit
- Towel and sunscreen
- Flip-flops or water shoes
- A change of clothes
- Please note that snacking and smoking on site are not allowed
A laid-back, joyful summer vibe awaits—but a bit of prep helps.
😎 Pro Tips & Vibe Check
- Arrive early — spots are limited and fill up fast on sunny days
- Skip swimming in the Seine after storms — runoff may affect water quality
- Bring a friend — swimming is safer and more fun together
- Explore vibes — each spot has its own character, from urban scenery at Bercy to peaceful corners near Île Saint‑Louis
✨ Why Now?
Because the Paris 2024 Olympics weren’t just about medals, they sparked a historic water cleanup, transforming the Seine. For the first time since 1923, the river is officially open for swimming again. And in 2025, the city is making it easy and fun, right in the heart of Paris.
Want to know more about the history of swimming in the Seine River? Here’s a great article from the city of Paris’ official page : https://www.paris.fr/en/pages/the-history-of-swimming-in-the-seine-27195
Ever dreamed of swimming in the Seine my Rover? That dream just became your weekend plans. 🏊♀️💦
So this summer, choose your spot—Bras Marie, Grenelle, or Bercy—and dive in!
