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After the success of open-air swimming in the Bassin de la Villette and the Canal Saint-Martin, Paris is taking a major step forward in summer 2025 — swimming in the Seine is now officially possible. Starting July 5, three designated swimming areas will open in the heart of the French capital: Bercy, Bras de Grenelle, and Bras Marie.
Option Trip – This initiative not only symbolizes the city’s environmental progress, but also fulfills a long-held dream for Parisians and tourists alike — diving into the Seine legally and safely.
Where and when can you swim?
From July 5 to August 31, 2025, the swimming areas will be open daily, provided that weather conditions are favorable, the current is moderate, and water quality — tested daily by the city — is deemed safe. Real-time updates on opening status will be posted on Paris.fr and on-site at each location.
1. Bras Marie (Paris Centre)
Located at the foot of the Pont de Sully bridge, right across from Île Saint-Louis, this site is perfect for a refreshing swim between enjoying the Paris Plages summer festivities.
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
– Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
2. Bras de Grenelle (15th arrondissement)
Swim with a view of the Eiffel Tower and Île aux Cygnes! This family-friendly site includes a secure shallow pool (40–60 cm deep) and access to a water sports base offering kayaks.
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
– Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
– Sunday: Three time slots — 10:00–12:00, 12:30–2:15, 2:45–5:30
3. Bercy (12th arrondissement)
Located just across from the National Library of France and under the Simone de Beauvoir footbridge, this is the largest swimming site, with two pools and extended hours.
Opening hours:
– Every day: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Who can swim?
Swimming is allowed from age 14, except at Bercy, where children from age 10 and at least 1.20 m tall are permitted. You must know how to swim and wear a mandatory inflatable safety ring — provided on-site and returned after use.
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Bras Marie: minimum 14 years old and 1.40 m tall
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Bras de Grenelle: swimming area — 14+ and 1.40 m / family pool — from 3 years old with an adult (max 2 kids under 6 per adult)
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Bercy: from 10 years old and 1.20 m, with max 3 children under 14 per adult
No ID is required, but height checks may apply. All minors under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Are swimming tests required?
Yes. Upon entering the site, visitors are asked to take a short supervised swim in a designated area. A lifeguard will assess your swimming ability before granting access to the main pool.
How many people can swim at the same time?
Each site has a limited capacity to ensure safety and comfort:
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Bercy: 700 people (300 in the water)
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Grenelle: 200 people (150 in the water)
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Bras Marie: 150 people
Are lifeguards on duty?
Yes — all swimming areas are fully monitored by trained lifeguards provided by the French Swimming Federation, in partnership with BOAZ Concept, which handles safety and logistics.
Staffing includes:
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Bercy: at least 5 lifeguards
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Grenelle: 4 lifeguards
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Bras Marie: 3 lifeguards
Boat traffic on the Seine will be halted during swim hours, except at Bercy, where side protection allows for safe co-existence.
Facilities and comfort
Each swimming area includes:
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Showers (mandatory before entering the water)
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Toilets
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First aid stations
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Sunbathing areas
Changing rooms and lockers are available at Grenelle and Bercy. At Bras Marie, visitors are asked to come already dressed in swimwear, as there are no private cabins. Swimwear is required, but no swim cap is necessary.
How will you know if swimming is allowed?
Colored flags indicate real-time access:
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🟢 Green: swimming allowed
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🟡 Yellow: swimming allowed but with caution (due to water quality, weather, or flow rate)
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🔴 Red: swimming prohibited (e.g. storm or strong current)
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🚫 No flag: site is closed and unsupervised
At Bercy, the sunbathing area may remain open even if swimming is suspended.
With clean water, professional supervision, and scenic urban views, swimming in the Seine is no longer just a Parisian fantasy — it’s a real, safe, and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, don’t miss the chance to cool off in one of the world’s most iconic rivers.
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