Daily Archives: 14 June 2025

Looking to cool off under the Parisian sun? Outdoor swimming in Paris is such a fun and refreshing way to enjoy summer—whether you’re solo, with friends, or making it a family day out. Here’s our full roundup of the best spots for this summer!

Launched in 2002, Paris Plages (translation: Paris Beaches) is the city’s brilliant answer to a beach holiday—without leaving the city. Every July and August, parts of Paris are transformed into temporary summer playgrounds. Think: sand, palm trees, lounge chairs, misting stations and even pétanque. It’s all free, festive, and feels like a mini holiday right in the heart of Paris.

This year, for the first time in over 100 years, the Seine River is opening for public swimming—thanks to the big clean-up efforts for the Olympics. This is a historic moment for Parisians as swimming in the river has been banned since 1923. From July 5 to August 31, three river spots will welcome swimmers: 

• • Bras Marie, between pont Sully and pont Marie (4th arrondissement)

• • Bras de Grenelle, between the Port de Grenelle and the banks of Île aux Cygnes (15th arrondissement)

• • Quai de Bercy, at the Passerelle Simone de Beauvoir, below Parc de Bercy (12th arrondissement)

Just like last year, you can also enjoy swimming in the Parisian canals : 

• • Bassin de la Villette (19th arrondissement)
    A favorite especially for families, you’ll find water activities like kayak, pétanque courts, a trampoline, and even a zipline!

• • Canal Saint‑Martin (10th arrondissement)

And if you’re feeling extra motivated, you can also join the Open Swim Stars Challenge on July 5 and 6. This open water race will take place across the Canal de l’Ourcq and the Bras Marie, open to pros and amateurs alike. Even if you’re not swimming, it’s a great event to watch!

Outdoor Pools to Check Out

If you’re still skeptical about the cleanliness of the river Seine (like many Parisians by the way!), here are a few outdoors pools we recommend:

• • Piscine Joséphine Baker (13th arrondissement)
    Floating pool with retractable roof, sundeck and Seine views

• • Piscine Roger Le Gall (12th arrondissement)
    The only outdoor pool open late on Saturdays (until 11 PM!)

• • Annette K (15th arrondissement)
    A huge barge anchored on the Seine with a guinguette and DJ

• • Piscine de la Butte aux Cailles (13th arrondissement)
    A historic Art Deco pool

• • Piscine Georges Vallerey (20th arrondissement)

In Need of More Nature?

If you’re craving more greenery, fresh air, and wide open water beyond city limits, Îles de Loisirs (Leisure Islands) around Île-de-France offer fantastic day-trip escapes. These regional outdoor parks are perfect for swimming, picnicking, kayaking, or just relaxing under the trees.

Here are a few favorites accessible by public transport:

• •  Île de Loisirs de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines

Calm swimming lake, kayak rentals, walking and bike trails.
Getting there: Take train line N or U from Gare Montparnasse to Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines station, then it’s about a 15–20 min walk

• • Île de Loisirs de Jablines-Annet

Gorgeous sandy beach, supervised swimming area, windsurfing and even pony rides.
Getting there: RER A to Lagny-Thorigny, then Bus 24 (direction Gare de Meaux) to Base de Loisirs

• • Île de Loisirs de Créteil

Closer to Paris, this one has a lake with a monitored swimming zone, pedal boats and lovely shaded lawns.
Getting there: Take Metro line 8 to Créteil‑Université; the park is a 5–10 minute walk away.