Swimming in the Seine: what is allowed
Swimming in the Seine has been possible since July 2025, but only at the sites the city has set up. They are Bras Marie, Grenelle and Bercy. The river as a whole is not open for swimming. Outside the supervised zones and their opening hours, swimming remains forbidden.
Entry is free, and you do not need to book. The first season began on 5 July 2025. In 2026 the sites were open from 4 July to 30 August. For Grenelle the district council gives 20 September 2026 as the end, so the exact end date for that site depends on which announcement you read. The 2026 season is over, and the Grenelle site says it returns next year. Dates for 2027 should be checked before you plan around them.
This is an independent guide and is not run by the city. Always follow the signs and the staff on site.
The three bathing sites compared
Hours as announced for 2026. Check the current notice before any future visit.
| Site | Where | Hours in 2026 | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bras Marie | Between the Pont Louis-Philippe and the Pont Marie, opposite the Île Saint-Louis | Daily 8:00–18:00 | – |
| Bercy | Opposite the Bibliothèque nationale de France, under the Passerelle Simone-de-Beauvoir | Daily 11:00–21:00 | 2 pools |
| Grenelle | 4 Port de Grenelle, opposite the Île aux Cygnes | Mon to Fri 10:00–17:30, Sat 10:00–16:45, Sun 10:00–12:00, 12:30–14:15 and 14:45–17:30 | Sunday breaks let boats pass |
At Grenelle you must leave the water 30 minutes before the site closes. Last entry is 16:45 from Sunday to Friday and 16:00 on Saturday. These details are for Grenelle only and do not apply to the other two sites. To reach Grenelle, use the Bir-Hakeim or Champ de Mars stops.
Seine boat trips and river experiences
If the swimming season is over, see the river from a boat instead. Compare trips by length, time and price.
Rules at the bathing sites
Who can swim and what is banned.
Who can swim
You need to be able to swim, and the minimum height is 1.20 m. Children under 14 must be with an adult. There is no reservation. A swim buoy is compulsory on site.
What is banned
Swimming outside the supervised zones and opening hours, near boats or locks, and jumping from bridges or quays are forbidden. On the bathing areas alcohol, food, smoking, vaping and animals are not allowed. Photos and films need permission.
Flags
A green flag means the site is supervised and no danger is visible. Yellow means supervised, with hazards, so take care. Red means swimming is forbidden. A lowered flag means the site is closed or unsupervised, and swimming is forbidden.
Water quality
The city takes samples every day and tests for E. coli and enterococci. Real-time measurements and on-site observations add to this, and the results are posted at the entrance. Rain can wash polluted water into the river. A flow of 400 m³/s is dangerous for swimmers.
Which site suits you
How the three sites differ for planning.
Bras Marie
This site opens earliest, at 8:00, and closes at 18:00. It lies between the Pont Louis-Philippe and the Pont Marie, opposite the Île Saint-Louis, so it fits a walk on the island. See the Île Saint-Louis page.
Bercy
This site is open the latest, until 21:00, and has 2 pools. It lies opposite the Bibliothèque nationale de France, under the Passerelle Simone-de-Beauvoir.
Grenelle
This site has the most detailed schedule, with a different Sunday timetable and breaks for boats. It lies at 4 Port de Grenelle, opposite the Île aux Cygnes, near the Eiffel Tower area. Plan around the last entry times.
A single ticket for metro, train and RER costs €2.55 in 2026 and is valid for up to 2 hours without leaving the network. Buses and trams need a separate ticket at €2.05.
Boats and swimmers share the river
Special navigation rules applied in summer 2026.
The river authority set special rules for bathing sites and boat traffic from 4 July to 30 August 2026. Boats still ran. At Grenelle, swimming pauses on Sundays so that boats can pass.
The standard sightseeing trips last about one hour and leave from piers in central Paris. Compare them on the cruise page.
Paris Plages, the summer beach event on the banks, ran from 4 July to 30 August 2026 as well. It is a separate event, with free access and its own activities. See the riverbanks page.
Swimming in the Seine: frequently asked questions
Can you swim in the Seine in Paris?
Yes, but only at the three supervised sites: Bras Marie, Grenelle and Bercy. Swimming elsewhere in the river is forbidden.
When is the swimming season?
In 2026 the city announced 4 July to 30 August. The district council gives 20 September for Grenelle. The 2026 season is over, and the sites return next year. Check the dates before a 2027 trip.
Is swimming free?
Yes. The sites are free and you do not need to reserve.
Can children swim in the Seine?
Children need to be able to swim and be at least 1.20 m tall. Under 14 they must be with an adult.
What do the flags mean?
Green means supervised and no visible danger. Yellow means supervised with hazards. Red means no swimming. A lowered flag means closed or unsupervised, and no swimming.
Can I jump from a bridge or a quay?
No. Jumping from bridges and quays is forbidden, as is swimming near boats or locks.