Paris Summer 2026: The Best Urban Beaches and Swimming Spots to Beat the Heat

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Paris Summer 2026: The Best Urban Beaches and Swimming Spots to Beat the Heat

Leisure bases, Seine inlets, the Ourcq Canal… Discover our handpicked selection of the best beaches and swimming spots in Paris and its suburbs. Sure, the Île-de-France region isn't exactly famous for turquoise waters and coral reefs — but when the sun is blazing, there are still some excellent places to cool off!

What's New in 2026

The Olympic legacy lives on: the urban beaches that appeared in the heart of Paris are back this summer, running from 4 July to 30 August. The Bercy and Grenelle sites return for another season, while the Bras-Marie site has moved a few metres downstream to nestle beneath the Pont Louis-Philippe. The big news in Greater Paris is the opening of two swimming basins in the Marne River at Neuilly-sur-Marne (Seine-Saint-Denis) — the first time swimming has been allowed there since 1970, thanks to river cleanup efforts launched for the 2024 Olympics.

Site Grenelle

With its jaw-dropping Eiffel Tower backdrop and a 60×20-metre pool, the Grenelle site is pure Parisian dreaminess. Swimmers can lounge on a spacious floating pontoon, with all amenities onshore: changing rooms, showers, toilets, a welcome desk, and a first-aid post. Bonus: free kayaking is available at a nearby water sports base (life jackets mandatory). Open 4 July–30 August 2026. Mon–Thu & Sun 10:00–17:30, Sat 10:00–16:45. Location: Port de Grenelle, Paris 15e.

Site du Bras Marie

The most iconic of the three Paris swimming sites — immortalised by Mayor Anne Hidalgo's famous plunge before the Olympics — has moved this year to the foot of the Hôtel de Ville. The 50×20-metre wooden pontoon pool can accommodate 150 people at a time and is now open daily from 8:00 to 18:00. Facilities include lockers, seating, outdoor showers, a welcome desk, and a first-aid post. Open 4 July–30 August 2026, daily 8:00–18:00. Location: Bras Marie, Quai de l'Hôtel de Ville, Paris 4e.

La Rive de Neuilly — New Natural Swimming

Opening 4 July, this brand-new natural swimming area on the Marne River marks a historic return — swimming has been banned here since 1970. The site features two lifeguarded pools accommodating 200 people simultaneously: a 25×8-metre main pool (1.80m deep) and a 10×8-metre paddling pool for little ones (0.40–1.10m). Admission: €2 for local residents, €4.90 for visitors (€3 for children). Free swimming lessons for local kids aged 6–14 run weekday mornings 10:00–11:00. Open until 30 August. Getting there: about 30 minutes by car or RER A.

Canal Saint-Martin

Amid the ongoing heatwave, the Mayor of Paris has authorised swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin — a move to provide a safe, supervised alternative to the unofficial plunges seen during May's hot spell. The designated swimming zone runs along Quai de Jemmapes (no. 116–126) in the Récollets area, open daily 16:00–20:00 with lifeguard supervision. Completely free. The site will also officially open on 4 July as part of Paris Plages.

Bois-le-Roi Leisure Base

A bit of a trek, but oh so worth it: this 73-hectare leisure base boasts a genuine sandy beach that'll make you feel like you've teleported to the French Riviera. Swimming is free and lifeguarded, set along a Seine inlet fringed by the Forest of Fontainebleau. Facilities include showers and toilets, plus a smorgasbord of activities: treetop adventure courses, canoeing, mountain biking — or simply picnicking on the grass and napping in the shade. Location: Rue de Tournezy, 77590 Bois-le-Roi. Lifeguard hours: 11:30–19:00. Free entry.

Bassin de la Villette

Once again this summer, the City of Paris is opening safe swimming zones in the Canal de l'Ourcq. Four pools of varying depths are set up in the Bassin de la Villette, on the Quai de la Loire side. Changing cabins, showers, toilets, and deckchairs are provided, and water quality is tested daily. Open 4 July–30 August 2026, daily 11:00–21:00. Free entry. Location: Left bank of the Bassin de la Villette, Paris 19e.