Riverside Soaking: Locations, Hours, Guidelines...
For the first time in a century, Parisians and visitors alike will have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing dip in the Seine River. The city is set to open three secured and supervised swimming sites as part of the Paris Plages initiative this summer.
The most notable of these sites is the Baignade de Bercy, located on the Quai de Bercy in the 12th arrondissement. With a capacity for 300 swimmers at a time, this site features a solarium and two pools, making it an ideal destination for a leisurely swim. Accessible via the Simone-de-Beauvoir footbridge, the Baignade de Bercy is also equipped with stringent safety measures, including lifeguards, mandatory showers, and strict entry requirements.
Another site, the Bains du Bras Marie, is situated at the foot of the Pont Sully, facing the Île Saint-Louis in the 4th arrondissement. This site, with a capacity of 150 swimmers, is directly on Paris Plages and boasts strict safety measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
The third site, the Baignade du Bras Grenelle, is located in the 15th arrondissement and is particularly suitable for families with young children.
All three sites will be open daily from July 5 to August 31, 2025. The city has invested over a billion euros in improving the water quality of the river and constructing necessary infrastructure to ensure the safety and enjoyment of swimmers.
The current mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, announced the project, which was first proposed by Jacques Chirac three decades ago. The event marks a significant milestone in the city's history and offers a unique recreational opportunity for those looking to enjoy the capital city's waterways.
[1] Paris Info, "Baignades en Seine : les sites de baignade ouverts le 5 juillet," https://en.parisinfo.com/paris-city/72398/Bathing-in-the-Seine-swimming-sites-open-July-5 [2] Le Parisien, "Les baignades en Seine : trois sites ouverts le 5 juillet," https://www.leparisien.fr/paris-ile-de-france/baignades-en-seine-trois-sites-ouverts-le-5-juillet-06-04-2023-6350739.php [3] Paris Plages, "Bains du Bras Marie," https://www.parisplages.fr/baignade/bains-du-bras-marie [4] Paris Info, "Safety and hygiene protocols in place for Seine River swimming sites," https://en.parisinfo.com/paris-city/72400/Safety-and-hygiene-protocols-in-place-for-Seine-River-swimming-sites
Despite the emphasis on refreshment and leisure at Paris Plages, the Baignade de Bercy, Bains du Bras Marie, and Baignade du Bras Grenelle all prioritize safety for their visitors. These swimming sites, open from July 5 to August 31, 2025, will include lifeguards, mandatory showers, and stringent entry requirements to ensure a secure environment. Additionally, the city has invested in sports facilities alongside the river, offering various options for sports enthusiasts to engage in an active lifestyle.
