Paris Plages 2025: Full Guide to Summer Spots in the City
Each summer, Paris transforms into an open-air beach city. What started as a small initiative along the Seine has grown into a full urban experience with swimming, sand, games, and cultural events. Here’s where to go and what to expect for Paris Plages 2025.
Quais de Seine: Classic Paris Plages Experience
Stretching along both sides of the Seine between Pont d’Iéna and Pont des Arts, this is where Paris Plages began. You’ll find deckchairs along the river, pétanque courts, misting stations, ping-pong, board games, and plenty of shade under the trees.
On weekends, DJs and pop-up events draw crowds. It’s an easy stop if you’re already walking along the Seine or crossing from the Louvre to the Left Bank.
Bassin de la Villette: Swimming and Boats
If you’re looking for water activities, Bassin de la Villette in the 19ème is the most active Paris Plages site. Three floating pools are open for public swimming, with lifeguards on duty.
The area also offers pedal boats, kayaks, beach volleyball, and art workshops. The wide quays give it a relaxed, open-air feel, and the crowd is a mix of families, students, and local residents.
Canal Saint-Martin: Calm Spot with Local Vibe
This less-known site adds another peaceful stop in the 10th arrondissement. The palm trees and deckchairs reappear here too, along with pop-up activities and quiet seating along the canal.
It’s ideal for reading, relaxing, or catching up with friends away from the bigger crowds.
New for 2025: Swimming in the Seine
For the first time in over a century, swimming is officially allowed in the Seine. Three sites have opened for public access with safety infrastructure in place, including lifeguards and changing areas.
Bras Marie
Located near Pont Marie in central Paris, this site gives you a chance to swim with views of Île Saint-Louis and the Quartier Latin nearby.
Bras de Grenelle
This spot in the 15th arrondissement is more family-oriented, with shallower waters and easier access for children.
Quai de Bercy
The largest of the three Seine swimming areas, this one sits in the 12th arrondissement near Parc de Bercy. It has changing rooms, pontoons, and enough space to accommodate large groups.
Special 2025 Programming
This year includes a full cultural program themed around Brazil marking 200 years of Franco-Brazilian diplomatic relations. Open-air concerts, dance workshops, Brazilian food stands, and movie screenings will be scheduled throughout the summer.
Practical Info
Paris Plages 2025 runs from early July to late August. All locations and activities are free and open daily. Swimming zones are supervised, and water quality is monitored continuously.
Whether you’re visiting for a few days or spending the summer in the city, these pop-up spots offer a great way to cool off, hang out, and see a different side of Paris.
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Cover photo: Peter Haas (CC BY-SA 3.0)