When the temperature goes above 30°C, the urge to take a dip in the Seine or the canals of Paris can be pretty strong. Just look at the many wild swimmers we see diving every hot day from the high bridges of the Canal Saint-Martin! But be careful: these waters are neither swimming pools nor beaches. Besides being strictly forbidden, swimming outside authorized zones can pose real dangers to safety, health… and your wallet! Let's take a look at the risks to avoid this summer.
The Parisian Canals: A Waterway Network, Not a Pool
The capital's canals form a network of over 130 km, designed primarily for river navigation. Transporting goods, cruises, small leisure boats… the traffic is constant, and jumping in to cool off is like throwing yourself right into the middle of a busy aquatic roadway.
Watch Out for Boats!
Unlike land vehicles, boats are slow to maneuver. They can’t slam on the brakes or swerve quickly!
to avoid an obstacle. Swimming nearby increases the risk of collision, especially with the increasing number of small rental boats without licenses. Drivers don't always react in time.See this post on Instagram
Locks: very dangerous currents
On the Saint-Martin Canal and the Saint-Denis Canal, opening the locks creates powerful currents that can pull a person under the water. These mechanisms can't be stopped quickly. Even when closed, a lock doesn’t guarantee safety, as water level regulations can still present risks.can generate sudden movements.
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Deceptive Aquatic Plants
Invisible from the shore, the underwater vegetation also poses a danger. Some plants can wrap around the body and prevent you from surfacing. Besides trapping swimmers, they make it harder for rescue teams to carry out their work in case of an emergency.
Jumping from a bridge: forbidden and risky
Even though it might seem tempting, jumping from a bridge or walkway is strictly prohibited. The canals are shallow (2 to 3 meters), and submerged objects may be lurking at the bottom. The impact can cause serious injuries, even fatal ones.
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Where to swim safely in Paris in 2025?
Luckily, the city of Paris offers two supervised and secure swimming areas during the summer:
Bassin de la Villette: open from July 5 to September 7, 2025.
Bassin des Récollets: open every Sunday from July 6 to August 31, 2025.
These spacesThey are supervised by lifeguards, with the water quality regularly monitored.
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Wild Swimming, Guaranteed Fine
In France, swimming in canals, the Seine, fountains, or Parisian lakes outside authorized areas is illegal. This isn’t just a friendly reminder: violating this rule can result in a first-class fine.
€38 is the standard amount typically enforced by the police or the prefecture.
Today, the rate set by the authorities is €38, with no surprises or possibility of negotiation.
Summer 2025 is shaping up to be hot, so let's stay cautious to keep it beautiful!
