Can my toddler go in the water?

Yes, in one of the two paddling pools at the Bassin de la Villette. They are 40cm deep at most, and an adult has to stay with the child.

Is the canal water safe to swim in?

The city tests the water every day and lifeguards watch every pool. Entry is capped at 500 swimmers a day to keep the water clean.

When does it usually run?

Through July and August. The 2026 edition ran from July 4 to August 30, and this page gets the 2027 dates once the city posts them.

Upcoming

UpcomingOutdoors

Paris Plages: Free Summer Beaches and Canal Swimming

When: Dates to be announced
Ages: All ages
Price: Free

Paris Plages: Free Summer Beaches and Canal Swimming photo 3

Paris Plages: Free Summer Beaches and Canal Swimming photo 4

Paris Plages: Free Summer Beaches and Canal Swimming photo 5

Outdoors19th Arrondissement4th Arrondissement

Where

Bassin de la Villette and Parc Rives de Seine

Ages

All ages

Setting

Outdoors

What you need to know

Swim area capped daily, entry at the Bassin de la Villette is limited to 500 people a day, so go early if swimming is the plan
Paddling pools 40cm deep for small kids with an adult watching, plus a 1.20m pool for young swimmers
Lifeguards and daily water tests, and the 2m-deep big pool is kept for confident swimmers

About

Every summer Paris turns the Bassin de la Villette and stretches of the Seine riverbank into a free city beach. Kids splash in shallow paddling pools floating on the canal basin, try nautical activities and workshops, and ride a zip line over the water, while parents grab a deckchair or a game of pétanque. It suits families spending the summer in town who want water play without leaving the city.

Free

Dates to be announced

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