Although Paris hasn't seen any major flooding for several years, the Seine and the capital are facing a threat that they must be well prepared for, not to mention flooding due to thunderstorms, which can quickly paralyze public transport. To raise awareness among residents, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, the city and the Préfecture de Police are organizing a day-long event to teach people the right reflexes to adopt in the event of rising water levels.
During the day, the prefecture is organizing a free event from 10am to 4pm on the Quai Saint-Bernard esplanade on the Seine, with workshops to help you understand your role in the event of flooding, and nautical demonstrations on the Seine to rescue and search for submerged people. There will also be a demonstration of how a batardeau, a removable watertight barrier used to protect against flooding, works.
In the evening, each of the Paris arrondissements will bring its residents together simultaneously in the town halls (except the 12th, 13th, 14th and 19th arrondissements) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., with a wide range of events on the program, including mock newscasts, expert interviews, quizzes, discussions and the creation of an emergency kit to put oneself in a situation and learn how to react before, during and after a flood. How does flooding work? Do you live in a flood zone? What impact does a flood have on your daily life? These are just some of the questions you'll find the answers to!
At the same time, from May 12 to 16 on the square in front of the 11th arrondissement town hall, visitors will be able to test a sensory simulator to measure the force it takes to escape from a cellar and a car when the water rises, from 9am to 5pm. What's more, in October 2025, a full-scale crisis exercise will take place, to collectively guard against this first natural risk for the capital.
Dates and Opening Time
On May 14, 2025
Prices
Free
Official website
www.paris.fr
