Swim Your Canal 2026: open-water swimming, aquathlons and buoy races on the Ourcq Canal

For open-water swimming enthusiasts, head to Pantin this Saturday, August 22, 2026 for the latest edition of Nage ton Canal. This renowned open-water race has added two aquathlons and an unusual buoy race to the lineup, for those who prefer to stay a little drier!

How to take part? Expect a registration fee of 10 euros, open to any swimmer aged 12 and up, licensed or not, who presents a medical certificate. The buoy race, meanwhile, is free, but you still need to register in advance once the ticket office opens. To put your mind at ease, note that the water in the Ourcq Canal is tested for safety before the race (bacteriological analysis) by a duly authorized laboratory.

• To be read
• The Canal Summer 2026: the must-attend summer festival along Paris's canals, dates & program
• This week's top picks in Paris and Île-de-France, April 6–12, 2026.
• The ultimate guide to running and road races in Paris and Île-de-France for 2026

So, which distance will you choose for the open-water race: 250 m, 500 m, 1,500 m, 3,000 m or 5,000 m? And for the more athletic, two aquathlons are now on offer, featuring 1,500 m of swimming and 10 km on foot, or a shorter option of 500 m + 3.3 km. As every year, the start will be from Place de la Pointe, where free sports and cultural activities are on offer, in the village open from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.