Swimming in Paris' Saint-Martin Canal: opening moved up to this Wednesday

The Saint-Martin Canal swimming season is opening earlier than planned. While the launch was originally slated for July 4, 2026 with the return of Paris Plages, the City of Paris has decided to push the start date up to Wednesday, June 17, 2026 in response to the ongoing heatwave hitting the capital.

Cool-seekers can start enjoying from tomorrow this free, purpose-built swimming zone along the Saint-Martin Canal in Paris's 10th arrondissement. The early opening is welcome as temperatures rise and public swimming spots are in high demand.

Meet at the level of the Michèle-Morgan footbridge, opposite the Jemmapes Space and the Villemin Garden, to refresh yourself safely. If the site has neither lockers nor changing facilities, locker rooms and showers are available at the Jemmapes Sports Centre.

To allow swimming, the locks stay closed during opening periods and navigation is suspended on this stretch of the canal. Swimmers thus gain access to a pool nearly 100 meters long, one of the capital’s largest open-water swimming areas.

This genuine open-air pool is available free of charge. A pontoon provides access to the water, and deckchairs are laid out for relaxing by the canal. The site's capacity is limited to 300 people, and children under 10 or shorter than 1.20 m must be accompanied by an adult.

• To be read
• Things to do in the République, Arts-et-Métiers, and Canal Saint-Martin neighborhoods: Ideas for outings & places to visit
• What to do in Paris's 10th arrondissement? Ideas for outings and good addresses
• Restaurants in Paris's 10th arrondissement: Where to eat in the 10th arrondissement? Our favorite places and top picks

Swimwear is mandatory; swim shorts are allowed. As every year, it is strictly forbidden to swim outside the supervised zones or outside opening hours, as well as to dive from the bridges and footbridges spanning the canal.

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