When temperatures start to rise, there's nothing better than taking to the water! But when the sea is far away and lakes are inaccessible in the middle of the urban jungle, you have to find alternatives. We're taking advantage of the gradual reopening of certain bodies of water for swimming in the Ile-de-France region, on the Seine, in the Marne and many others, to take a dip and why not try open-water swimming races?
These multiply during the summer season and stop as soon as the cooler weather returns, so if you consult this guide in summer, it may well be empty, in which case you'll have to wait until next summer arrives! Experienced swimmers and amateurs looking for races where they can discover open-water swimming can compete over distances ranging from just a few hundred meters to almost 10 kilometers for the most athletic, not forgetting triathlons.
There's plenty of opportunity to challenge yourselves, or to take to the water in a more playful setting, in a relaxed atmosphere, without a stopwatch, with unusual races! Buoy and bathtub races await you across the region, as do water festivals and paddle descents, for offbeat water events that let you enjoy the summer without taking yourself too seriously.
Open Swim Stars 2026: open-water races at the Bassin de la Villette and along the Ourcq Canal
The Paris Swim Crossing is back for another edition on July 11–12, 2026, headlined by the Open Swim Stars race. The lineup features five open-water events around the Bassin de la Villette and the Ourcq Canal! [Read more]
Swim Your Canal 2026: open-water swimming, aquathlons and buoy races on the Ourcq Canal
Fancy a dip in the Ourcq Canal this Saturday, August 22, 2026? Then head to Pantin for the new edition of "Nage ton Canal," the renowned open-water race in Seine-Saint-Denis! [Read more]
Paddling the Canal 2026: Descending the Ourcq Canal by canoe, kayak or stand-up paddle this summer
L'Eté du Canal kicks off with a new edition of Canal en pagaies, this fun paddle down the Ourcq Canal, on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Are you ready to paddle 10 kilometers? [Read more]
In the Paris region, a quirky, free bathtub race takes over the Ourcq Canal.
Have you ever watched a bathtub race? This isn’t a joke—the quirky event has been running for 15 years along the Ourcq Canal, and you can join in for free on Sunday, July 5, 2026! [Read more]
Ironman 70.3: A regal triathlon set against the Château of Versailles this summer 2026 — tickets now on sale
On Sunday, July 12, 2026, the city of Versailles will host its very first Ironman 70.3. This 113-kilometer triathlon will see competitors swimming across the Pièce d’Eau des Suisses, cycling through the picturesque Chevreuse Valley, and finishing with a run through the historic Potager du Roi, culminating in a spectacular finish right in front of the Chateau. [Read more]
EDF Aqua Challenge 2025: the open water swimming race in the Seine at Bras Grenelle
On Saturday July 26, 2025, the EDF Aqua Challenge will take place at the Bras Grenelle in Paris. An excellent opportunity for the French Swimming Federation to promote aquatic activities in the capital's natural environment. The races are open to all! [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From April 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025
