Thinking of swimming in the Bassin de la Villette ? Then you’ll be pleased to know that the natural pools at the Bassin de la Villette are back for summer 2026. As is now a yearly tradition, Paris Plages is back and offers a zone of free swimming open to all. Just be sure to check that swimming is open, as closures can occur in cases of suspected or confirmed pollution.
Launched in 2017, this swimming space is more than just a feature—it’s a symbol of cleaner water, and a preview of Seine swimming made possible during the JO 2024, with access from summer 2025 at several swimming spots. Yes, it feels odd to think you can swim in a Parisian canal, but when you consider it, Parisians used to spend their summer Sundays in the water back in 1920...
No need to panic. For safety reasons, the bathing pool is not only delimited by driftwood on the surface, but "is equipped with a submerged bottom, connected to the pontoons by a frame to which nets will be attached, preventing any submerged objects from passing through". Swimming is safe and water quality is monitored daily, to ensure the health of Parisians. The premises are disinfected every 2 hours. The pools are evacuated 30 minutes before the end of the bathing period.
Open from July 4 to August 30, 2026, the Bassin de la Villette swimming area comprises four pools
This pool, designed as part of the "Nager à Paris" (Swim in Paris) plan, allows us to bathe safely and free of charge in the waters of the Bassin de la Villette, just as our grandparents did sixty years ago. The pool is accessible to 200 people at any one time (including those with reduced mobility), so everyone can get the most out of it! Between sessions, the pool is disinfected. For comfort and hygiene, changing cubicles, showers, sanitary facilities and deckchairs are installed nearby. All accessible to wheelchair users.
This free swimming pool should comfort Parisians who can't enjoy the French beaches, or delight tourists in search of a refreshing swim. It will reinforce an already solid summer sports offer with numerous activities - dance, tai chi, yoga classes, water sports (rowing, pedal boats, canoeing...). And let 's not forget the must-haves: table soccer, a boulodrome for pétanque fans, a large zip-line, a trampoline and a host of other activities for children and adults, , making the Bassin de la Villette an ephemeral intramural leisure base!
Let's get ready to dive!
Dates and Opening Time
From July 4, 2026 to August 30, 2026
Location
Bassin de La Villette
Quai de la Seine
75019 Paris 19
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
More information
Opening hours: daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
