Paris Plages
The beach in the heart of the capital
About Paris Plages
Paris Plages: When the Seine Becomes the Riviera
Launched in 2002 by the Mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoë, Paris Plages was born from a bold idea: to offer Parisians who do not go on vacation a space for leisure, relaxation, and coolness in the heart of the city, by transforming the riverside roads into a free urban beach. What could have remained an experiment has, in over twenty years, become one of the most popular summer events in the capital, imitated by dozens of cities around the world.
From the Banks of the Seine to the Villette Canal Basin
Over the editions, Paris Plages has expanded considerably. The operation now occupies several sites:
- The Parc Rives de Seine, on the right bank, with its sandy beaches, deckchairs, misting stations, and play areas.
- The Villette canal basin (19th arrondissement), with its supervised swimming, water activities (canoeing, paddleboarding, pedal boating), and sports and cultural events.
- The Hôtel-de-Ville square, transformed into a recreational and sports area.
Since 2025, a historic milestone has been reached with the opening of three supervised swimming areas in the Seine: at Bras Marie (Paris Centre), Pont de Grenelle (15th arrondissement), and Quai de Bercy (12th arrondissement), fulfilling a dream of several decades.
A Rich and Free Program
Paris Plages is not just about deckchairs and sand. Each edition offers a dense cultural and sports program: open-air concerts, cinema under the stars, DJ sets, creative workshops, fitness classes, yoga, dance, tai chi, activities for children, sports courses, tournaments, and themed events. Each year, a country or theme is highlighted: in 2025, it was Brazil as part of the France-Brazil Season; in 2026, the United States for the 250th anniversary of American Independence.
A Popular and Unifying Event
With several million visitors each summer, Paris Plages has become a symbol of the City of Paris's quality of life policy and the reconquest of public spaces. The operation is entirely free, accessible to all, and contributes to transforming Parisians' relationship with their river and their city.
Paris Plages — edition 2026
The 25th edition of Paris Plages will take place from July 4 to August 30, 2026, with a focus on the United States for the 250th anniversary of American Independence, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy. Free summer activities will be available at Parc Rives de Seine, the Bassin de la Villette, Canal Saint-Martin, and the Hôtel-de-Ville forecourt (from June 6 for the latter).
25th Edition — July 4 to August 30, 2026, Focus on the United States
Paris Plages celebrates its 25th edition from July 4 to August 30, 2026, with an exceptional focus on the United States for the 250th anniversary of American Independence; the U.S. Embassy is associated with the organization of this edition. The Hôtel-de-Ville forecourt also hosts activities from June 6 until September 20.
Four Waterfront Sites
For 2026, the event will take over Parc Rives de Seine (sandy beaches, deckchairs, parasols, misters, giant games), the Bassin de la Villette (supervised swimming and water activities: canoe-kayak, paddle, pedal boats), the Canal Saint-Martin, and the Hôtel-de-Ville forecourt. Several open-water swimming areas are offered in the Seine and its arms, notably at Pont Louis-Philippe (Paris Centre), Bras de Grenelle (15th arrondissement), and Quai de Bercy / Passerelle Simone-de-Beauvoir (12th arrondissement).
A Free Program to Come
As every year, Paris Plages will offer a rich cultural and sports program (concerts, open-air cinema, creative workshops, fitness classes, yoga, dance, children's entertainment), entirely free. The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be published in spring-summer on paris.fr.
Highlights Paris Plages 2026
Key Points for 2026
- 25th edition, from July 4 to August 30, 2026
- Focus on the United States: 250th anniversary of American Independence, with the U.S. Embassy
- Four sites: Parc Rives de Seine, Bassin de la Villette, Canal Saint-Martin, Hôtel-de-Ville forecourt (from June 6)
- Supervised open-water swimming in the Seine and at the Bassin de la Villette
- Completely free summer activities
- Detailed program to be announced on paris.fr
Prices Paris Plages 2026
Practical information — Paris Plages
Practical Information
Sites
Parc Rives de Seine: Right bank, between Pont Neuf and Pont de Sully.
Villette Canal Basin: Quai de la Loire / Quai de la Seine, 75019 Paris.
Hôtel-de-Ville Square: 75004 Paris.
Access
Metro: Châtelet, Pont-Marie, Sully-Morland (right bank); Jaurès, Stalingrad (Villette); Hôtel de Ville.
Bus: Numerous lines serve the different sites.
Prices
All Paris Plages activities and events are completely free.
Opening Hours
Generally from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (11 p.m. on weekends), from early July to late August. Hours vary depending on the sites and activities.
Practical Tips
- Bring your towel, sunscreen, and water.
- Swimming in the Seine is supervised and free during the indicated hours.
- Free water activities are offered at the Villette canal basin.
- The site is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- Consult the program on paris.fr for special events.
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Where does it take place — Paris Plages
Berges de Seine, Bassin de la Villette et Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville
Parc Rives de Seine, 75004 Paris