The 6 must-dos at Paris Plages

© Ville de Paris by Guillaume Bontemps. 

From Pont de Sully to Pont Neuf on the Right Bank, not forgetting Canal Saint-Martin and Bassin de la Villette, Paris Plages returns until August 30 and promises to delight kids and adults all summer long! On the agenda: free activities of all kinds, including pétanque, paddle boarding, swimming spots, as well as martial arts classes and giant board games... Here is a wrap-up of the coolest spots.

• Free swimming areas are back! A proud legacy of the 2024 Olympic Games, the City of Paris is offering the chance to take a dip in the Seine until the end of summer, completely free of charge and directly from the capital's quays! Three swimming sites are open to the public until August 30. Take your pick: Bras Marie (2 port des Célestins, Paris 4th), Bras de Grenelle (facing Île aux Cygnes, 15th) or Quai de Bercy (facing the BnF, 12th). All practical information and the questions you don't dare to ask are available on the dedicated website! Dare to jump in? 
• Just like last year, every Sunday until September 6, Paris Plages takes over Canal Saint-Martin. In addition to sports and cultural events, you can enjoy a summer swim right in the heart of the capital (Sundays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., 116/126 quai de Jemmapes, Paris 10th).
• Otherwise, head to the giant swimming area in the 19th arrondissement at Bassin de la Villette. The 3 pools have been designed for everyone, with varying depths. To slip into your swimsuit, no need for the awkward towel-cabin technique anymore—bungalows will allow all swimmers to change into their finest swimwear before taking a dip. (Every day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., then from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., Quai de la Loire on the Left Bank of Bassin de la Villette, Paris 19th)

Addresses for all Parisian swimming spots are available here. 

© Ville de Paris by Lola Suarez.

This year, there is plenty of choice when it comes to water sports. To paddle at top speed (with your helmet on!) during a canoe or kayak session, head to Bassin de la Villette. Even better: it will also be possible to go stand-up paddleboarding, all centered around the pop-up marina made of floating pontoons.

Every day until Sunday, August 30, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Villette Quai de Loire, Paris 19th. Minors must be accompanied by an adult and know how to swim. Information online.

 © Ville de Paris by Guillaume Bontemps

Burning calories while dancing, chaining fitness moves and yoga poses while executing stylish choreography—Swedish fit is all that combined! Meet up on the banks of the Seine, facing Île Saint-Louis, to build muscle, do cardio, and stretch in a 100% chilled atmosphere. Don't forget to bring a bottle of water! Prefer gentler sports? You can also attend energy arts classes like Tai-Chi at the foot of Pont Neuf!

Swedish fit classes. Until August 30. Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Mondays from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. near Pont de Sully. 

Tai-chi and martial arts classes. Until August 30. Every day from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the foot of Pont Neuf.

©Ville de Paris by Jean-Baptiste Gurliat and Swedish Fit. 

Did you play chess, dominoes, and the toad-in-the-hole game all through your childhood? Now is the time to introduce your children to the most iconic board games. Remember to bring an ID card to borrow tokens and dice... and let the game begin! Voie Pompidou is ideal for a good pétanque tournament, but for a bit more competition, head under Pont de Notre-Dame to another pétanque ground, or gather a strong team for a foosball match.

Head over to La Villette, aka THE place where the best summer activities happen: pedal boats, inflatable spheres, and bumper boats that won't let kids or adults get bored. The must-try of this edition? The zip line installed over Bassin de la Villette to discover Paris from a bird's eye view (from 7 to 17 years old).

Foosball every day from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. under Pont Notre-Dame. Zip line every day from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Bassin de la Villette-Quai de Seine.

© Ville de Paris.

Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., dance will take center stage over at Bassin de la Villette. Between rock, swing, and Brazilian dance, you will twirl around with your +1 under the guidance of instructors who will be there to teach you the steps! How about taking your date for an unusual and seriously hot rendezvous? Just saying…

Dance classes, Friday to Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bassin de la Villette, Paris 19th.

© Ville de Paris.

Fancy a cultural break? From July 16 to August 16, the Delcourt Group sets up camp at Bassin de la Villette. Open to everyone, with no registration required, this reading corner invites kids and adults to enjoy a relaxing moment in the shade, comic book in hand. The perfect opportunity to take a break, discover new universes, and gently extend the summer vibes between two swims!

© Partners Paris Plage Delcourt Group

The Comic Book Library, free without reservation, from July 16 to August 16, every day from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Bassin de la Villette, Paris 19th

Discover also the most beautiful guinguettes of the summer and our top most beautiful terraces of Paris.