The Canal Saint-Martin is closing its banks to swimmers on weekdays; swimming is now permitted only on Sunday afternoons
Since July 4, 2026, the rules have changed for Parisians who had gotten into the habit of taking a dip in the Canal Saint-Martin after work. What many considered their neighborhood swimming pool this summer is closing almost entirely, and the new measures may come as a surprise.
Operating hours reduced to the bare minimum for the Canal Saint-Martin
From now on, swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin is only allowed on Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. This is a drastic change from previous weeks, when the canal remained open every day. Compared to last year, the change is also clear: Wednesday afternoons, which were previously on the schedule, have been removed from the calendar.
However, a new heat wave is expected to begin in the middle of the week following this Fourth of July weekend. It is therefore reasonable to wonder whether these time slots will be extended in the event of extreme heat, returning to the 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. schedule every day that has been so popular with swimmers in recent weeks.
“Canal Saint-Martin: It will be only on Sunday afternoons, so not every day, and not on Wednesday afternoons either—unlike last year.” — Enzo Morel, June 29, 2026
How did we get to this point?
It had all started out so well, though. As early as June 17, with a heat wave sweeping across the entire country, Emmanuel Grégoire gave the go-ahead for swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin ahead of schedule. Parisians then rushed to the water’s edge, delighted by this refreshing break right in the heart of the city.
This daily permit expired with the official return of Paris Plage on Saturday, July 4. The launch of the official summer season marks the transition to stricter rules for this site. The Canal Saint-Martin thus shifts from virtually unrestricted access to extremely limited access.
What Paris Plage Offers as Concrete Alternatives
Good news: More swimming spots will open starting July 4, with hours that are even longer than last year. This means you can find an alternative that fits your schedule.
- Bras Marie: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., perfect for an early morning swim.
- Bercy Beach: Open Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., perfect for evenings.
- Grenelle: Opens at 10 a.m.; closing time varies by day between 12 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Of course, these schedules are subject to weather conditions and water quality. However, the variety of time slots means that everyone can find a time that works for them, whether they’re an early riser or prefer a late-afternoon swim.
Grenelle, Bercy, Bras Marie: Which site should you choose based on your profile?
For those who want to go for a swim before heading to the office, the Marie branch is clearly the best choice. Since it opens at 8 a.m., it’s the only location accessible to early risers. So it’s an option worth considering if you live in central Paris.
On the other hand, those who enjoy evenings by the water should definitely head to Bercy Beach. Open until 9 p.m. seven days a week, it offers the longest hours of any of the sites. Finally, Grenelle is a good option for mornings, even though its closing times vary from day to day.
Swimming in Paris This Summer: What You Need to Know
The reduction in operating hours on the Canal Saint-Martin marks a sharp break from the routine that had been established since mid-June. Many Parisians had made this spot part of their summer routine, and the shift to a single time slot on Sundays is a real setback. In just a few weeks, the Canal Saint-Martin had become the go-to spot for afternoons during heat waves.
The question that remains is whether operating hours might be extended if the intense heat returns. The Paris City Hall responded quickly in June by opening the Canal Saint-Martin ahead of schedule. So it’s entirely possible that a similar decision could be made if temperatures rise to extreme levels in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, the three Paris Plage locations are stepping in with extended hours. The Canal Saint-Martin remains open on Sundays, of course, but the banks of the Seine now offer time slots that cover almost the entire day. So even without their favorite spot during the week, Parisians still have plenty of options to beat the heat throughout the summer of 2026.
