Olympic-sized pools, natural swimming spots, or swimming in the Seine: the best places in Greater Paris for outdoor swimming this summer
When the temperature soars, finding outdoor pools in Paris becomes a top priority. Greater Paris is brimming with open-air pools, urban beaches, and unique water spots—from historic locations in the city center to modern complexes in the inner and outer suburbs.
The Must-See Outdoor Swimming Pools in Central Paris
The Molitor Pool, in the 16th arrondissement, is the most famous spot in western Paris. Its legendary 46-meter pool and unique Art Deco architecture make it a truly special place. Access is selective, often tied to a restaurant or spa package, but the setting remains exceptional.
Equally unique, the Joséphine Baker swimming pool is moored directly on the Seine, at the foot of the BNF, in the 13th arrondissement. Its glass roof opens completely when the weather warms up, revealing a large sun deck on the upper deck with a view of the river. It’s a spot worth checking out before it disappears.
In the 12th arrondissement, the Roger Le Gall Swimming Pool features a 50-meter Olympic-size pool that is completely open-air during the summer season. Its real highlight, however, is its large, shaded lawns, which are perfect for relaxing after a swim.
“The Butte-aux-Cailles swimming pool, a designated historic monument, charms visitors with its retro red-brick façade. Its outdoor pool is the perfect place to cool off in peace and quiet, surrounded by the unique atmosphere of this village-like neighborhood.”
For athletes, the Georges Hermant Swimming Pool (19th arrondissement, Paris) is the crown jewel of the capital’s outdoor Olympic-sized pools. Its giant retractable roof opens up a 50-meter space bathed in light, complete with bleachers and a hidden green oasis at the back.
In addition, the Keller swimming pool, located in the Beaugrenelle neighborhood (15th arrondissement of Paris), features a modern retractable roof that slides open in just a few minutes. Another advantage: the water is treated with ozone, which eliminates the unpleasant effects of chlorine.
- Molitor Swimming Pool – 2 Avenue de la Porte Molitor, Paris 16th arrondissement – Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Joséphine Baker Swimming Pool – Quai François Mauriac, Paris 13th arrondissement – Monday through Sunday
- Roger Le Gall Swimming Pool – 34 Bd Carnot, Paris 12th arrondissement – Monday through Saturday
- Butte-aux-Cailles Swimming Pool – 5 Place Paul-Verlaine, Paris 13th arrondissement – Tuesday through Sunday
- Georges Hermant Swimming Pool – 8-10 Rue David d’Angers, Paris 19th arrondissement – Monday through Friday
The open-air pools beyond the ring road
Just across the ring road, the Murs à Pêches pool in Montreuil is the very first natural swimming pool in Île-de-France. Here, there’s no chlorine: the water is filtered 100% naturally using aquatic plants. Large grassy areas round out the experience, perfect for picnics and beach volleyball games.
So, for a touch of luxury without breaking the bank, the Puteaux swimming pool, located on Île de Puteaux (92), features a 50-meter outdoor pool surrounded by lawns, lounge chairs, and outdoor hot tubs. It’s a real hidden gem just a short RER ride away.
In addition, the Bois-Colombes Aquatic Center (92) is ideal for those who want to escape the crowded Parisian swimming pools. Its outdoor area features a sun deck with stone and greenery, as well as water play structures, all set in a modern and welcoming environment.
Water spots to explore further afield in Île-de-France
For those looking for a large green space, the Gabriel Menut Aquatic Stadium in Corbeil-Essonnes (91) features a 50-meter open-air Olympic-size pool surrounded by expansive green spaces. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy the fresh air away from urban pollution. The stadium is open Monday through Sunday.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more festive spot,Aqua Mundo Village Nature in Bailly-Romainvilliers (77) features a huge outdoor lagoon heated year-round to 30°C using geothermal energy. With waterfalls, thrilling slides, and exotic trees, you’ll completely forget you’re in Seine-et-Marne.
Similarly, the Camille Muffat Aquatic Center in Aubervilliers (93) checks all the boxes for the perfect summer spot. Its outdoor areas feature sun decks, water play areas, and a bright, airy design geared toward relaxation. It is open Monday through Sunday.
A favorite among families, the Saint-Maur-des-Fossés beach transforms part of its riverbanks into an urban beach every summer. Fine sand, sports fields, relaxation areas, and views of the Marne River set the scene. It is scheduled to open on June 20, 2026, at 27 Quai Winston Churchill.
The beaches along the Marne River between Maisons-Alfort and Joinville-le-Pont
Between Maisons-Alfort and Joinville-le-Pont, several developed areas along the banks of the Marne River offer a vacation-like atmosphere just a few stops from Paris. Deck chairs, lawns, summer activities, and access to the river make this one of the most pleasant spots in eastern Paris. Both sites will open on June 20, 2026.
These spots are especially popular with families and groups of friends looking to get some fresh air away from the city streets. So whether you start from Joinville-le-Pont (2 Quai Gabriel Péri) or Maisons-Alfort (76 Avenue Foch), you’re sure to enjoy a seaside atmosphere.
Urban swimming in the Seine and Parisian canals in 2026
This is one of the big new developments of summer 2026: Parisians can now officially swim in the Canal Saint-Martin. The City of Paris has set up designated swimming areas between 116 and 126 Quai de Jemmapes (10th arrondissement) starting June 17, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Swimming among the metal footbridges, locks, and bustling quays offers a truly unique experience.
Furthermore, the Bassin de la Villette remains the pioneer of urban swimming in Paris. Its three pools, each of varying depths and supervised by lifeguards, allow visitors to take a dip for free all summer long. Its huge wooden sun deck and the canal’s vibrant atmosphere make it a prime spot, with an opening scheduled for August 4, 2026.
For a unique view of the Eiffel Tower, the Bras de Grenelle (16, Quai de Grenelle, Paris 15th arrondissement) offers a swimming area in the Seine at the foot of Île aux Cygnes. This open-air swimming spot, open starting July 4, 2026, offers a postcard-perfect setting in the middle of the river. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience within Paris’s aquatic landscape.
Another highly anticipated spot, the Bras de Bercy (Port de Bercy, Paris’s 12th arrondissement) offers a safe place to take a dip in the Seine, right across from the BnF and at the foot of Bercy Park. This outdoor swimming spot will also open on July 4, 2026. Greater Paris is thus reaffirming its commitment to water-based activities for the summer of 2026, with a network of spots catering to everyone, from competitive swimmers to casual visitors looking to cool off.
