Paris Allows Swimming in Canal Saint-Martin During Heatwave

Paris – 18.06.2026: In response to the ongoing heatwave, the city of Paris has officially allowed swimming in a selected section of the Canal Saint-Martin. This extraordinary measure was taken to offer the residents of the French capital a safe way to cool off. The announcement was made on June 17, 2026, by Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire.

The designated swimming area is located in the Bassin des Récollets section at Quai de Jemmapes in the 10th arrondissement. Swimming is permitted daily between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. as long as the heatwave continues and the water quality meets standards. The city ensures that lifeguards are present during swimming hours to guarantee the safety of bathers. Additionally, daily water quality tests are conducted to exclude any potential health risks.

Swimming in the canal is only allowed in the specified section. Due to the shallow water depth, jumping from bridges and piers, as well as other dangerous activities, remain prohibited. These regulations aim to prevent bathers from endangering themselves or others.

Besides opening the Canal Saint-Martin, Paris has implemented further measures to cope with the heatwave. It extended the opening hours of public parks and gardens to provide more access to cooler areas. Additionally, admission to the swimming pool at the Centre Nautique has been offered free of charge for the duration of the heatwave. These initiatives complement efforts to provide citizens with better conditions for cooling down.

The weather agency Météo-France issued an orange-level heat warning for the Paris region, valid until Friday, June 19, 2026, at midnight. Daytime temperatures frequently rise to extremely high levels. Authorities advise limiting outdoor activities during the hottest hours, especially between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., and emphasize maintaining sufficient hydration.

The residents of Paris largely welcome the decision to allow swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin. Many see it as a sensible, pragmatic way to alleviate the oppressive temperatures without having to leave the city. The city administration is reviewing whether other urban water bodies in different arrondissements could also be temporarily opened for swimming to enhance citizen protection during the heatwave.

By opening the Canal Saint-Martin to bathers, Paris is setting a precedent in urban management of extreme weather events. The measure is viewed as an important contribution to adapting to rising temperatures and improving quality of life in the city, and it may serve as a model for other major European metropolitan areas.