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Paris City Hall Coordinates Canal Saint-Martin Access Through Supervised Services and Redevelopment
City decisions have opened limited swimming while advancing infrastructure work on the waterway.
How we reported this
Paris City Hall officially opened a 100-meter section of Canal Saint-Martin for swimming on June 17, 2026, with lifeguard supervision in place ahead of a heatwave. This step reflects local service decisions to manage public use of the canal during warmer periods.
Supervised Swimming Hours at Bassin des Récollets
The designated swimming area at Bassin des Récollets operates only on Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. through August 30, 2026, following an update recorded as of July 5, 2026. Lifeguards oversee access at the site, and the schedule limits entry to control numbers during peak summer conditions. These timed restrictions represent a direct service adjustment by city authorities to balance recreation with safety needs along the canal.
Redevelopment Project Details and Timeline
Major redevelopment work on Canal Saint-Martin began in February 2024 and is scheduled to conclude in 2026 under a €15 million budget. The project targets improvements to pedestrian spaces, cycling paths, and vegetation within the 10th arrondissement. Plans call for 3.4 km of cycling 'vélo-rues' and the planting of 52 new trees to support biodiversity and create cooling areas. These infrastructure choices illustrate how city decisions integrate long-term upgrades with immediate public access provisions.
Water Quality Checks by Local Services
During a recent heatwave, weekly tests by Eau de Paris confirmed water quality remained safe for the supervised swimming zone. Overcrowding at times created challenges for lifeguard oversight, prompting continued monitoring by the utility. This testing routine forms part of the operational services supporting the council's decision to allow canal use under controlled conditions.
Residents seeking to use the swimming area should check the current Sunday schedule at Bassin des Récollets before visiting, as hours remain fixed through the end of August 2026. Further updates on the redevelopment work are expected as the 2026 completion date approaches.