The legacy of the Olympic Games continues as the excitement builds for the 2026 European Aquatics Championships, set to take place in Paris and Saint-Denis from the 1st to the 16th of August, 2026. With 500 days to go until the competition gets underway, this moment symbolizes a significant milestone in European Aquatics’ commitment to fostering excellence and celebrating the enduring legacy of the Olympic Games.
The decision to award the Championships to the French capital underscores the city’s rich aquatic heritage and its pivotal role in the sport’s history. Notably, this marks the first time since 1931 that Paris will host the event, and the first time since 1987 that it returns to France, highlighting a full-circle moment for aquatics in Europe.
The Championships will feature five disciplines: swimming, diving, artistic swimming, open water swimming, and high diving. The Olympic Aquatics Centre of Métropole du Grand Paris, a venue that garnered acclaim during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, will once again welcome Europe’s elite athletes for swimming, diving, and artistic swimming events. This venue not only represents state-of-the-art facilities but also stands as a testament to the lasting impact of Olympic infrastructure on aquatics in Europe.
Open water swimming and high diving competitions will be set against the iconic backdrop of the Seine, at Bras de Grenelle and Port Debilly respectively. These locations not only provide picturesque settings but also integrate the city’s landscape into the Championships, offering a unique experience for both athletes and spectators.
The provisional competition schedule is as follows (subject to change):
- Swimming: 1st – 7th August
- High Diving: 7th – 9th August
- Artistic Swimming: 10th – 14th August
- Open Water Swimming: 10th – 14th August
- Diving: 10th – 16th August
European Aquatics, in collaboration with the French Swimming Federation and esteemed institutional partners – including the State, Métropole du Grand Paris, Ile-de-France Region, Seine Saint-Denis department, Plaine Commune, the City of Saint-Denis, and the City of Paris – is dedicated to delivering a competition that reflects the excellence and innovation synonymous with European Aquatics. This event not only celebrates the continent’s premier aquatic athletes but also reinforces France’s esteemed reputation for hosting world-class sporting events.
As we embark on the journey toward Paris 2026, European Aquatics remains committed to honoring the legacy of the Olympic Games and advancing the sport across the continent. We invite the entire aquatics community to join us in this celebration of athleticism, heritage, and unity.