Driving along the Seine quays in Paris: 2026 rules

The Seine quays in Paris are both iconic and regulated. Since 2016, the lower right-bank quays have been permanently pedestrianised. Since 2013, the left-bank riverside is also closed to cars. Only the upper quays remain open to traffic, with specific rules. This guide recaps the 2026 situation, essential for young Paris drivers and B licence candidates.

Upper vs lower quays: a frequent confusion

Paris has two levels: upper quays (at city level, generally 5-6 m above the river) and lower quays (water level, reached by ramps). Upper quays remain drivable (except voie Georges-Pompidou). Lower quays are entirely pedestrianised or turned into promenades: voie Georges-Pompidou (right bank) since 2016, left bank riverside since 2013.

Current speed limits on upper quays

All upper quays are limited to 30 km/h since August 2021. This limit was generalised in central Paris (except ring road and expressways). On the quays, mobile radars are frequent: the City of Paris announced 124 speed checks per month in 2025. Driving at 40 km/h on the quays means a €135 fine and 1 licence point.

Main drivable quays to know

Right bank (north): quai des Tuileries, quai du Louvre, quai de la Mégisserie, quai de Gesvres, quai de l'Hôtel-de-Ville, quai des Célestins. Left bank (south): quai de la Tournelle, quai de Montebello, quai Saint-Michel, quai des Grands-Augustins, quai de Conti, quai Malaquais, quai Voltaire, quai Anatole-France. These axes form the east-west traffic backbone of central Paris.

Bridges: priorities and constraints

Paris's 37 bridges each have their own rules. The Pont Neuf, oldest of all, is limited to 30 km/h and heavily radar-checked. Pont de la Concorde imposes a tricky right-angle turn. Pont de Bercy supports the elevated metro. At the B exam, crossing at least one bridge is near-systematic to test lane-end management and merging.

Limited-traffic zones and closures

Since November 2024, the Paris Centre LTZ includes a portion of the right-bank quays between pont des Arts and pont Notre-Dame. Transit is banned. Only residents, deliveries, taxis, VTC, craftsmen and vehicles with a zone destination may drive. LAPI cameras have enforced since July 2025 but with educational tolerance until June 2026.

Sunday and summer closures

Several quays close to traffic on Sundays and public holidays from 10 am to 6 pm under the « Paris Respire » scheme: quai des Tuileries (partial), quai d'Orsay, quai Anatole-France. In summer, from 15 July to 15 August, Paris Plages imposes extra closures. Before driving the quays outside a necessary trip, check the City of Paris website.

Crit'Air and quay circulation

Greater Paris ZFE-m requires a minimum Crit'Air level to drive in Paris. Since January 2025, Crit'Air 4 and 5 vehicles are banned from central Paris on weekdays 8 am to 8 pm. The quays are fully concerned. For a young driver with a second-hand car, check the sticker before any trip: €68 fine for non-compliant Crit'Air.

LAPI camera enforcement

Plate-reading cameras deployed since 2024 in Paris identify Crit'Air levels in real time. The system is operational for fining from June 2026. Until then, checks are physical, by the National Police. Foreign drivers must also register on the Sécurité Routière website to get a French sticker.

Practical tips for the young driver

Five golden rules on the quays: respect 30 km/h (educational then punitive radars), never try to go down the lower quays (automatic concrete blocks), anticipate underground car park exits (Concorde, Bourdon, Saint-Germain), keep a safety gap from RATP buses which often turn right, check temporary signage during Seine flood (quays regularly closed).

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