Photo credit: François-Xavier Tual

Sunday 13 September 2026, the Crossing of Paris and the Hauts-de-Seine was making its grand return for a 41st edition. As every year, female and male rowers from France and many foreign countries gathered at the François Kosciusko-Morizet water sports centre to take part in this unmissable event.

This year, 257 boats took part in the Crossing, of which 11 private boats accommodating more than five rowers. Once again, the international dimension of the event was clearly in evidence:

• 140 French boats (54 %), don't 95 Île-de-France boats (37 %) and 45 boats from the provinces (17 %)
• 117 foreign vessels (46 %)

Figures that demonstrate the appeal of this hike, which each year brings together participants who have come to discover Paris and the Hauts-de-Seine from the Seine. The enthusiasm had indeed been felt well before 13 September. As soon as the box office opened, all available tickets sold out in under 12 hours. A turnout that confirms, year after year, the special place that the Traversée de Paris et des Hauts-de-Seine now holds in the calendar of rowing enthusiasts, both in France and internationally.

Photo credit: Nicolas Sanson

Behind the hundreds of boats on the water lie above all over 100 volunteers mobilised to bring the event to life.

Some dedicate themselves to the preparation of the Crossing throughout the year, while others join the organisation as the event approaches and over the course of the weekend. Whether it is welcoming participants, managing boats and trailers, launching, catering, logistics, safety or supporting the crews, their presence is essential for the smooth running of the tour.

Following this 41st edition, Frédéric Andolfi, President of the Île-de-France Rowing League, wanted to pay a very special tribute to all those who contribute to the success of the event each year:

«I would particularly like to pay tribute to all the volunteers present for this event. Every year, they answer the call and, through their involvement, help to improve and make this hike ever more wonderful, having become an unmissable fixture for many French and foreign clubs. I am proud of the work accomplished, their commitment and the enthusiasm they show year after year to bring the Traversée de Paris et des Hauts-de-Seine to life.»

So we are sending a huge thanks to all our volunteers, but also to the clubs that support us and help us in the preparation for this major event.

Without this collective mobilisation, an event of this scale simply could not take place.

The Traversée de Paris et des Hauts-de-Seine is, of course, a morning spent on the water, but it is also a time for meeting and sharing between rowers from all backgrounds.

After returning to base, participants were able to extend this 41st edition with a get-together. A paella prepared by our caterer was waiting for them for lunch, an opportunity to get together after several hours spent on the water and to chat about this shared experience.

This friendliness is fully part of the Traversée's identity and also helps to make it a unique event.

This 41st Crossing of Paris and Hauts-de-Seine will once again remain a fine collective achievement.

Seeing so many French and international clubs coming together every year on the Seine is a real source of satisfaction. Over successive editions, the Crossing has grown, become more international, and established itself as an eagerly awaited fixture for many rowers.

Thanks to the 257 crews present, the clubs, the partners, the teams involved and our more than 100 volunteers for having contributed to the success of this edition.

We are already looking forward to seeing you again for the 42nd Crossing of Paris and the Hauts-de-Seine!