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More than a century after 1923, the romantic Seine River – an inseparable symbol of the French capital – has officially reopened to public swimming. The Parisian authorities have just announced three new licensed swimming spots, offering residents and tourists a unique experience right in the heart of the City of Lights.
These three strategically located swimming spots are situated in prime locations, promising to be attractive summer destinations. They include: one near the historic Notre Dame Cathedral, one near the magnificent Eiffel Tower, and another in eastern Paris. These swimming spots will be free to enter and operate until the end of August, catering to people aged 10 or 14 and above, depending on the specific location. To ensure maximum safety, swimming times will be fixed throughout the day, and professional lifeguards will always be on duty.
Parisians enthusiastically swim in the Seine River after swimming is allowed again.
The decision to reopen the Seine River to the public for swimming was not a spur-of-the-moment event, but the result of an ambitious, multi-year environmental remediation project costing a massive €1.4 billion (approximately $1.5 billion). With the ultimate goal of cleaning the river for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the city invested heavily in a range of advanced infrastructure and technologies.
Parisians (France) bathe in the Seine River, the city's iconic river.
Notable among these efforts are the construction of modern disinfection systems, a large-scale rainwater storage tank to prevent wastewater overflow during heavy rains, and, most importantly, the connection of all wastewater from ships and riverside households to the city's centralized wastewater treatment network. These efforts have significantly contributed to improving the water quality of the Seine River.
This marks the culmination of a large-scale cleanup campaign aimed at improving water quality, which was significantly boosted when Paris used the Seine River as a venue for last year's Summer Olympics.
The quality of the Seine River's water has been rigorously tested through international sporting events. The Seine River has served as the main venue for Olympic events such as triathlon and marathon swimming during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Competing on the river not only affirms Paris's organizational capabilities but also plays a crucial role in testing and verifying the water's cleanliness after the renovation process.
Local authorities said that three swimming areas in the city center can accommodate more than 1,000 people per day until the end of August.
According to Pierre Rabadan, Deputy Mayor of Paris in charge of Sports and the Olympics, the river's water quality is strictly monitored daily. New swimming spots will use a flag system similar to that at beaches: a green flag will indicate water that meets safety standards for swimming, while a red flag will warn of substandard water or dangerous strong currents. Since the beginning of June, the Seine River's water quality has been recorded as conforming to European Union regulations, except for two days affected by heavy rain and pollution from boats.
The eager crowds quickly took to the water under the summer sun, creating a lively atmosphere in the French capital.
Several international organizations have also acknowledged and praised the river's water quality, affirming that it meets international sporting standards. World Aquatics stated: “The opening of the Seine to the public for swimming is living proof of the role of sport in creating sustainable benefits for the community.” However, it should be noted that some independent experts still warn that bacterial levels in the river can fluctuate depending on weather conditions and that absolute safety for health cannot be assessed in all cases.
The reopening of swimming activities follows a series of years-long efforts to improve the water environment.
Swimming in the Seine River was completely banned in 1923, primarily due to severe pollution and the risks posed by heavy waterway traffic. Now, after a 102-year wait, starting this summer, Parisians and tourists will have a unique and relaxing option: immersing themselves in the cool waters of the Seine right in the heart of the capital. This is not just the reopening of a recreational spot, but also the restoration of a cultural tradition, connecting people with the city's iconic river. Will swimming in the Seine become a new cultural feature of Paris in the coming years?
