A long-held dream comes true as the River Seine is opened for swimming to the public for the first time since 1923. The initiative marks a significant milestone ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics, with three designated swimming areas now available for enthusiasts.
Historic Reopening: Paris Welcomes Swimmers Back to River Seine
Historic Reopening: Paris Welcomes Swimmers Back to River Seine
The iconic River Seine in Paris reopens for public swimming after a century-long ban, heralding a new era in the city’s relationship with its waterways.
The River Seine in Paris has officially reopened to the public for swimming for the first time since 1923, marking the end of a lengthy century-long ban. This milestone is a pivotal aspect of the legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympics, during which the river will host open water swimmers and triathletes, thanks to extensive pollution clean-up efforts.
The grand reopening took place on Saturday morning at 08:00 local time, attracting a number of eager swimmers who were ready to dive into the historic waters. Three designated swimming zones have been established: one near the iconic Eiffel Tower, another adjacent to Notre Dame Cathedral, and a third in eastern Paris. Each zone is equipped with changing rooms, showers, and beach-style furniture, accommodating up to 300 visitors wishing to enjoy the unique experience.
Open for free until the end of August, the swimming areas are accessible to individuals who are at least 10 or 14 years old, depending on the specific site. Trained lifeguards will be present across all three locations, ensuring safety for all swimmers.
The initiative to lift the swimming ban can be traced back to 1988 when Jacques Chirac, then the mayor of Paris and later the president, first called for a reversal of the prohibition. In the two decades leading up to this year, substantial improvements in wastewater treatment have significantly decreased the levels of fecal bacteria in the Seine, thus making swimming safe once more.
For the past century, the River Seine has remained off-limits for swimming due to high pollution levels that posed health risks. More than €1.4 billion (approximately $1.6 billion) was invested into cleaning the river in preparation for the upcoming Olympic Games. Leading up to the events, concerns arose over water quality testing, which briefly cast doubt on the readiness of the Seine for swimmers. Following a public demonstration by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who waded into the river last summer to assure its safety, confidence in the Seine’s cleanliness was restored.
With the reopening of the river’s waters, locals and tourists alike can once again experience the joy of swimming in one of Paris's most beloved landmarks, creating a vibrant atmosphere ahead of the much-anticipated Summer Games.
