The River Seine in Paris has officially reopened to public swimming, a significant milestone marking the first time since 1923 that locals and visitors alike can dive into its waters. This historic change comes as part of the preparations for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, where elite athletes will also experience swimming in the freshly cleaned river, known for its iconic views and cultural significance.
On a recent Saturday morning at 08:00 local time, eager swimmers gathered at designated areas, ready to plunge into the Seine. Access to swimming has been made available at three specific sites, strategically located near popular landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral, as well as another in eastern Paris. Each swimming zone is equipped with changing facilities, showers, and ample beach-style lounging furniture for roughly 300 individuals to relax.
The temporary swimming sites will remain open until the end of August, offering free access during set hours to participants meeting the minimum age requirement of either 10 or 14 years, depending on the specific location. A team of lifeguards will be present to ensure safety while swimmers enjoy the refreshing waters of the revamped Seine.
The initiative to lift the swimming ban dates back to 1988, championed by Jacques Chirac, then-mayor of Paris, laying the groundwork for today’s successful transformation. Over the past two decades, significant investment—amounting to more than €1.4 billion—has focused on improving water quality, with a notable decline in pollution levels.
However, as the Olympics approached, concerns arose surrounding the river's readiness. Despite initial worries about water quality, which resulted in challenging conditions for athletes, public demonstrations by city officials confirmed that swimming was safe. Last summer, even prominent figures like Mayor Anne Hidalgo took a swim to showcase the river's cleanliness, encouraging both confidence and participation from the public. As anticipation builds for the Olympic events, the reopening of the Seine for swimming represents a vibrant chapter in Parisian life, steeped in history and optimism for the future.
On a recent Saturday morning at 08:00 local time, eager swimmers gathered at designated areas, ready to plunge into the Seine. Access to swimming has been made available at three specific sites, strategically located near popular landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral, as well as another in eastern Paris. Each swimming zone is equipped with changing facilities, showers, and ample beach-style lounging furniture for roughly 300 individuals to relax.
The temporary swimming sites will remain open until the end of August, offering free access during set hours to participants meeting the minimum age requirement of either 10 or 14 years, depending on the specific location. A team of lifeguards will be present to ensure safety while swimmers enjoy the refreshing waters of the revamped Seine.
The initiative to lift the swimming ban dates back to 1988, championed by Jacques Chirac, then-mayor of Paris, laying the groundwork for today’s successful transformation. Over the past two decades, significant investment—amounting to more than €1.4 billion—has focused on improving water quality, with a notable decline in pollution levels.
However, as the Olympics approached, concerns arose surrounding the river's readiness. Despite initial worries about water quality, which resulted in challenging conditions for athletes, public demonstrations by city officials confirmed that swimming was safe. Last summer, even prominent figures like Mayor Anne Hidalgo took a swim to showcase the river's cleanliness, encouraging both confidence and participation from the public. As anticipation builds for the Olympic events, the reopening of the Seine for swimming represents a vibrant chapter in Parisian life, steeped in history and optimism for the future.
