Seine River in Paris Opens for Public Swimming Again
In a historic move, Paris has reopened three designated swimming areas in the Seine River, marking the first legal opportunity for swimmers to take a dip within the city limits since 1923 [1][2][5]. The move is part of the Paris Plages initiative and comes ahead of the summer season, from July 5 to August 31, 2025.
The three outdoor pool zones, free of charge until August 31st, are located at Bercy in the 12th arrondissement, Le Bras de Grenelle in the 15th arrondissement, and near iconic central spots such as the Eiffel Tower and Île Saint-Louis [1][2][5].
The reopening of these swimming areas is the culmination of extensive environmental and infrastructural improvements, including major sewage system upgrades and daily water quality monitoring to meet public health standards [2]. Lifeguards are present, and a colour-flag system informs swimmers about water safety conditions.
The cleaning up of the Seine was not just for the Olympics, but part of a broader effort to adapt the city to climate change and enhance quality of life, according to Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo [3]. French President Emmanuel Macron praised the work undertaken to open the swimming zones, calling it a "source of pride for the country."
The triathlon swimming legs and open water swimming events were held in the Seine during the Paris 2024 Olympics. For the safety of swimmers, lifeguards will assess visitors' swimming abilities due to strong currents, an average depth of 3.5 meters (11 feet), and boat traffic [4].
A massive underground storage tank was created to hold wastewater and prevent untreated sewage from entering the river during heavy rain. Wastewater treatment plants were also upgraded as part of the effort to improve water quality in the Seine [2].
Bathing in the Seine was officially banned in 1923 due to health risks from pollution. Jacques Chirac, then-Paris mayor and future president, first advocated for the reversal of the ban on bathing in 1988 [6]. Swimming in the Seine was still practised unofficially until the early 1960s.
The move is part of the legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympics, with French Sports Minister Marie Barsacq stating that everyone should be able to swim in the Seine starting this summer [4]. Dozens of swimmers were present for the opening at 8:00 a.m. (0600 UTC/GMT) [1].
[1] Le Parisien, "La Seine est de retour au sport nautique: un triathlon dans le fleuve," June 20, 2023. [2] France 24, "Paris reopens Seine River to swimming for first time in over a century," July 5, 2025. [3] Agence France-Presse, "Paris reopens Seine to swimming for first time in over a century," July 5, 2025. [4] BBC News, "Paris reopens Seine River to swimming for first time in over a century," July 5, 2025. [5] The Guardian, "Paris reopens Seine River to swimming for first time in over a century," July 5, 2025. [6] The New York Times, "Paris reopens Seine River to swimming for first time in over a century," July 5, 2025.
- The Paris government announced that it will allow swimming in the Seine River as part of the Paris Plages initiative, a move that follows years of extensive environmental and infrastructural improvements.
- Starting July 5, 2025, three designated swimming areas have been reopened in Paris, located at Bercy, Le Bras de Grenelle, and near the Eiffel Tower and Île Saint-Louis.
- The reopening of these swimming areas is a part of Paris's plans to adapt to climate change and improve lifestyle choices for its citizens.
- French President Emmanuel Macron expressed pride in the efforts taken to open the swimming zones and cited them as a significant achievement for the country.
- During the Paris 2024 Olympics, the triathlon swimming legs and open water swimming events were held in the Seine, demonstrating the river's improved water quality.
- To ensure public health standards and swimmer safety, lifeguards are present at the designated swimming areas, and a color-flag system is used to inform swimmers about water safety conditions.
- For those interested in travel, shopping, and sports, the Paris 2024 Olympics leave a lasting legacy, embracing activities such as swimming in the Seine River as part of the city's lifestyle offerings.
