PARIS – For the first time in more than a century, Parisians and tourists dove into the River Seine on Saturday, celebrating its official reopening for public swimming — a milestone achieved after decades of pollution and a massive clean-up effort accelerated by the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The last time the public was allowed to swim in the Seine was 1923. Now, thanks to an extensive environmental overhaul, three designated swimming zones along the riverbanks in the heart of Paris will welcome over 1,000 swimmers daily until August 31, according to city officials.
“Really nice, I’m impressed, surprised,” said Victoria Cnop, a 24-year-old Brazilian living in Paris. “I never imagined being in the water close to the Eiffel Tower.”
Visitors described the water as clean, clear, and pleasantly warm, with just a touch of natural algae.
“Come here, everybody! It’s great,” added Karine, 51. “The water’s fine!”
A Century-Old Dream Realized
The reopening is the result of a major water quality restoration campaign, launched as part of the preparations for the Olympic Games, where the Seine was used for open-water swimming and triathlon events.
Efforts included:
- Connecting tens of thousands of homes to the proper sewer system,
- Upgrading treatment plants, and
- Constructing massive rainwater reservoirs to prevent raw sewage from overflowing into the river during heavy storms.
Despite a few Olympic event delays last summer due to rain-related pollution, the competitions ultimately went ahead, reinforcing confidence in the river’s improved safety.
Safety First
To ensure ongoing public safety, daily water quality tests are now in place. Green and red flags — similar to beach warnings — will indicate whether swimming is allowed each day.
“It’s great for the environment, it’s great for the city, it’s great for the people that live here,” said John Drummond, a 54-year-old visitor from Canada. “So very good initiative.”
Beyond Paris
In addition to the three swimming spots inside the capital, 14 more swimming areas are being established along the Seine and Marne rivers outside Paris, with two already opened on the Marne in June.
As Paris endures a hot summer, the return of swimming to the Seine is being hailed not only as a victory for the city’s residents, but as a powerful symbol of urban renewal, environmental responsibility, and public joy.
