Residents and visitors in Paris gathered along the Seine River this weekend to swim after authorities permitted public access for the first time in over a hundred years.
The decision followed extensive cleanup efforts accelerated by the river's use during last year’s Paris Olympics. Advocates for open-water swimming had long pushed for the change, with former mayor Anne Hidalgo supporting the initiative and even swimming in the river before the Olympics.
Up to 1,000 people per day can now swim at three designated locations free of charge until August.
The project required an investment of approximately €1.4 billion, which included extending sewage connections to over 20,000 homes—preventing waste from entering the river—along with upgrading water treatment systems and constructing large rainwater storage basins equivalent to 20 Olympic-sized pools to prevent overflow during heavy rain.
Paris's efforts reflect a growing movement across European cities where activists have worked to restore urban waterways for swimming. Rising summer temperatures have heightened the need for accessible ways to cool down.
Although water quality concerns delayed some Olympic events last year, competitions ultimately proceeded as planned, boosting confidence in the river's safety for public use. The swimming spots, situated near landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the National Library, are expected to draw significant attention. One area is designed specifically for families with young children.
Lifeguards are on duty, and facilities for changing and showers are available. Daily water quality checks will determine swimming conditions, indicated by a flag system. Diving is prohibited due to shallow depths.
Beyond the three Paris locations, 14 additional swimming areas along the Seine and Marne rivers are planned, with two on the Marne opening earlier this summer.
French President Emmanuel Macron may now follow through on his earlier pledge to swim in the Seine once it was deemed safe.
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