Paris makes a splash as the River Seine reopens for swimmers

Summer has arrived and you can now take a dip in the iconic River Seine for the first time in a century.

The famous River Seine in Paris is once again open to swimmers as of July 5th, for the first time in a century. A billion-euro clean-up effort made the river safe enough for Olympic events last year, and it is now swimmable for Parisians and visitors alike.

As part of Paris Plages – a popular annual event in Paris designed to offer city residents and visitors a seaside escape without leaving the city – three free swimming zones have been opened: one near Notre Dame, one by the Eiffel Tower, and one in eastern Paris, each accommodating between 150 and 300 swimmers.

The Baignade Grenelle swimming zone boasts views of the Eiffel Tower. (Image: EPA/Teresa Suárez)

Swimming in the Seine had been illegal since 1923, and swimming options in Paris are limited, with most people relying on public pools. President Emmanuel Macron shared his enthusiasm for the project on X, about the opening of swimming spots, saying, “One of my predecessors, then Mayor of Paris, dreamed of a Seine where everyone could swim. Tomorrow, his promise will be kept… It’s a legacy of the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games after 100 years of prohibition, a collective effort, a source of pride for the country… We did it.” [Translated from French].

A billion-euro clean-up effort has made the river safe for swimming. (Image: Getty/olrat)

In the lead-up to the 2024 Paris Olympics, there were concerns about the safety of the Seine’s water for athletes competing in open-water swimming events. This was in part due to the Seine historically having issues with high levels of pollutants. Authorities have implemented several measures for these three swimming zones to ensure water safety and address lingering concerns. This includes daily water quality testing at the designated zones and weather-related closures. Environmental agencies reported bacterial counts were well within safe, regulated limits. Ongoing vigilance and adaptive management are essential to keeping swimmers safe. 

Each swimming zone features lifeguards, changing rooms, showers and beach-style furniture. The swimming areas will be open until August 31st.

Would you take a dip?

Locations

Baignade Bercy – 12th arrondissement

Baignade Grenelle – 15th arrondissement, near the Île aux Cygnes and the Eiffel Tower

Baignade bras Marie – Paris Centre, at the foot of the Pont de Sully, facing the Île Saint-Louis

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