Paris Reopens the Seine River for Public Swimming: Three Designated Spots Now Open

In Paris, the long-standing ban on swimming in the Seine was lifted last year, leading to the opening of three designated swimming areas along the river. According to BBC, today approximately 300 people arrived at these locations and took their first swims since the ban was lifted.

These three spots are located near key landmarks: one near the Eiffel Tower, another close to Notre Dame Cathedral, and a third in the eastern part of the city. Each location is equipped with changing cabins and small beach-style relaxation areas where swimmers can lay their towels. The areas will offer free swimming during specific hours, mainly for those aged between 10 and 14 and older.

The idea to lift the swimming ban dates back to 1988 when then-Mayor of Paris and future French President Jacques Chirac advocated for it. In recent years, significant efforts have been made to clean the river, resulting in a meaningful reduction in pollutants and bacteria. Previously, the ban was primarily due to high levels of water pollution that posed health risks.

Last year, over 1.4 billion euros were invested to clean up the Seine for the Olympic Games. During the opening ceremony, athletes displayed their swimming skills in the river, but concerns about water quality persisted. Rain had been blamed for increasing contamination levels, prompting ongoing debates about safety. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo even swam in the river in July 2024 to demonstrate its safety and cleanliness.