For the first time in over 100 years, Parisians were legally allowed to swim in the Seine River, marking a major moment in the city’s environmental and recreational history. Designated public swimming areas opened near the Eiffel Tower and Île Saint-Louis, where eager residents gathered early on Saturday.
After a municipal officer cleared away the last traces of algae, swimmers jumped into the river to cheers and joyful cries, celebrating this rare urban experience.
Strict Safety, Warm Waters, and Olympic Cleanup Boost Confidence in Seine Swimming
Each swimmer was equipped with a bright yellow lifebuoy and monitored by lifeguards to ensure safety. Despite being an active urban river, the current was light, and the water temperature was pleasantly warm, surprising many participants. The chance to swim in such a central location, especially during a summer heatwave, brought added excitement. Residents like Amine Hocini expressed delight at how warm and inviting the water felt.
Parisians Celebrate Historic First Swim in the Seine After Century-Long Ban EndsThis reintroduction of swimming followed a €1.4 billion cleanup initiative connected to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Officials confirmed that the Seine now meets European water quality standards most days. Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who previously swam in the river herself, appeared at the event with a bottle of river water to show her confidence. Environmental agencies backed her claim, reporting bacteria levels well below safety thresholds.
Public Reacts with Applause, Skepticism, and Cautious Optimism Over Seine Swimming Return
Though public swimming is now permitted in certain areas, it remains banned elsewhere in the river for safety reasons. The scene drew a crowd of onlookers, including joggers and tourists, many of whom applauded. However, some residents, like François Fournier, remained cautious, pointing to past pollution and occasional floating debris as concerns. His skepticism echoed the lingering doubts some still hold about the river’s cleanliness.
Despite visible bits of litter, the river lacked any strong sewage odor, carrying only a natural, earthy scent. Many residents welcomed the opportunity to swim, calling it a stylish and exciting addition to city life.
Lucile Woodward noted that while hesitation is natural, the extensive testing and oversight provide reassurance. Her lighthearted remark — “My skin is OK” — captured the general optimism surrounding this historic and carefully managed return to the Seine.