Newsroom
For the first time in more than a century, the Seine River is open for swimming, and just in time, as much of Europe swelters under a summer heatwave.
The historic reopening took place last Saturday morning (July 5th), with dozens of eager swimmers lining up before 8 a.m. at the Bras Marie site in central Paris. Under the watchful eyes of lifeguards in bright yellow shirts, Parisians dove into the river, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the city’s relationship with its iconic waterway.
Three official swimming zones are now open to the public, including one just steps away from the Eiffel Tower. Each location is equipped with changing rooms, showers, and beach-style seating and can accommodate between 150 and 300 people.
The seasonal opening is one of the lasting legacies of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which prompted massive efforts to clean up the Seine. Olympic open-water swimmers and triathletes are set to compete in its waters later this summer, making the river’s transformation part of the games' urban renewal story.
Before the Olympics, the city invested around €1.4 billion to improve water quality, a project that included major infrastructure upgrades and strict environmental controls.
To ensure safety, daily water quality checks will be carried out, and colored flags will signal whether swimming is allowed each day based on pollution levels. Heavy rain may temporarily shut down the sites, as runoff can impact water cleanliness.
Authorities have also issued reminders about strong currents, boat traffic, and the average depth of 3.5 meters, encouraging swimmers to take precautions even in this much-welcomed recreational space.
For many Parisians, the chance to swim in the Seine again isn’t just about beating the heat; it’s about reclaiming a part of the city. With temperatures soaring across Europe, the river’s reopening couldn’t have come at a better time.
