"Parisians and tourists delighted as they immerse in the unveiling of the Seine for bathing"
After a century of being off-limits for bathing due to pollution and safety concerns, the Seine River in Paris has reopened for public swimming in 2025. This historic milestone comes after a major €1.4 billion ($1.5-1.64 billion) cleanup and infrastructural upgrade programme aimed at restoring the river's water quality and making it safe for swimming[1][2][3].
The reopening of the Seine for swimming has been celebrated as a significant moment, reflecting years of advocacy by local swimmers and civic groups to reclaim the river as a shared civic and recreational space[1][2][3]. The new swimming facilities include three designated stretches of the Seine, with two key locations being newly built wooden decks near the Eiffel Tower and the Île Saint-Louis in central Paris, providing easy and safe access for swimmers[2][3].
Safety measures have been put in place to ensure the wellbeing of bathers. Swimming is supervised by lifeguards, and swimmers wear bright yellow lifebuoys for safety. The current is managed to be gentle, making it suitable for a range of swimmers[3]. Water quality is monitored daily, with bacteria levels kept well below official thresholds through extensive infrastructural improvements such as upgraded sewer systems connecting over 20,000 homes, large rainwater reservoirs to capture storm runoff, and improved water treatment facilities[1]. A colored flag system is used to communicate water safety to swimmers.
Besides swimming areas, wooden terraces have been constructed along the riverbanks where bathers can lounge in the sun[1]. The swimming spots are open during the summer season, with public swimming allowed until August 31, 2025[2].
The reopening of the Seine for swimming was marked by a celebration attended by Mayor Anne Hidalgo, French Sports Minister Marie Barsacq, and other prominent figures[1][2][3]. The urban beaches also offer large sandy areas for relaxation with stunning views of Parisian sights, making them an ideal spot for tourists and locals alike[1][2][3].
One of the first swimmers in the Seine in front of the Eiffel Tower on Saturday was a German exchange student named Juliane. She expressed no concern about the water quality and described the scene as "wonderful" and the water as warm[1][2]. Véronique, a French pensioner, expressed hope that the new swimming facilities will attract tourists[1].
In addition to the swimming areas, the city's public beaches along the river have reopened for the summer with leisure and cultural activities, including beach bars, deckchairs, boules courts, and sports activities, transforming the banks of the Seine into an open-air paradise[1][2]. The outdoor pools set up in Paris are accessible free of charge throughout the summer[2].
The Seine served as the site of the triathlon swimming legs and open water swimming in the 2024 Paris Olympics[1]. The success of the reopening of the Seine for swimming is a testament to the city's commitment to improving its urban infrastructure and creating more opportunities for its citizens and visitors to connect with and enjoy its iconic river.
The historic reopening of the Seine River for swimming has expanded Paris's recreational landscape, merging sports with lifestyle and outdoor-living, making it a popular choice for home-and-garden enthusiasts who appreciate both indoor and outdoor activities. The revitalized riverbank offers not only swimming facilities but also wooden terraces for lounging, boules courts, and beach bars, transforming it into a vibrant fusion of home-and-garden and sports.
