Would YOU Swim Here? Paris Reopens the Seine After 100 Years!
After a century of restricted access, July 5, 2025, marked the day that the River Seine in Paris once again welcomed swimmers. The restrictions date back to the early 20th century and were strictly enforced due to concerns about water contamination. Pollution led authorities to ban swimming for public safety, as high levels of bacteria posed explicit health threats.
Significant funds have been allocated to addressing water quality issues, particularly in preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Over €1.4 billion was invested in improving infrastructure, tackling sewage outflows, and monitoring pollution sources.
Clean-up efforts resulted in a dramatic drop in harmful bacteria over the last two decades.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1923 | Swimming banned in the Seine |
| 1988 | First promise to end the ban by Jacques Chirac |
| 2024 | River prepared for Olympic competitions |
| 2025 | Public swimming zones officially reopen |
Several areas along the Seine are now open for public swimming. These sites are conveniently located near major Paris tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and further east within the city.
Facilities at these spots include changing cabins, showers, and even loungers. Each location can support hundreds of visitors at a time, making it easy for groups and families to plan a river swim.
Swimmers must meet age requirements—some sites require participants to be at least 10 years old, while others set the minimum age at 14.
Supervision by lifeguards is standard to keep the experience safe for everyone. The city currently plans to open these zones to the public for free at scheduled times until the end of August.
Before the Paris Olympics, skepticism remained about whether the Seine would be suitable for swimming. Heavy rainfall in the lead-up to the games caused pollution spikes, which briefly impacted preparations for aquatic events.
To demonstrate the river’s cleanliness, city officials took an early dip, making headlines and giving a symbolic green light.
The reopening represents a major shift for the city, changing the relationship between Parisians and their historic river.
