For the first time in a century, the Parisian section of the Seine reopened to swimmers on Saturday, 5 July. Amidst the summer heatwaves sweeping Europe, both tourists and Parisians can now enjoy a refreshing dip in the iconic river.
The reopening follows a decade-long clean-up effort and a promise from President Emmanuel Macron ahead of last summer’s Paris Olympics. Swimming had been banned in the Seine since 1923.
The first swimming zone at Bras Marie opened its gates at 8:00 am, where a few dozens of enthusiastic swimmers, already equipped with caps and goggles, were eagerly queuing.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo was visibly delighted. She said it was ‘a childhood dream to have people swimming in the Seine’ and was happy to see how it brought joy to so many.
The reopening comes a year after Mayor Hidalgo famously swam in the Seine to dispel concerns about water quality ahead of the 2024 Olympics. At that time, high pollution levels after heavy rains remained a persistent challenge.
Karin, a 51-year-old care worker and one of the first to swim this year, told France 24 she was pleasantly surprised by the water’s temperature.
Three swimming spots and safety measures
Three supervised swimming spots have now opened: Port de Grenelle near the Eiffel Tower, Bras Marie near Notre-Dame, and Quai de la Rapée in eastern Paris. Facilities including changing rooms, showers, and a beach-like area where 150 to 300 people will be able to lay their towels and enjoy the summer sun have been installed at each location, with lifeguards on duty.
Water quality will be monitored daily, focusing on two key bacteria: E. coli and enterococci.
Marc Guillaume, the prefect for the Ile-de France region that includes Paris, said the water was of ‘exceptional quality’. He confirmed that the current bacteria levels are well within safety limits. ‘For one, we are ten times below the threshold, and for the other, more than 25 times below,’ he stated.
Swimming, however, will be prohibited after rainy days, as the 19th-century Parisian sewage system can (and does) overflow into the river. Officials acknowledge this remains a significant challenge, despite the €1.4 billion invested over the past decade in the river’s clean-up.
After a $1.6 billion investment and years of hard work, the Seine River in Paris, which was once heavily polluted, is now clean enough for swimming for the first time in over a century. The city has also invested in three public swimming locations. pic.twitter.com/4jbK31OwPb
— non aesthetic things (@PicturesFoIder) July 7, 2025
Additional considerations for swimmers
Besides water quality, strong currents, boat traffic, and the river’s depth (around 3.5 metres) present additional dangers. To ensure safety, lifeguards will assess each swimmer’s abilities before granting access. The minimum swimming age is 10 or 14, depending on the location. Access is free until 31 August.
A long-awaited dream realised
Former President Jacques Chirac was the first modern politician who envisioned lifting the swimming ban.
‘One of my predecessors, then mayor of Paris, dreamed of a Seine where everyone could swim’, wrote President Emmanuel Macron on X, describing the reopening as the result of a ‘collective effort’ and a moment of ‘pride’ for France.
This sentiment was echoed by Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who also pointed to the practical challenges ahead, reminding everyone that ‘heatwaves are only going to increase’, and that creating safe swimming spaces will help foster ‘a happier and undoubtedly more peaceful life with our fellow citizens’.
