Seine swimming comeback begins 5 July with three safe, free public spots open for summer fun across Paris.
Paris: In a landmark move set to redefine Parisian summers, the French capital is marking the Seine swimming comeback—welcoming the public back into its historic river after more than a century-long ban. Beginning 5 July 2025, three official swimming sites will open along the Seine, offering Parisians and visitors alike a unique chance to dive into history.
The reopening includes designated swimming zones near Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and a third in eastern Paris. All sites are free of charge, monitored by professional lifeguards, and will follow a structured daily schedule throughout the summer months.
This long-awaited initiative is among the most symbolic legacies of the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. For decades, the Seine was plagued by pollution and considered unsafe for human contact. Now, after years of concerted cleanup efforts and ecological restoration, the river is being reintroduced as a space for recreation, health, and community.
The ambitious project involved significant investment and coordination between environmental agencies, city planners, and health authorities. From controlling waste water to upgrading sewage systems and ensuring water quality meets EU health standards, the transformation has been monumental. Paris officials have declared that the river is now clean and safe for swimmers, with ongoing testing and monitoring in place.
The reopening is more than just a return to the past—it represents a bold step towards sustainable urban living. The Seine swimming sites are expected to attract thousands of locals and tourists, reshaping how people interact with urban water bodies.
By aligning urban development with ecological responsibility, the Seine swimming comeback shows how historic cities can reclaim natural resources for public good. With the river now ready for summer dips, Paris sets a global example of how determined civic vision can bring lasting change.
