SEINE RIVER OPENS TO PUBLIC SWIMMING IN PARIS FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 1923 AMID HEATWAVE
For the first time in more than a century, the Seine River in Paris has officially opened for public swimming, marking a historic moment for the French capital. On July 5, 2025, Parisians and tourists were able to dive into the city’s most famous waterway legally for the first time since 1923, when swimming was banned due to rising pollution and navigation hazards. The reopening coincides with one of Europe’s most intense summer heatwaves on record, offering much-needed relief and a major urban milestone.
The decision to reopen the Seine followed a massive €1.4 billion clean-up project, launched ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Decades of untreated wastewater and industrial discharge had rendered the river unsuitable for bathing, but a comprehensive upgrade to sewer systems, wastewater treatment plants, and stormwater reservoirs has drastically improved water quality. Underground tanks capable of holding millions of liters now prevent sewage overflow during heavy rainfall, while thousands of residential buildings were connected to modern sanitation networks. Daily testing shows bacteria levels for E. coli and enterococci consistently below EU safety thresholds, making the river fit for recreational use.
Three designated swimming zones have been established within central Paris: Bras de Grenelle near the Eiffel Tower, Bras-Marie beside Île Saint-Louis and Notre-Dame, and Bercy near the National Library. These areas are cordoned off for safety, equipped with lifeguards, showers, lockers, and capacity for hundreds of swimmers each day. A color-coded flag system, similar to seaside beaches, signals whether conditions are safe for swimming based on water quality and current strength.
The reopening is both practical and symbolic. For Parisians, it revives a tradition that vanished a century ago, turning the Seine back into a living part of the city rather than just a scenic backdrop. “I never imagined swimming here, right under the Eiffel Tower,” said one local swimmer on opening day. Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who championed the project, called it “a dream realized” and emphasized that the initiative was part of a larger plan to adapt Paris to climate change, providing public cooling spaces as heatwaves become more frequent and severe.
Despite the excitement, authorities continue to urge caution. Swimming zones are closed temporarily after heavy rain to avoid contamination risks, and the river’s currents require strict supervision. Some locals remain skeptical, recalling past pollution levels or expressing concern about debris and wildlife. Nevertheless, environmental groups have praised the project as a model for reclaiming urban waterways, citing similar efforts in cities like Berlin, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam.
The reopening also carries the legacy of the 2024 Olympics, during which the Seine hosted open-water swimming and triathlon events. Though some competitions were delayed due to storms, the games showcased the river’s potential and accelerated cleanup efforts. Now, a year later, the benefits extend beyond athletes to the general public.
By transforming the Seine from a polluted industrial artery into a public swimming destination, Paris has combined environmental engineering, public health, and cultural heritage. The project offers not just a way to cool off during a record-breaking heatwave, but also a vision of how historic cities can adapt to climate challenges while restoring natural spaces for their citizens.