The River Seine, closed to swimmers for a century due to pollution, now features three designated swimming spots, revitalizing its public access and encouraging environmental stewardship.
**Seine River Opens to Swimmers Again After Century of Restrictions**
**Seine River Opens to Swimmers Again After Century of Restrictions**
Public swimming reintroduced in Paris as part of Olympic legacy, promoting sustainable urban waters.
The River Seine in Paris has welcomed swimmers back for the first time since 1923, marking a significant milestone as part of preparations for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. The ban on swimming was instated a century ago due to high pollution levels that posed health risks to swimmers. With the Olympics around the corner, there was an urgent push to clean up the river's waters, an initiative that reflects both environmental responsibility and community wellness.
The reopening happened on Saturday morning at 08:00 local time, with early risers excitedly diving into the water. The designated swimming areas, three in total, are strategically located – one near the iconic Eiffel Tower, another by the historic Notre Dame Cathedral, and a third in eastern Paris. Each site is equipped with changing facilities, showers, and beach-style seating, accommodating a maximum of 300 swimmers at a time.
This initiative is accessible until the end of August and is free of charge, targeting anyone aged 10 or older, with lifeguards on duty to ensure safety. The reopening aligns with Paris's long-term vision of making the Seine a rejuvenated hub for residents and visitors alike.
The journey to this point can be traced back to 1988 when former mayor Jacques Chirac initiated calls to reverse the ban. Over the past two decades, significant investments – totaling over €1.4 billion – have gone into improving water quality and reducing pollutants in the Seine. This achievement faced challenges, specifically during last summer’s Olympic preparations, when heavy rainfall raised pollution levels, raising concerns about swimmer safety.
In a bid to reassure the public, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and Olympic committee members took an iconic plunge into the Seine last year, testing its safety for potential swimmers. The reopening of the River Seine as a swimming venue not only celebrates a century of change but also underscores a commitment to environmental restoration, community health, and inclusivity in urban spaces.
The reopening happened on Saturday morning at 08:00 local time, with early risers excitedly diving into the water. The designated swimming areas, three in total, are strategically located – one near the iconic Eiffel Tower, another by the historic Notre Dame Cathedral, and a third in eastern Paris. Each site is equipped with changing facilities, showers, and beach-style seating, accommodating a maximum of 300 swimmers at a time.
This initiative is accessible until the end of August and is free of charge, targeting anyone aged 10 or older, with lifeguards on duty to ensure safety. The reopening aligns with Paris's long-term vision of making the Seine a rejuvenated hub for residents and visitors alike.
The journey to this point can be traced back to 1988 when former mayor Jacques Chirac initiated calls to reverse the ban. Over the past two decades, significant investments – totaling over €1.4 billion – have gone into improving water quality and reducing pollutants in the Seine. This achievement faced challenges, specifically during last summer’s Olympic preparations, when heavy rainfall raised pollution levels, raising concerns about swimmer safety.
In a bid to reassure the public, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and Olympic committee members took an iconic plunge into the Seine last year, testing its safety for potential swimmers. The reopening of the River Seine as a swimming venue not only celebrates a century of change but also underscores a commitment to environmental restoration, community health, and inclusivity in urban spaces.
