Reviving the Seine: Paris Opens Swimming Areas After Century of Ban**

With the introduction of three new swimming sites along the Seine and two in the Marne River, residents can now enjoy the refreshing waters, reflecting a significant achievement in environmental cleanup efforts initiated by France ahead of the Olympic Games.**

In a moment celebrated by both locals and environmentalists alike, the Seine River in Paris has reopened to swimming, marking a historic return to public enjoyment after over a century of prohibition. As of July 5, 2025, residents can dive into newly designated swimming sites, breathing life into the iconic waterway once again.

On a sunny Saturday, residents gathered by the banks of the Seine, eager to plunge into the refreshing waters near the iconic Eiffel Tower. Dolphins of joy and laughter filled the air as swimmers like Martine Laupin, age 76, relished the moment: “This is Paris. Imagine!” she exclaimed, a sentiment echoed by countless others who gathered to experience this revitalization.

Swimming in the Seine had remained off-limits since 1923 due to concerns over pollution and busy boat traffic. However, in a committed effort to revive the river, Paris officials had pledged to clean up the waterway ahead of the upcoming Olympic Games. This promise materialized in the form of three swimming sites along the Seine and two more in the Marne River, a tributary a short distance away in the southern suburbs.

The water at the designated sites was described as clear and inviting, with officials deploying a green flag to indicate the safety and quality of the water, which had tested free from contaminants just hours prior to its opening.

This successful environmental revitalization is not only a win for local swimmers but also serves as a testament to the ongoing efforts aimed at cleaner waterways and sustainable city spaces. The residents' joy upon entering the Seine may well echo through the ages, as this monumental restoration provides a refreshing glimpse into a future where urban waterways are again viewed as sources of community enjoyment rather than hazards.