Paris Allows Swimming in the Seine Again After a 100-Year Ban
In Paris, swimming in the Seine has officially been permitted for the first time in over a century, with three designated areas for water recreation opened ahead of the summer season following significant river cleaning.
This is reported by AgroReview
Three New Swimming Areas in Central Paris
On the morning of July 6, 2025, several dozen visitors became the first to immerse themselves in the waters of the Seine after the long-standing ban, which had been in place since 1923, was lifted. Immediately following the official opening, the Paris authorities established three designated swimming zones: near the Eiffel Tower, close to Notre-Dame Cathedral, and in the eastern part of the city, particularly in the Bra-Mari district.
Each area is equipped with modern changing rooms, shower stalls, beach furniture, and relaxation zones that can accommodate up to 300 people at a time. Entry is free for all visitors until the end of August; however, there are age restrictions: individuals aged 10 or 14 are allowed, depending on the specific location. Lifeguards ensure the safety of swimmers.
Cleaning the Seine: From Concept to Implementation
The preparation for restoring swimming took decades. As early as 1988, Paris Mayor Jacques Chirac first promised to open the Seine to visitors, but only in the last 20 years has it been possible to drastically reduce pollution levels, particularly the number of fecal bacteria in the water. A direct impetus for the successful completion of the project was the preparations for the 2024 Olympic Games, during which competitions in open water swimming, triathlon, and para-swimming were held in the Seine.
“In July 2023, to demonstrate the safety of the water, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, along with members of the Olympic Committee, personally swam in the Seine.”
The cleaning of the river was made possible through investments of over 1.4 billion euros. However, doubts arose regarding the sanitary condition of the water ahead of the Olympic Games: due to heavy rains, pollution levels temporarily increased, complicating athletes’ training. Nevertheless, the measures taken allowed the Seine to be opened for swimming, and now residents and visitors of Paris can enjoy water recreation in the city center.