The Seine River, which has been eroding Paris’s heart, has reopened for swimming after a century. Parisians swam in the river, which is associated with countless memories, for the first time since 1923 on Saturday. After a long period of work to clean and make the water safe, this much-awaited moment has come for the residents of the city, known as the cultural capital of Europe.
In preparation for the Paris Olympics last year, France has been cleaning up some of its rivers throughout the year. The Seine River was also cleaned up as part of that. Now, more than 1,000 people can swim for free every day at three designated spots on the river. This opportunity will remain open until August 31.
“We are particularly happy because we have proven the skeptics wrong. We have been able to implement what we promised at the beginning. The task was very big and complex,” said Pierre Rabadan, deputy mayor of Paris for Seine River management.
In the mid-19th century, the old Parisian sewer system often overflowed on rainy days. Then, rainwater and sewage flowed together into the Seine River. As a result, the river was quite dirty. In this situation, swimming in the river was prohibited in 1923.
In the past 102 years, several initiatives have been taken to make the river accessible to the general public. But in the end, none of them were successful. This time, about $1.6 billion has been spent on improving the water quality of the Seine.
To keep the water safe, many houses on both banks have been connected to a new modern sewage system. The water treatment plants have been completely renovated. Large tanks have been built to prevent dirty water from flowing directly into the river during heavy rains. Last year, the Paris Olympics aquatics competition was held here. This has increased people’s confidence that the river’s water is safe.
Parisians are very happy to be able to swim in the Seine River after more than 100 years. In Paris, July 5, 2025Photo: Reuters
Authorities said the river water will be tested daily during the swimming season. Swimming is allowed if the flag is green. Swimming is not allowed if the flag is red. Pierre Rabadan said, “If the swimming point is open, it means the water is safe and there is no risk.”
Outside of the three locations in Paris, 14 more swimming areas have opened on the Seine and Marne rivers. Two swimming areas on the Marne are open to the public before the Seine. The Marne joins the Seine near Paris.
Many people arrived before 8am on Saturday to take a dip in the Seine. “I thought the water would be cold,” said Karin, 51, from southeast Paris. “But the joy I had swimming made the cold go away.”
Photo: Reuters
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said, “One day everyone will be able to swim in the river—that was my childhood dream. I am very happy that it has come true.” She also commented that creating safe swimming areas means improving the quality of life.
Authorities have said that people should be careful when swimming in the Seine. The current of the river is strong. The depth is about 3.5 meters. Local official Elise Laviel said, “The Seine River is still dangerous. Therefore, swimmers will have to pass a skill test before entering the Seine and will be fined if they swim outside the authorized area.”
The first promise to lift the ban on swimming in the Seine River was made in 1988. Jacques Chirac, then mayor of Paris and future French president, promised to lift the ban. However, it was not possible to implement it at the time.
French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on social media, “Our predecessor Jacques Chirac dreamed of a Seine where everyone could swim.” He described its realization as “the result of a collective effort” and “a moment of pride for France.”
The 777-kilometer-long Seine River originates in the Langres Plateau in northeastern France. It flows west through the city of Paris before emptying into the English Channel. One of France’s most important rivers, the Seine is home to many famous modern landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum.
Source: Prothom Alo
