Paris Reopens River Seine for Public Swimming After a Century
Paris Reopens River swimming again after being closed for 100 years. This big step comes after a huge cleanup effort that started in preparation for the Olympics in Paris. Because of these efforts, the historic river is now safe and easy for people to get to and enjoy, right in the middle of the city.
Swimming Spots Draw Summer Crowds
There are now three designated swimming areas along the Seine. They can hold more than 1,000 swimmers every day until August 31. For a lot of people in Paris and tourists, this isn’t just something to do in the summer; it’s a sign of how well the environment is doing.
Victoria Cnop, a 24-year-old Brazilian who lives in Paris, said, “I never thought I could swim right next to the Eiffel Tower.” “It’s really nice.” I’m surprised and impressed.
Karine, 51, another swimmer from the area, said, “The water is clear, warm, and clean.” There is some algae, but that’s normal. Everyone should come; it’s great.
Major Clean-Up Efforts Pay Off
Paris improved its water systems so that people could swim in the Seine again. The city hooked up thousands of homes to the right sewer lines and brought wastewater treatment plants up to date. It also built huge tanks to hold rainwater so that pollution would be less during heavy rains.
These changes were very important for the Olympics, where events like the triathlon and marathon swimming were able to go on after some delays. Their success helped people trust that the river was safe again.
Officials will check the water every day during the swimming season. A green flag means it’s safe to swim, and a red flag means the beach is closed because of contamination. This is like how most beaches keep people safe.
A 54-year-old Canadian tourist named John Drummond praised the project. “It’s good for the people, the city, and the environment. This is a great step forward.
Besides the three sites in central Paris, 14 additional swimming spots will open on the Seine and Marne rivers outside the city. Two of these sites have already started welcoming swimmers since June.
Paris’s decision to reopen the Seine for swimming sets a new example for urban environmental recovery. It also offers a unique and refreshing way for people to reconnect with the city’s natural beauty—one swim at a time.
