Paris residents celebrate historic moment, diving into the Seine River for first time in a century
In a historic milestone for the City of Lights, the Seine River has been officially reopened for public swimming, marking the end of a century-long ban due to pollution and safety concerns. This monumental cleanup project, costing over €1.4 billion, has transformed the river into a safe and inviting recreational space for Parisians and tourists alike.
The Seine, once the heart of Paris, was polluted by industrial activities and urbanisation over the centuries. During the 18th century, chemical factories producing substances like chlorine and sulfuric acid contributed to the pollution challenges, while the 19th-century urban transformation under Baron Haussmann modernised the city but did not restore the river's suitability for swimming [1][2][3].
The reopening in 2025 signifies a significant environmental and public health achievement, symbolising a renewed connection between Parisians and the Seine as a recreational natural resource after a long period of industrial impact and urban pollution.
Several new swimming sites have been established across Paris, including locations near Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and in eastern Paris. These sites will be open for free at scheduled times to anyone aged 10 or 14 years (depending on the location) until the end of August [4].
Water quality is monitored daily to ensure swimmer safety using a green/red system [1]. Tests have been in line with European regulations since the beginning of June, with only two exceptions due to rain and boat-related pollution. World Aquatics has confirmed that the conditions met the sport's accepted thresholds [5].
However, some Parisians have expressed skepticism about swimming in the Seine due to its murky colour, floating litter, and multiple tourist boats. Some concerns also surround the memory of several athletes becoming ill after competing in the triathlon and open water races during the Olympics last year, though the cause was not definitively linked to the river [6].
To address these concerns, authorities have opened new disinfection units and created a huge storage basin to prevent as much bacteria-laden wastewater as possible from spilling into the Seine. Houseboats that previously emptied their sewage directly into the river have been required to hook up to municipal sewer systems. Some homes upstream from Paris also saw their wastewater connected to treatment plants instead of the rainwater system flowing directly into the river [7].
As the first public swim takes place, sports coach and influencer Lucile Woodward will participate in the first amateur open water competition in the Seine, encouraging others to join. Lifeguards will keep a watchful eye on the first public swimmers to ensure their safety [4].
Despite the optimism, Dan Angelescu, founder and CEO of Fluidion, a water monitoring tech company, has expressed concerns about the official water testing methodology potentially undercounting bacteria levels in the Seine [8]. Regardless, the city's authorities are confident that the first public swimming will go well, and the Seine is now open for public swimming, ready to create new memories and experiences for all who dare to take a dip.
Sources: [1] BBC News, Paris Seine River opens for public swimming, 2025 [2] The Guardian, Paris's Seine river: from sewer to swimming pool, 2025 [3] Le Monde, La Seine est devenue navigable pour les Parisiens, 2025 [4] France 24, Paris River Seine opens for public swimming, 2025 [5] World Aquatics, Seine River meets sport's accepted thresholds, 2025 [6] The Local, Paris Olympics: Several athletes fall ill after competing in the river, 2024 [7] The New York Times, Paris cleans up the Seine ahead of Olympics, 2024 [8] Fluidion, Concerns about official water testing methodology in the Seine, 2025
The reopening of the Seine for public swimming has revitalized outdoor-living in Paris, offering a unique home-and-garden experience as the river becomes an extension of people's lifestyles. With new swimming sites situated near iconic landmarks and improved water quality, the Seine serves as a testament to the city's commitment to environmental conservation and public recreation.
