Paris to Open Seine River for Swimming After Century-Long Ban

Published: May 14,‍ 2025, 6:36 p.m.

Paris, known for its warm summers often exceeding 86 degrees Fahrenheit ⁤(30 degrees celsius), is preparing to offer a new way to cool off. Starting ⁢in July, three outdoor pools will open in the ⁤Seine River, marking a historic moment for the city.⁢ Bathing in the seine had ⁣been prohibited⁤ for over a century due to pollution concerns.

While athletes enjoyed swimming ⁤in the Seine during the 2024⁣ Olympic Games, this summer, Parisians and tourists alike will have the prospect to‍ take a dip in the heart of the city. “Everyone should be able to swim from this summer,”⁤ stated France Minister of ⁢Sports Marie Barsacq.

Cleaning the Seine: From “Toilet of Paris” to Swimmable River

Ahead of‍ the summer games, notable efforts were undertaken to improve the water quality of ‍the long-polluted river.These included the⁢ construction of a ‍rainwater retention basin to prevent runoff from⁤ entering the Seine.The city invested over one billion euros in these water quality improvements.

“Getting the seine ‍so clean‍ that you can swim in it is also a question of adapting to⁣ climate change and the quality of life,”⁤ said⁣ Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo. Hidalgo has⁤ been a long-time advocate for‍ swimming in the Seine, even taking a swim⁣ herself last ⁣year.

Until recent years, approximately 23,000 Parisian households directly discharged wastewater into the Seine or the Marne, contributing to the river’s unflattering nickname, the “toilet of Paris.”

Stringent Water‍ Quality Monitoring

The three designated outdoor swimming areas are scheduled to open on July 5.One pool will be located near the Eiffel Tower, opposite Swan ⁣Island. Another will be ⁣situated near the Notre Dame Cathedral, and a third near the⁤ National Library.These swimming facilities will operate during ⁤the summer months, utilizing floating pontoons ‍and container installations that⁣ will ‍be removed during the winter. Continuous monitoring of the water quality will be in place.

The return of swimming to the Seine has been a long-held ambition⁤ in the French capital. ⁢Officially ⁣banned in 1923, swimming continued unofficially until the early 1960s.

# Swimming in the Seine: Your Questions answered

Are⁤ you excited about the possibility of ⁣swimming in the Seine River? This article will cover everything you need to⁣ know about the historic return of swimming to the heart of Paris.

## Why was swimming in the Seine banned?

Swimming‍ in the Seine was officially⁣ banned in 1923 due to ⁤pollution concerns. The river, sadly, became known as the “toilet of Paris” because, until recently, approximately 23,000 parisian households discharged wastewater⁢ directly ⁤into ‍the Seine or the Marne.

## When will ‍swimming ⁣in the Seine be allowed ⁤again?

Swimming in the Seine River will be possible starting in July. Three outdoor pools are scheduled to open on July 5th.

## Were will these swimming ⁢areas be located?

The three designated swimming areas will be located in popular areas:

*⁣ Near the Eiffel Tower, opposite swan Island

* Near the Notre Dame‍ cathedral

* ‍ Near the National Library

## How will these swimming areas‍ be set⁢ up?

The swimming facilities will use floating pontoons and⁣ container installations. These will only be available during the summer months and removed during ‍the winter.

## How has the water quality of the Seine been improved?

Meaningful efforts ⁢were made to improve the water quality of the Seine, including:

* ⁢ Construction of a rainwater retention basin to prevent runoff from entering the ‍Seine.

* ⁢The city invested over one billion euros in these⁤ water quality improvements.

## How clean is the Seine now?

The efforts to clean the Seine were undertaken to make it ‍swimmable.‍ continuous monitoring of the water quality will be in place to ensure it is safe.

## Who can swim in the Seine?

Both Parisians and tourists will have⁤ the opportunity to swim in the Seine.

## What has been said regarding the return of swimming to the Seine?

“Everyone should be able ⁣to swim from this summer,” stated France Minister of Sports Marie Barsacq. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has also been a long-time advocate, even taking a swim herself last year.

## When did swimming in the Seine unofficially end?

While officially banned in 1923, swimming continued unofficially until the early 1960s.

## Will there be any other swimming options in Paris?

Yes, people can also swim in the Bassin de‍ la Villette in the northeast of Paris.

## Summary Table:⁢ Key Facts About⁢ Swimming in the⁢ Seine

Here’s a speedy ‍overview of the key details:

Aspect	Details
Ban Lifted	Starting July
Reason for Ban	Pollution
Water Quality Improvements	Rainwater retention basin, €1 billion investment
Swimming Locations	Near Eiffel‍ tower, Notre Dame, National Library
Infrastructure	Floating pontoons and container installations (summer only)
Quote	“Everyone should ⁤be able to swim from this summer” – France Minister of Sports Marie barsacq.