Parisians Swim in Seine for First Time in 100 Years After Historic River Cleanup

 

PARIS, France – July 6, 2025
In a dazzling moment of urban renewal and environmental triumph, Parisians swam in the River Seine for the first time in over a century on Sunday. The long-forbidden waters officially reopened to public bathing following a €1.4 billion cleanup project—just in time for the 2026 Olympic Games.

Under sunny skies, thousands gathered at designated swimming zones near Pont Marie and Île Saint-Louis, where Mayor Anne Hidalgo led the ceremonial first plunge. Crowds cheered as residents waded into the newly pristine waters, a stunning transformation for a river once synonymous with pollution.

"Today, we are reclaiming our river," said Mayor Hidalgo. "This is a victory for Paris, for the planet, and for the future."

A Century-Old Ban Ends

Swimming in the Seine was banned in 1923 due to severe pollution caused by industrial discharge and untreated sewage. For decades, it remained unsafe—until now. The restoration project included:

• Major wastewater treatment upgrades

• Construction of the Austerlitz stormwater basin

• Enforced sewage connection mandates for riverboats

Water quality tests now exceed EU safety standards, allowing both public use and Olympic competition.

Olympic Legacy and Local Joy

The newly opened river zones will host the marathon swimming and triathlon events during the 2026 Olympic Games, ensuring athletes compete in safe, clean water.

For residents, the day marked more than a sporting milestone—it was personal.

“My grandfather swam here before the ban,” said 68-year-old Jean-Pierre Dubois. “To step into this river again… I’m connecting with a lost piece of Paris.”

From floating families to diving teens, the Seine once again flowed as a source of shared joy—no longer a boundary, but a bridge between past and future.

Related Questions and Answers

Why was swimming in the Seine banned for so long?
Due to high pollution from industry and untreated sewage, public bathing was deemed unsafe in 1923 and prohibited for over a century.

What made the river safe again?
A €1.4 billion project improved wastewater treatment, stormwater control, and riverboat sewage connections, restoring water quality.

Will the river be used in the Olympics?
Yes, swimming events for the 2026 Olympic Games will take place in the Seine, now meeting all health and safety standards.