Sat Jul 05 08:40:39 UTC 2025: **Seine River Reopens to Swimmers in Paris After Century-Long Ban**
**Paris, France** – After a century-long prohibition, the River Seine in Paris has reopened to swimmers. This follows a €1.4 billion cleanup project initiated for the 2024 Olympic Games.
Dozens of eager swimmers dove into the designated swimming zone near Notre-Dame cathedral on Saturday morning, marking the end of the ban that began in 1923. Additional swimming sites near the Eiffel Tower and in eastern Paris are also now open, equipped with changing rooms, showers, and beach furniture.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo celebrated the reopening as a “childhood dream” fulfilled and a lasting legacy of the Olympics. President Emmanuel Macron hailed it as a “collective effort” and a source of “pride” for France.
The decision to reopen the Seine comes with safety reminders. Officials caution swimmers about strong currents, boat traffic, and the river’s depth, with lifeguards assessing swimming abilities before allowing access. Swimming outside designated areas will result in fines.
Water quality will be monitored daily, with flags indicating pollution levels. Sites will likely close after rainfall due to sewage system overflows. While officials express optimism, some experts and residents remain skeptical about the water’s cleanliness.
Despite concerns, the reopening aims to provide Parisians and tourists with a refreshing escape from the summer heat and forms part of a broader effort to adapt the city to climate change. Swimming will be free until August 31, with age restrictions varying by location.
First Piper 