The Seine River's revitalization has marked an unforgettable transformation, with dedicated swimming areas officially reopened for Parisians to soak in.
**Seine's Revival: Paris Embraces Open Swimming Once More**
**Seine's Revival: Paris Embraces Open Swimming Once More**
As the Seine River welcomes swimmers again, locals dive into a cleaner future and celebrate an iconic aquatic experience in Paris.
On July 5, 2025, I took a plunge into the rejuvenated Seine River in Paris. Surrounded by the historic elegance of Île Saint-Louis and the magnificent stone bridges of the city, the atmosphere was filled with joy and laughter as locals enjoyed a long-lost tradition. “What bliss! It’s truly Paris!” exclaimed Martine Laupin, 76, as she gracefully swam nearby.
Swimming in the Seine had been outlawed since 1923 due to concerns regarding pollution and navigation, but France’s commitment to cleaning the river has borne fruit. The recent initiative has opened three designated swimming sites along the Seine and two additional spots upstream on the Marne River in the southern suburbs.
The water shimmered in vibrant shades of green and felt silky against the skin as I glided through the gentle current, buoyed by the line of bright orange markers delineating the swim zone. The warmth of the water enveloped me like a comforting embrace.
A green flag dancing in the breeze signaled clear water quality according to the latest tests conducted shortly before I immersed myself, instilling a sense of safety and reassurance among the revelers.
In a historic moment for the city, the reintroduction of swimming in the Seine has rekindled a sense of community and excitement among Parisians, proving that sometimes, old traditions can be revived with a new lease on life.
