In a historic move, the River Seine in Paris, which has been off-limits for swimming since 1923, has been reopened to the public. This seasonal access is a significant aspect of the preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics, where the river will host open water swimming events. On Saturday morning, eager swimmers gathered to partake in this momentous occasion, diving into the refreshing waters of the Seine.
Paris Welcomes Swimmers Back to the Seine After a Century's Hiatus
Paris Welcomes Swimmers Back to the Seine After a Century's Hiatus
For the first time since 1923, Parisians dive into the Seine as restrictions lift for Olympic legacy.
The city has established three designated swimming areas: one near the iconic Eiffel Tower, another adjacent to the Notre Dame Cathedral, and a third located in eastern Paris. Each area is equipped with changing rooms, showers, and beach-style amenities, capable of accommodating up to 300 people at a time. This initiative is available for free until the end of August, with swimming times scheduled for individuals aged 10 or 14 and above, depending on the site. Lifeguards will be on duty to ensure safety for all participants.
The movement to reopen the Seine for swimmers has its origins in 1988, when then-mayor Jacques Chirac championed the cause. Over the past two decades, significant investments have led to a notable decline in water pollution, paving the way for this revival. Before the upcoming Olympics, over €1.4 billion (£1.2 billion; $1.6 billion) was allocated to enhance the Seine's water quality. Though concerns arose regarding water safety due to rainfall-induced pollution prior to the games, city officials, including Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, showcased the river's readiness by swimming in it.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, this newfound access to the Seine not only revitalizes a historic waterway but also signifies a transformational shift towards its sustainability and accessibility for all.
The movement to reopen the Seine for swimmers has its origins in 1988, when then-mayor Jacques Chirac championed the cause. Over the past two decades, significant investments have led to a notable decline in water pollution, paving the way for this revival. Before the upcoming Olympics, over €1.4 billion (£1.2 billion; $1.6 billion) was allocated to enhance the Seine's water quality. Though concerns arose regarding water safety due to rainfall-induced pollution prior to the games, city officials, including Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, showcased the river's readiness by swimming in it.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, this newfound access to the Seine not only revitalizes a historic waterway but also signifies a transformational shift towards its sustainability and accessibility for all.
