The River Seine Opened for Swimming after 100-year Ban

On July 5th, ecstatic Parisians finally got a chance to swim in the Seine, after a long cleanup effort prior to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The river had been closed since 1923, due to many harmful bacteria in the water, which put swimmers’ health at risk.

Last year, the city invested € 1.3 billion ($1.5 billion) on cleaning up the river so open-water events could be held in the Seine during last year’s Olympics. Even though competitions were postponed, it seems like it’s paid off.

“It’s a childhood dream to have people swim in the Seine,” commented Anne Hidalgo, current mayor of Paris, to the AFP (Agence France-Presse). She had gone for a dive last year before the Olympics.

“One of my predecessors … dreamed of a Seine where everyone could swim,” President Emmanuel Macron posted on X. “Tomorrow, his promise will be kept.”

The opening of the river came during the 2025 European Heatwaves, offering a refreshing getaway from the sweltering, humid air of summer Paris.

Many Parisians are eager to go for a dip, as many hundreds of locals go for a swim each day, according to the BBC. “This is so chic, to swim in the Seine, next to Île Saint-Louis,” said Lucile Woodward, a resident. “There are some apprehensions … but I think this is one of the most tested areas in the whole world now. I don’t think the city can allow … any problems.”

While many locals would pounce on the chance, François Fournier, another resident, is more cautious and merely observed the scene from a bridge. “I won’t risk it, quite frankly,” he told CBS. “I’ve seen things you can’t imagine floating in the Seine, so I’ll wait for it to be … clean.”

There are three swimming areas along the Seine, two of which are close to major monuments: the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. All three have showers, changing areas, and beach-style furniture, giving Parisians relaxing bathing spots. All sites will be operating until the end of August.