'Feel like a mermaid': River Seine reopens after century-long ban; Parisians rejoice 'childhood dream'
Among the first to take a dip was a 95-year-old Parisian, who joined excited locals at the newly launched Bras Marie swim zone in eastern Paris, one of three designated spots now open to the public.
"I'm so happy! I've dreamed of swimming in the Seine for years," said Ingrid, stepping carefully into the water in her turquoise-blue swimsuit.
Chantal Eyboulet, 61, a Paris-based engineer wearing a fluorescent pink swim cap, shared her joy, 'I've been waiting 30 years for this.'
The seasonal reopening is a key legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympics, for which the Seine underwent an extensive clean-up to host open-water swimming and triathlon events.
Roughly €1.4 billion was spent to improve water quality and prepare the river for both athletes and the public.
Crowds gathered from 8 am as Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo joined the celebrations, watching swimmers of all ages splash into the river under blue skies. "It's a childhood dream to have people swimming in the Seine," she said, smiling. 'Look at how happy everyone is.'
Each site is equipped with lifeguards, changing rooms, showers and beach-style seating.
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Entry is free and available through the end of August, with capacities ranging from 150 to 300 people.
Officials say the water quality is now 'exceptional,' according to Ile-de-France prefect Marc Guillaume. Still, strong currents and boat traffic remain a concern. Lifeguards will screen swimmers before allowing independent access, and fines will apply for anyone entering the water outside of designated areas.
"I feel like a mermaid," said 65-year-old Isabel Bertelot, who lives across the river from the Bercy site. "I've dreamed so many times of swimming across the Seine, whether it was allowed or not. So now it's great, I don't even have to cheat!'
The return to swimming follows a blistering heatwave in Paris this past week, reinforcing Mayor Hidalgo's broader climate vision. 'Heatwaves are only going to increase,' she said.
'Creating safe swim spaces fosters a happier, and undoubtedly more peaceful, life with our fellow citizens,' AFP quoted.
President Emmanuel Macron hailed the milestone as a 'moment of pride,' referencing Jacques Chirac's 1988 promise, made during his time as mayor, to make the Seine swimmable again.
While heavy rains can still cause sewage overflows and temporary closures, daily water quality flags will inform swimmers. Officials remain optimistic the summer will be drier than the record downpours that plagued some Olympic events.
The swimming areas are open to the public free of charge until 31 August.
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