IN PICTURES: Seine reopens to first Paris swimmers after century-long ban
A few dozen swimmers arrived ahead of the opening at 8am for the long awaited moment, diving into the water under the watchful eye of lifeguards, an AFP journalist said.
People swim at the Pont Marie safe bathing site on the Seine river on its opening day, in Paris on July 5, 2025. (Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP)
The seasonal opening of the Seine for swimming is seen as a key legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympics, when open water swimmers and triathletes competed in its waters which were specially cleaned for the event.
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Where in Paris you can swim the Seine this summer
People swim at the Pont Marie safe bathing site on the Seine river on its opening day, in Paris on July 5, 2025. (Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP)
A lifeguard stands on duty as people swim at the Pont Marie safe bathing site on the Seine river on its opening day, in Paris on July 5, 2025. (Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP)
The swimming zones are equipped with changing rooms, showers, and beach-style furniture, offering space for 150 to 300 people to relax, lay out their towels, and unwind from the city's hustle and bustle.
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The promise to lift the swimming ban dates back to 1988, when then-mayor of Paris and future president Jacques Chirac first advocated for its reversal.
People swim at the Bercy safe bathing site on the Seine river on its opening day, in Paris on July 5, 2025. The River Seine reopened to Parisian swimmers this morning for the first time since 1923, offering locals and tourists a welcome respite after scorching temperatures. The seasonal opening of the Seine for swimming is seen as a key legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympics, when open water swimmers and triathletes competed in its waters which were specially cleaned for the event. (Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP)
Paris officials say they have taken several measures to ensure swimmers can safely enjoy the long-anticipated reopening, including daily water pollution testing and implementing a swim test for bathers.
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But they reminded swimmers of potential dangers, including strong currents, boat traffic, and an average depth of 3.5 metres (11 feet).
"The Seine remains a dangerous environment," said local official Elise Lavielle earlier this week.
To mitigate that risk, lifeguards will assess visitors' swimming abilities before allowing independent access, while a decree issued in late June introduced fines for anyone swimming outside designated areas.
The seasonal opening of the Seine for swimming is seen as a key legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympics, when open-water swimmers and triathletes competed in its waters which were specially cleaned for the event.
"It's a childhood dream to have people swimming in the Seine," said Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, who visited the site in the city's historic centre near the Ile Saint-Louis.
"Look at how happy everyone is," she said with a smile.
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