05-07-2025
France opens River Seine for public swimming for first time in 100 years
French authorities have opened the River Seine in Paris to public swimming for the first time in about 100 years.
Swimming in the Seine had been banned since 1923 due to poor water quality.
The reopening of the Seine follows efforts to clean up the river so it could be used as a venue for the triathlon and other events during last year's Paris Olympics and Paralympics.
Three swimming areas along the banks were opened to the public on Saturday.
More than 100 people entered the water one after another at one of the sites, which is about 70 meters long, when it opened at 8 a.m.
The water temperature was above 20 degrees Celsius due to the recent spell of scorching heat in the French capital.
People enjoyed swimming in the Seine amid views of the city.
A Parisian in his 20s said that he was surprised by the water temperature. He said that it was great as he felt like an Olympic athlete.
A woman in her 40s said it was very moving to be able to swim in the river that she sees every day. She said visibility in the water was quite good. She also said there were algae that looked lively.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo was present at the opening. She said people can swim in the river for free. She also said the initiative is a way of adapting the city to climate change.
