PARIS — For the first time in over a century, Parisians and tourists are preparing to take a refreshing dip in the Seine. The river, long plagued by pollution, is now opening as a summertime swim spot following a massive cleanup project, which had already made it suitable for Olympic competitions last year.
Three new swimming sites along the Paris riverbank are set to open on Saturday, including one near the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, another close to the Eiffel Tower, and a third in eastern Paris. This marks a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to reclaim the Seine as a public space.
The Olympic Legacy and Cleanup Efforts
The River Seine was a focal point during the Paris Olympics, hosting the ambitious opening ceremony and events like the triathlon and marathon swimming competitions. However, these events faced challenges, including rain-induced bacteria levels that postponed some competitions. Despite these hurdles, the cleanup efforts have been deemed successful.
Paris authorities have confirmed that water quality results consistently meet European regulations, paving the way for public swimming. “It’s a symbolic moment when we get our river back,” said sports coach and influencer Lucile Woodward, who plans to participate in the first amateur open water competition in the Seine on Sunday morning.
“We’re going to enjoy swimming in it, being there and setting an example,” Woodward said. “Once people see that there are hundreds of people who have fun and enjoy it, everyone will want to go!”
Infrastructure Improvements and Safety Measures
The cleanup, a 1.4 billion-euro ($1.5 billion) effort, included opening new disinfection units and creating a massive storage basin to prevent bacteria-laden wastewater from entering the Seine during rainfall. Houseboats and upstream homes were also required to connect to municipal sewer systems, further improving water quality.
Paris Deputy Mayor Pierre Rabadan emphasized that water is tested daily to ensure safety. “Like on French beaches, flags will inform visitors whether they can go,” he explained. “Green means the water quality is good. Red means that it’s not good or that there’s too much current.”
Despite these improvements, some remain cautious. Dan Angelescu, founder and CEO of Fluidion, a water monitoring tech company, noted that while current regulations are met, the testing methodology may underestimate bacterial levels. “The water quality in the Seine is highly variable,” he warned.
“All we can say is that we can raise a hand and say look: the science today does not support the current assessment of water safety used in the rivers around Paris, and we think that there is major risk that is not being captured at all,” Angelescu stated.
Public Skepticism and Enthusiasm
While some Parisians are eager to embrace the Seine as a swimming destination, others remain skeptical. Real estate agent Enys Mahdjoub expressed concerns about cleanliness, saying, “It’s more the worry of getting dirty than anything else at the moment.”
Swimming in the Seine has been illegal since 1923 due to pollution and safety risks from river navigation. Until the end of August, designated swimming sites will be open for free at scheduled times, with lifeguards ensuring safety. Participants must be at least 10 or 14 years old, depending on the location.
“It’s an opportunity, a dream come true,” said Clea Montanari, a project manager in Paris. “It’d be a dream if the Seine becomes drinkable, that would be the ultimate goal, right? But already swimming in it is really good.”
Looking Ahead
The reopening of the Seine for swimming represents a significant step in urban environmental restoration and public engagement. As Paris continues to monitor and improve water quality, the city’s residents and visitors may soon find the Seine a regular part of their summer activities.
With ongoing efforts and public interest, the Seine’s transformation could serve as a model for other cities seeking to reclaim and rejuvenate urban waterways. As Lucile Woodward optimistically noted, “Once people see the joy and fun, everyone will want to go!”
