On Saturday morning, dozens of eager swimmers took to the water at designated swimming areas near famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. This monumental shift follows a long ban on swimming due to pollution concerns that dated back to 1923.
The opening of three designated swimming zones represents a tangible result of major investments aimed at cleaning up the Seine, exceeding €1.4 billion in recent years. Local authorities had set a goal to ensure the waters met health standards ahead of the Olympic events that would utilize the river.
These newly opened areas, equipped with changing rooms, showers, and amenities for relaxation, accommodate up to 300 people at a time. Access is available free of charge until the end of August for individuals aged 10 or older, with lifeguards ensuring safety during the swimming sessions.
The longstanding desire to swim in the Seine was first raised by former Paris mayor Jacques Chirac in 1988, but the city only began to see significant changes in the river's cleanliness in the past two decades. Recent tests had cast doubt on the water quality ahead of the Olympic preparations, raising concerns about the impact of seasonal rainfall on pollution levels.
In a bold move to reassure the public, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, alongside members of the Olympic committee, took to the Seine last summer, showcasing their confidence in the river's safety for swimming.
This reopening serves to not only beautify the Parisian experience but also reflects broader cultural themes of reconnecting with nature and restoring public access to historically significant waterways. Visitors and locals alike now have the opportunity to enjoy swimming in one of the world's most iconic rivers as Paris gears up for a momentous Olympic celebration.
The opening of three designated swimming zones represents a tangible result of major investments aimed at cleaning up the Seine, exceeding €1.4 billion in recent years. Local authorities had set a goal to ensure the waters met health standards ahead of the Olympic events that would utilize the river.
These newly opened areas, equipped with changing rooms, showers, and amenities for relaxation, accommodate up to 300 people at a time. Access is available free of charge until the end of August for individuals aged 10 or older, with lifeguards ensuring safety during the swimming sessions.
The longstanding desire to swim in the Seine was first raised by former Paris mayor Jacques Chirac in 1988, but the city only began to see significant changes in the river's cleanliness in the past two decades. Recent tests had cast doubt on the water quality ahead of the Olympic preparations, raising concerns about the impact of seasonal rainfall on pollution levels.
In a bold move to reassure the public, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, alongside members of the Olympic committee, took to the Seine last summer, showcasing their confidence in the river's safety for swimming.
This reopening serves to not only beautify the Parisian experience but also reflects broader cultural themes of reconnecting with nature and restoring public access to historically significant waterways. Visitors and locals alike now have the opportunity to enjoy swimming in one of the world's most iconic rivers as Paris gears up for a momentous Olympic celebration.
