Parisians Celebrate Historic Return to Seine Swimming After Century-Long Ban

Parisians have embraced a monumental moment, taking their first recreational plunge into the River Seine in over a century. The historic swim, which saw participants don bright yellow lifebuoys under the watchful eyes of lifeguards, marks the successful culmination of a 1.4 billion euro ($1.5 billion) cleanup initiative linked to last year’s Olympic Games.

Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who previously took a dip last year, was present to witness the occasion, showcasing a bottle of clean river water as environmental authorities confirmed bacteria levels were well below official thresholds. Swimmers expressed delight at the experience, noting the surprisingly warm water and the unique opportunity to swim in the heart of the city.

Swimming in the Seine had been prohibited since 1923 due to severe pollution and navigation hazards. While official bathing sites are now open, swimming outside these designated areas remains banned. Despite minor visible debris, the river’s odor was minimal, signaling a significant improvement in water quality. The event drew both enthusiastic participants and curious onlookers, though some residents expressed lingering skepticism about the river’s cleanliness.

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