Paris reopens Seine swimming sites for summer after Olympic success

Parisians and tourists can once again enjoy swimming in the Seine River this summer, with three designated sites reopening for free public access. These locations, which served as popular spots during the 2024 Paris Olympics, offer a welcome respite from the heat and a unique urban recreational experience.

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It's better than the pool, it's not quite the beach, but it gives a feeling of being on vacation already.

The reopened sites are situated at Grenelle (in the 15th arrondissement), Bercy (12th arrondissement), and the Marie branch in the heart of the city. Last year, these areas attracted nearly 100,000 visitors, highlighting their appeal. Swimmers were observed enjoying the water, chatting, and sunbathing on the quays, with the Eiffel Tower providing a picturesque backdrop.

Safety and water quality are paramount. The water undergoes multiple daily tests, with results communicated via a flag system (green, orange, or red). Mandatory flotation devices are required due to river currents, and lifeguards are stationed to ensure swimmer safety. Despite initial apprehension for some, the rigorous testing and safety measures provide reassurance.

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Look at this water, the Eiffel Tower is in the background (...) Frankly, can it be more beautiful than this?

Beyond these main sites, swimming is also permitted in a section of the Canal Saint-Martin on Sundays and daily in the Bassin de la Villette on the Canal de l'Ourcq. Additionally, five swimming locations have opened in the Marne, including a new one in Neuilly-sur-Marne. This expansion of public swimming options reflects a broader initiative to reintegrate the river into the city's recreational life after a century-long ban.

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I was a little scared, but there are tests that are done every morning. After all, I'm careful, I don't swallow water (...) It's safe, so it's okay.