Paris Opens Seine River Swimming Sites Amid Heatwave After Decades of Pollution

In response to recent extreme heatwaves in France, Paris has opened three public swimming sites along the Seine River, offering residents and tourists a refreshing alternative to air conditioning in a city where most apartments lack AC. This marks only the second summer since the river was reopened for swimming after decades of pollution had made it off-limits. The free swimming areas are located at Bercy in eastern Paris, Grenelle with views of the Eiffel Tower, and near Notre-Dame at Pont de Louis-Philippe in the Marais district. They will remain open throughout the summer, contingent on water quality and weather conditions, and include lifeguard services.

The reopening follows a massive environmental and engineering effort tied to the 2024 Paris Olympics, which required the Seine to host open-water swimming and triathlon events. Billions of euros were invested in upgrading the city’s sewage treatment and stormwater management systems, including a huge underground reservoir near Gare d’Austerlitz that captures excess rainwater to prevent sewage overflow into the river. This has reduced major sewage spills from 15 times a year to just twice. The river, once biologically dead in the 1970s due to untreated sewage, now supports swimming again, though the water remains murky and occasionally contains floating debris.

Historically, the Seine was a popular swimming and social spot from the 17th century until the early 20th century, when drowning accidents and pollution led to a swimming ban in 1923. Despite the ban, some swimmers continued to enter the river illegally until pollution worsened. The recent revival has been welcomed by locals and visitors alike, who appreciate the unique experience of swimming with iconic Paris landmarks in view. However, capacity limits and monitoring systems are in place to manage crowds, especially at the Grenelle site, which allows up to 200 swimmers at a time.

This summer’s reopening of the Seine for swimming represents a significant environmental and cultural milestone for Paris, combining modern infrastructure improvements with a return to a historic urban tradition amid rising temperatures and climate challenges.