Paris Is Opening the River Seine to Swimmers for the First Time in 100 Years

The Seine is Paris' central artery, flowing through the City of Light and providing a backdrop for locals to sit and drink wine. Centuries ago, Parisians even swam in the Seine for fun, but the practice was outlawed in 1923 due to pollution.

The French capital is using the 2024 Summer Olympics to return the Seine to its former glory. Just like when the city hosted its first Olympics in 1900, competitive swimmers from all over the world will race in the iconic river for certain events. The Olympians will be the first to usher in a new era for the Seine, as everyday people will be allowed to frolic in the water themselves starting the year after the closing ceremony.

The cleanup began in 2018 as part of the government's Swimming Plan. The $1.6 billion restoration uses disinfection methods at wastewater treatment plants to improve water quality. A rainwater storage basin is also under construction to aid with the river's purification process. Then, starting in 2025, the public will be able to swim in the Seine at three designated sites: Bras Marie, Bras de Grenelle, and Bercy.

“The swimming areas will be marked out by buoys and a pontoon to get to them, with spaces to change, shower, and store your things on the quay," Paris city hall said in a statement, per CNN. It's just the start, as nearly 20 other potential swimming areas in the greater Paris region have already been identified for future "beaches."

Locals, however, aren't exactly jumping at the opportunity to swim in the river, given its history and reputation for pollution. Mayor Anne Hidalgo pushed back on the popular perception and pointed out how cleanup efforts in recent years have already had a noticeable impact on the aquatic ecosystem of the Seine.

“What we aim with this cleanup of the Seine is the adaptation of the city to climate change,” Hidalgo told CNN. "The Seine is a corridor of biodiversity and a source for cooling down in the summer.” For example, the number of fish species in the river has increased from two to more than 30 thanks to the cleanup.

Olympians will be sure to air their feelings on swimming in the river next year, letting Parisians know if they should get in the water themselves once it's open to the public.