After a €1.4 billion cleanup and an Olympic trial by fire, Parisians and tourists take a joyous plunge into the Seine — a century after pollution first drove them away.
Paris, July 5, 2025 –
For the first time in over 100 years, the iconic River Seine has reopened for public swimming, as Parisians and tourists alike embraced a moment once thought impossible. The long-polluted waterway is now clean enough for summertime dips thanks to a massive €1.4 billion ($1.5 billion) rehabilitation campaign that peaked during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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Three official swimming zones were unveiled on Saturday — near Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, and in eastern Paris — marking the start of a new chapter in the city’s relationship with its river.
“It’s a symbolic moment when we get our river back,” said Lucile Woodward, influencer and coach, who will also swim in the first amateur Seine race on Sunday.
🏊♂️ Olympic Legacy Flows into Parisian Life
The River Seine took center stage during the 2024 Olympics, hosting opening ceremonies and triathlons. But it wasn’t without hiccups: heavy rain had caused bacterial surges, delaying events and raising doubts. Since then, authorities have expanded water treatment facilities and cracked down on polluting houseboats and outdated sewage systems.
Daily testing now ensures the water meets European safety standards — with color-coded flags indicating swim conditions, just like on beaches. Green means go. Red means stay ashore.
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🏗️ How the Seine Was Saved
Key efforts behind the cleanup included:
- New disinfection plants
- A giant storage basin to catch storm runoff
- Connecting upstream homes to modern sewage systems
- Strict rules for houseboats and waste management
Deputy Mayor Pierre Rabadan confirmed that water quality has improved this summer, with only minor interruptions due to rain or river traffic.
😬 Skeptics Still Wary
Despite official reassurances, some Parisians remain hesitant.
Water monitoring expert Dan Angelescu of Fluidion says the testing methods undercount bacterial risk.
“There are only a few days in a swimming season where I would say water quality is acceptable for swimming,” he warned.
For others, the issue is less about science and more about sentiment.
“It’s more the worry of getting dirty than anything else,” said real estate agent Enys Mahdjoub.
🏖️ Paris Plages Welcomes Swimmers
As part of the city’s annual Paris Plages event, the three designated swimming sites are open to the public (ages 10 to 14+, depending on location), free of charge, and closely supervised by lifeguards.
Project manager Clea Montanari called the experience a dream:
“It’d be a dream if the Seine becomes drinkable — but swimming in it already feels magical.”
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Paris News, River Seine, Seine Swimming, Olympic Legacy, Paris Plages 2025, France Environment, Public Health, Urban Cleanup, Water Pollution