Take a Dip in the Seine: Paris to Unveil Three Swimming Spots in July 2025
Basking in the River Seine: Paris addices three swimming locations in July - Enjoying a Dip in the Seine: Paris Launches Three Swimming Areas in July
Parisians can dust off their swimsuits and hop in the Seine come July 2025, thanks to a city-wide clean-up operation ahead of the 2024 Olympics. Starting July 5, the River Seine, once called "Paris's toilet," will service three supervised swimming spots.
For years, Mayor Anne Hidalgo has been an advocate for swimming in the Seine, even participating in a swim last year. However, the activity is weather-dependent, suspended if the current is too powerful or the water quality degrades after rainfall. Daily water tests will be conducted to ensure the river meets safety standards.
Once notorious for its pollution, the Seine has undergone a massive cleanup, investing nearly 1.4 billion euros in preparation for the Olympic Games. The state's efforts have connected thousands of households that previously discharged wastewater directly into the Seine or its tributaries, like the Marne, to the sewage system.
Guillaume, Prefect of the Île-de-France region, ensured that not only houses but also pleasure and houseboats operating on the Seine adhered to the new rules. A massive overflow basin has even been built near the Austerlitz train station to prevent sewage system overflow into the Seine during heavy rain, holding the equivalent of 20 Olympic-sized pools.
Competitions were initially set to take place in the Seine during the 1900 Summer Olympics, but they took place outside the city. Swimming in the Seine has been banned in Paris since 1923.
Here's what to expect from the upcoming swimming spots:
Bercy (12th arrondissement)
Located near Parc de Bercy, Bercy will host the largest and most equipped swimming site. Featuring two river pools (67m and 35m long), the area can accommodate up to 700 people at a time. Safety measures, including pontoons and guardrails, will be in place to ensure swimmer safety from boat traffic. Bercy will be open daily from 11 am to 9 pm.
Grenelle (15th arrondissement)
Stretching near the Eiffel Tower and facing Île aux Cygnes, Grenelle promises a charming swimming experience. Safety measures will be implemented to ensure swimmers' well-being.
Bras Marie (4th arrondissement)
Situated near Île Saint-Louis and Notre-Dame Cathedral, Bras Marie provides a central location with easy access for tourists and locals alike.
In addition to these Seine sites, two other Parisian swimming spots—Canal Saint-Martin and Bassin de la Villette—will be free and open for summer 2025.
The Seine's transformation into a swimmable and recreational space is a significant shift in Paris's urban and ecological policy, symbolizing the residents' renewed relationship with the once neglected river. This initiative cements a lasting improvement from the 2024 Olympics' legacy.
In summary, the Seine will return as a swimming venue in July 2025 with three supervised sites opening until August 31: Bercy, Grenelle, and Bras Marie. The city is providing five free public bathing locations, including Canal Saint-Martin and Bassin de la Villette, marking the revival of swimming in Paris's iconic river. This reform highlights Paris's urban and ecological evolution, connecting the 2024 Olympics to permanent enhancements to urban river usage and environmental quality.
Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of Paris, will find a noteworthy addition to the city's lifestyle scene as outdoor-living enthusiasts can participate in sports like swimming in the Seine starting July 2025. The transformation of the river into a recreational space exemplifies the evolving urban policy and home-and-garden policies, enhancing the relationship between Parisians and the once neglected river as part of the 2024 Olympics' lasting legacy.
