"Century-long prohibition lifted: Parisians regain access to swim in the Seine river, fulfilling a lifelong desire"
After a century-long hiatus, the River Seine in Paris reopened its waters to the public on July 5, 2021, marking a significant milestone in environmental restoration and providing a unique recreational opportunity for both locals and visitors alike. The reopening of the river for swimming is a key legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympics, which served as a catalyst and primary funding source for the extensive water quality improvements.
The reopening includes three free swimming sites along the Seine, with the Bras Marie swimming zone being one of them. These swimming areas are open seasonally from July 5 to August 31, 2021, allowing up to 1,000 swimmers daily. The zones are under lifeguard supervision and equipped with facilities such as changing rooms and showers, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
The reopening of the Seine for swimming is not just a symbol of a major environmental success for Paris, but also a new cultural and recreational amenity. Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo expressed her joy at seeing people swimming in the Seine, stating it was a childhood dream come true. Hidalgo visited the site of the reopened swimming zone in the city's historic centre near the Ile Saint-Louis, where a few dozen people arrived ahead of the 8am opening.
One of the first people to jump into the water was Karine, a 51-year-old care worker. Despite anticipating the water to be freezing cold, Karine found it to be great instead. Swimmers, of all ages, arrived wearing swim caps and goggles, eager to experience the iconic river in a way not possible for over a century.
The reopening of the Seine for swimming is part of a larger years-long cleanup effort, which has seen the river's water quality significantly improve. This effort has enabled the river to host open-water swimming and triathlon events during the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Olympics provided the impetus and funding for the extensive water quality improvements, ensuring safe recreational swimming that is now extended to the public beyond the Games themselves.
In conclusion, the reopening of the River Seine for swimming offers Parisians and visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the city's historic centre, creating a new cultural and recreational experience that celebrates both the environmental successes of recent years and the legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Engaging in outdoor-living and home-and-garden activities took a novel twist in Paris, as the reopening of the River Seine for swimming introduced a fascinating blend of lifestyle and recreational opportunities. This Unesco-listed city now offers an experience that combines the charm of urban living with the allure of outdoor-living, inviting visitors to appreciate Paris beyond its cultural landmarks.
