Swimming in the Seine River has become a new Parisian summer tradition, with the city opening three supervised bathing areas for the second consecutive year. The free swimming locations, situated near City Hall, the Eiffel Tower, and in eastern Paris, will remain accessible throughout the summer, contingent on water quality and favorable weather conditions.
These sites operate under strict lifeguard supervision, and authorities conduct daily water quality tests. Visitors have described the experience of swimming in the French capital's iconic river as memorable. "It’s amazing to be swimming in the Seine while looking at the Eiffel Tower," said Stewart Talbot, a tourist from Melbourne, Australia. He added that while it might not rival the Australian sea, it surpasses swimming in rivers.
Some residents are also embracing the opportunity. "It’s great because it’s such a mix of people," said Hermine Jegou, 19. "I love that everyone can get into the water — grandmothers, children — it’s just really nice." Her sister, Joanne Jegou, 21, called it a "cool experience, especially being out in the sun and cooling off."
The Seine served as a venue for swimming and triathlon events during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The Games spurred a significant investment in cleaning the river, including upgrades to sewer systems and new rainwater storage infrastructure aimed at reducing pollution.
Despite the improvements, some swimming days were canceled last summer due to heavy rainfall, which can increase pollution levels upstream. Officials at the Grenelle site, located near the Eiffel Tower, are preparing for potential large crowds seeking to cool off during hot weather. The site has a maximum capacity of 200 people, with a real-time monitoring system and a waiting list to ensure equitable access.
Historically, swimming in the Seine was prohibited for approximately a century due to poor water quality. Public swimming has been available in a canal in northeastern Paris during summers for several years.