Key Facts
• On July 5, 2025, three swimming spots opened in the Seine River.
• Swimming was banned in the Seine since 1923 due to severe water pollution.
• France invested approximately $16.2 billion to improve water quality for the 2024 Olympics.
• The swimming areas are free and open until August 31, 2025.
• A Paris resident woke at 5:30 AM to be among the first swimmers.
• The swimming spots are part of the Paris Olympics’ legacy projects.
• During the 2024 Olympics, some events in the Seine were rescheduled due to water quality issues.
• Paris will conduct daily water quality tests and close spots if standards are unmet.
Summary
For the first time in 102 years, swimming in the Seine River in Paris has been permitted, with three designated spots opening on July 5, 2025. The ban, in place since 1923 due to pollution, was lifted following a $16.2 billion water quality improvement project initiated for the 2024 Olympics. The swimming areas, considered a legacy of the Olympics, are free to the public until August 31, 2025. Daily water quality checks will ensure safety, with closures on days standards are not met. This historic reopening has been celebrated by locals, with one resident expressing excitement to share the experience with future generations.
