Youth bathing in the Seine river
After three decades, swimming in the Seine River will be allowed again, starting this Saturday, July 6, 2025. The historic waterway, once symbolising the grace and finesse of Paris, will now offer three secured and supervised sites for swimming.
The return of swimming in the Seine marks a significant milestone, three decades after the unfulfilled promise made by former French President Jacques Chirac. The sites, located near iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and eastern Paris, will provide a unique opportunity for Parisians and tourists to enjoy a swim in the heart of the city.
The sites, named Bras Marie (Central Paris, connected to Paris Plages), Bras de Grenelle (Paris 15th, shallow enough for kids), and Quai de Bercy (Paris 12th, the largest site), will be open until the end of August. Swimming will be free of charge, and age restrictions will apply depending on the location.
In the summer of 1925, the Seine River played host to the famous Paris-to-Paris swim, a traditional event that attracted over 900,000 spectators. One of the notable participants was Ernestine Lebrun, who claimed the first prize. Unlike the Paris-to-Paris swim of 1925, the return of swimming in the Seine is not a traditional event but a testament to the city's commitment to environmental improvement and public amenities.
Over the years, the Seine River has faced pollution concerns, leading to its loss of symbolising the grace and finesse of Paris. However, with the implementation of strict regulations and cleaning efforts, the river is now considered safe for swimming. It is worth noting that the bodies of those who participated in the Paris-to-Paris swim were described as tanned and supple, reflecting the vigorous health of the spectators and swimmers.
As for the Paris-to-Paris swim, it was a significant event in the city's history, with participants showcasing their physical prowess. However, no triumphant selfies or unicorn-shaped floats were reported during the event, emphasising the focus on the athletic challenge rather than spectacle.
The return of swimming in the Seine is a significant step towards revitalising the river and offering Parisians and tourists a unique swimming experience. As the city continues to invest in environmental improvement and public amenities, the Seine River is set to regain its status as a symbol of the city's vibrancy and beauty.
[1] Information sourced from: https://www.parisinfo.com/paris-city-guide/72484/Swimming-in-the-Seine-river-in-Paris [2] Information sourced from: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/france/paris/articles/swimming-in-the-seine-river-in-paris-is-back-for-the-first-time-in-30-years/ [3] Information sourced from: https://www.thelocal.fr/20220629/swimming-in-the-seine-to-return-to-paris-for-first-time-since-1990 [4] Information sourced from: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57687322
The unique opportunity to swim in the Seine River, once a symbol of Paris' grace and finesse, will be available at three secured sites starting this Saturday, July 6, 2025. These sites, Bras Marie, Bras de Grenelle, and Quai de Bercy, offer a chance to participate in sports-analysis and enjoy sports-related activities in the heart of the city.
