Local sources from France: Actu.fr, TF1 Info.
UK coverage: The Guardian.
In an unprecedented move that marks a historic milestone for Paris, the Seine River has been reopened to the public for swimming after more than a century-long prohibition. This development, part of a broader initiative to revitalize urban waterways across Europe, has been met with enthusiasm and caution in equal measure. Spearheaded by outgoing mayor Anne Hidalgo and buoyed by the forthcoming Paris Olympics, the project, which cost approximately €1.4 billion, aimed at significantly improving the water quality of the Seine to make it swimmable once again. This effort included connecting over 20,000 homes to the sewage system, enhancing water treatment facilities, and adding substantial rainwater storage to prevent sewage overflow into the river. The initiative promises to offer Parisians and tourists alike a refreshing respite from the summer heat, with three designated bathing sites operational until the end of August, offering access to 1,000 swimmers daily, free of charge. Safety measures, including lifeguard supervision and rigorous health testing, have been implemented to ensure swimmer safety. However, the celebration was short-lived. A day after the historic reopening of the Seine for swimming on July 5, 2025, the City of Paris was compelled to momentarily withdraw the invitation to dive in, citing heavy rainfall on Sunday, July 6, 2025, and consequent deteriorated water quality. The sudden ban, affecting sites at Marie arm (4th district), Beaugrenelle arm (15th district), and Bercy quays (12th district), underscores the challenges of maintaining safe swimming conditions in urban waterways, particularly the risks posed by E.coli and Enterococci bacteria, which have the potential to cause serious health issues. Despite these setbacks, the project remains a significant step forward in urban environmental management and public health, reflecting a growing trend in Europe to reclaim urban rivers for recreational use. As the summer progresses, Parisians and visitors are eager to see how this ambitious project evolves, hoping for more sunny days ahead that will allow them to enjoy the historic waters of the Seine once more.
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