For the first time in over a century, the River Seine in Paris has reopened for public swimming. Following a €1.4 billion ($1.5 billion) cleanup project, three new swimming sites along the Seine opened on July 5, 2025. These sites are located near Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and in eastern Paris.
Swimming in the Seine was prohibited since 1923 due to pollution and navigation hazards. The recent cleanup efforts aimed to make the river suitable for Olympic events during the 2024 Games and to restore public access. The new swimming areas are monitored daily to ensure water quality meets European standards.
Visitors can check water quality through color-coded flags: green indicates good quality, while red signals issues such as high bacteria levels or strong currents. The swimming sites are open daily from July 5 to August 31, 2025, offering a refreshing escape in the heart of Paris.