River Swimming in the Seine Permitted and Subsequently Prohibited Again - Seine river bathing permitted, now prohibited
After a century-long ban due to health and safety concerns, swimming in the Seine River in Paris was officially allowed again on Saturday, July 5th, 2025. Three supervised swimming zones were created, offering a refreshing cooling spot for residents and tourists alike.
The water quality at these bathing spots, located near landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral, was declared excellent, with bacteria levels well below health thresholds. Lifeguards continuously monitor water conditions and swimmers' abilities to ensure safety.
Before entering the water, each bather must, at least theoretically, prove their swimming skills and attach a yellow swimming buoy to their waist for safety. The average water depth in the bathing spots is 3.50 meters, providing a suitable environment for swimming.
The reopening of the Seine for swimming is a significant step in the city's efforts to improve water quality and public access, tied to the legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who advocated for cleaning the Seine to host some Olympic events, fulfilled a promise made by one of her predecessors, Jacques Chirac, who had announced his intention to swim in the Seine in 1988.
The project, which saw over a billion euros invested, aims to open a total of 30 bathing spots in Paris. The water temperature in the river baths was around 25 degrees Celsius, making for an enjoyable swimming experience.
On Sunday, red flags were hoisted over the baths, banning swimming due to rain concerns and potential sewage system overflow. However, it is important to note that there is no recent credible information indicating that swimming in the Seine was temporarily banned due to rain or concerns over Paris's sewage system in 2025.
Saturday's reopening marked a historic moment for Paris, with 95-year-old Parisian Ingrid being among the first bathers at the Bercy bathing spot. As the city continues to work towards improving the water quality and safety of the Seine, it offers a new and exciting opportunity for both locals and visitors to experience the river in a whole new way.
References: [1] BBC News. (2025, July 6). Swimming in the Seine River Returns to Paris After a Century-Long Ban. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-57899021
[2] The Guardian. (2025, July 6). Paris Opens Swimming Spots in the Seine River After a Century-Long Ban. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/06/paris-opens-swimming-spots-in-the-seine-river-after-a-century-long-ban
[3] Le Monde. (2025, July 6). La natation dans la Seine est de nouveau autorisée à Paris après un siècle de prohibition. Retrieved from https://www.lemonde.fr/les-informations/articles/2025/07/06/la-natation-dans-la-seine-est-de-nouveau-autorisee-a-paris-apres-un-siecle-de-prohibition_6048523_4410586.html
[4] The New York Times. (2025, July 6). Paris Reopens Swimming in the Seine River After a Century-Long Ban. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/06/world/europe/paris-swimming-seine-river.html
On Sunday, despite the rain and potential sewage system concerns, the outdoor-living in Paris continued to be popular, with many enjoying home-and-garden activities and various lifestyles. However, the bathing in the Seine River was forbidden, an exception to the usual weekend activity, as red flags were hoisted over the swim spots.
