Dive in the cleaned-up Seine: Paris unlocks summertime swimming in the iconic river
Summertime sees Parisian swimming pools set up along the Seine riverbanks - Summertime Seine Swimming Pools Unveiled in Paris
Get your swimwear ready, folks! Starting from July, Paris is set to welcome swimmers at three public swimming spots along the Seine river, with one pool even nestled just a stone's throw away from the Eiffel Tower. "Everyone deserves a refreshing dip in the Seine this summer," said French Sports Minister Marie Barsacq.
Harking back to the Olympic Games, last summer's competitions could have been held right in the Seine, proving that a whopping €1.4 billion investment in cleaning up the water has paid off.
The new swimming spots will open on July 5, offering three options: one near the Swan Island adjacent to the Eiffel Tower, another near the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and a third near the National Library. Each spot will boast changing rooms, showers, lifeguard supervision, and sunbathing areas.
Safety and comfort are top priority here, with water quality constantly monitored. In addition, a special swimming area for families and kids will become available near the Eiffel Tower. The temporary pools will be carved out using floating pontoons and containers, making a splash during the summer and vanishing away come winter.
Being part of the river once again is a long-held dream for Parisians. While swimming in the Seine was officially outlawed way back in 1923, locals continued to take their chances until the 1960s.
Paris aims to adapt to climate change and heatwaves with these refreshing swimming opportunities. "Free swimming pools are a much-needed respite in the face of rising temperatures," said Minister Barsacq, with Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo echoing similar sentiments about enhancing the city's quality of life.
Reconnecting with the Seine started with closing off streets along its banks to car traffic. The next step towards a more interactive, cleaner, and people-friendly river is here.
Paris
- A city embracing change to cater to residents and tourists
Water quality
- Cleaned up through extensive cleanup efforts, infrastructure upgrades, and stormwater management
Swimming pool
- Temporary pools set up in the Seine to promote aquatic recreation
Eiffel Tower
- A famous Paris landmark, now within swimming distance
Iconic Parisian landmarks
- Serving as backdrops for the new swimming spots
Climate change
- Parisian authorities addressing heatwaves with initiatives like public swimming pools in the Seine
Quality of life
- Improving recreational opportunities along the river enhances overall city life
Join the Parisian community this summer as they dive into the refreshing waters of the Seine, gathered at three public swimming spots near iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and National Library.Embrace the outdoor-living lifestyle with the addition of vocational training opportunities for local youth, enhancing home-and-garden design, and promoting sports activities along the revitalized river banks.
