When the world’s best open water swimmers raced through the Seine during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the French capital briefly returned to its roots—reviving a tradition not seen in over a century. Restoring the river to swimmable condition took a monumental cleanup effort. Now, 102 years after swimming was banned in the Seine, the iconic waterway is once again open to the public as a summertime swim spot.
Starting 5 July and continuing through August, three designated sections of the city will transform into “Paris Plages”—urban swimming sites complete with sandy beaches, bungalows, and palm trees. One is located near Notre Dame Cathedral, another close to the Eiffel Tower, and the third in eastern Paris.
Later this month, Europe’s open water elite will join the public in diving into the Seine, as the third leg of the European Open Water Swimming Cup takes place in the historic river. For French Swimming Federation (FFN) President Gilles Sezionale, the re-opening of the Seine to swimming—and holding a European Cup event—marks a significant milestone.
“Hosting a European Open Water Swimming Cup on the Seine is a powerful symbol for Paris, for France, and for aquatic sport. It reflects years of commitment to restoring the river’s water quality, a key legacy objective of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The return of competitive and public swimming to the heart of the capital reconnects Parisians with a tradition that goes back centuries—and signals a new chapter for open water swimming in urban environments.”
Bringing swimming back to the heart of Paris—along the river often described as the most romantic in the world—required a massive undertaking. A 1.4 billion euro cleanup project was launched to bring the Seine up to European water quality standards and make this ambitious Olympic legacy initiative a reality.
Dive Deeper | Ready to Take the Plunge?
To make the most of the summer season at Paris’ new swimming spots—including the Parc Rives de Seine, the Bassin de la Villette, and the Canal Saint-Martin—you can find out more here.
Parting Shot | A Lookback to Swimming in the Seine