The Seine is again bathing after over a century of prohibitions: the Parisians recover their river (but some fear remains)

After 102 years of prohibitionthe Parisians can finally Return to swim in the Seinethe symbol of the French capital. From 5 July 2025, in fact, Three selected points along the watercourse have been officially open to the public bathingcomplete with health checks, safety staff and equipped structures.

The reopening was strongly desired by Mayor Anne Hidalgowhich defined the event as the conclusion of a long and complex challenge. The project requested 1.4 billion euros of investments, intended above all to deviate and treat waste water before they come together in the river.

Where you can swim on the seine and the rules

The areas open to bathers are found in three iconic places of the city: Bercy, Pont de Grenelle (near the Eiffel Tower) e Bras Mariein front of the Saint-Louis. In each of these sites it is possible to swim free of charge, but in compliance with rigid rules: Defined times, mandatory use of life -saving, presence of professional lifeguards and minimum age and height requirements To access.

In particular, a Bras Marie And Grenelle You have to be at least 14 years old and be 1.40 meters high, while a Bercy It is sufficient to be 10 years old, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Each site has been equipped as a real Urban swimming pool, with showers, changing rooms and beach furnishingsin addition to a maximum capacity of about 300 people.

Continuous checks and water quality

The quality of the water of the Seine is now described as “exceptional” by local authorities. The analyzes, conducted in real time through automatic sensors, show bacterial values ​​well below the allowed thresholds. However, in case of strong rainsthe risk of contamination remains high, since in Paris the rain and waste water still flow into a single system.

To ensure safety, they were introduced colored flags (green, yellow, red) that indicate bathing in real time. Even if the currents and the aquatic vegetation They represent potential dangers, the constant presence of surveillance makes the experience not only possible, but also fascinating: a dip in the heart of Paris, overlooking the story.