Hold onto your swimsuits, folks! The Seine River in Paris is finally open for swimming – for the first time since 1923! That’s right, nearly 100 years of staring longingly at the river without a splash, and now, after massive cleanup efforts, three locations in the city are ready to welcome swimmers.
Imagine this – Bercy, Grenelle, and Mare are the three spots where people can cool off until August 31st, provided safety conditions are met. Capacity limits are in place because safety comes first, and kids under 14 must be accompanied by adults. The river depth ranges from 40 to 60 centimeters, perfect for safe swimming and other water sports.
This isn’t just a Parisian thing – many European cities like Vienna, Amsterdam, Budapest, Copenhagen, and Bern have been letting their citizens swim in urban rivers for years. In Vienna, for example, the Danube is a popular swimming spot, and Budapest has several beaches along the river.
Why does this matter? The Seine was a venue for swimming events during last year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games, which pushed city officials to clean up the river and make it accessible to the public. After decades of pollution and bans, Paris is finally reclaiming its tradition of river swimming that has been part of the city’s heart for centuries.
Skeptics said it was impossible and too complicated, but Deputy Mayor Pierre Rabadan said they proved them wrong. This is a huge step for Paris, joining other European capitals that don’t just dream of clean rivers but actually make it happen.
So, if you’re in Paris this summer, don’t miss the chance to take a dip in the Seine! And if you’re not, maybe it’s time to consider a summer trip with a splash of adventure. And hey, feel free to share in the comments – would you dare swim in a river right in the middle of a big city, or are you more of a pool person? Let’s hear your thoughts!
