If the city of Paris is on your travel bucket list, then you’re in for a treat because very soon a historic ban is being lifted for tourists and residents alike.
One of the most popular things to do in Paris, aside from getting a mandatory selfie with the Eiffel Tower, is to cruise on the Seine or have a picnic on the banks of the iconic river. But now people will be allowed to actually swim in the river too!
According to an official statement by the city, Paris will open three official bathing sites for visitors and residents following the 2024 Olympics.
Athletes will first swim in the river as part of the Olympics for open water swimming, para-triathlon, and triathlon competitions. Then in 2025, three official bathing spots will be open for visitors.
“At the Paris 2024 Games, the athletes will inaugurate swimming in the river with the organization of Olympic events. A revival that will pave the way for aquatic leisure,” reads the official statement, “It’s been a long-held dream, and it’s well on its way to finally coming true. Swimming in the Seine in complete safety will be possible!”
Swimming in the Seine was officially banned by the city in 1923 but continued to be popular with tourists and residents till 1960s, when it stopped because of the deterioration of water quality.
Now the city has been working to improve the water quality by installing disinfection units and wastewater treatment plants for it.
The official swimming venues will be located at Bras Marie, Bras de Grenelle, and in Bercy. Each swimming area will be marked clearly with buoys and will include a pontoon to access them easily.
