Summertime river swimming made available in Paris: Seine swim baths launched for public enjoyment. - Seine's swimming pools open in Paris during summer
Hit the River: Paris Reboots Swimming Pools in the Seine
Swimwear enthusiasts visiting Paris, starting July, are in for a treat. Three public swimming pools will grace the Seine, one even nestled near the iconic Eiffelturm. "Everyone should swim in the Seine this summer," proclaimed France's Sports Minister Marie Barsacq. The riverside pools demonstrate the successful culmination of a billion-euro investment in water quality improvements, as seen during the 2024 Summer Olympics.
The pools, opening July 5, will be strategically located: one opposite the Swan Island near the Eiffelturm, one near the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and one near the National Library. Each will offer changing rooms and showers, lifeguard supervision, and sunbathing space. Additionally, swimming areas for families and children will be available near the Eiffelturm. The pools will operate through the summer, utilizing floating pontoons and removable containers in the winter.
Water quality will rigorously be monitored to ensure swimmers' safety. Unlike previous efforts like the Bassin de la Villette canal, swimmers will dive directly into the Seine without water filtration.
Climate change and rising temperatures spurred the creation of these public pools, according to the Sports Minister. In addition to cooling off options, City Mayor Anne Hidalgo emphasized the need for these changes in light of predicted temperature increases, aiming to enhance city dwellers' quality of life. A significant milestone towards making the river more accessible to the public was the closure of car-traffic streets along the banks.
Swimming in the Seine has long been a desire in Paris, with the practice officially outlawed in 1923 despite carrying on into the early '60s. The upcoming summer swimming pools mark a historical reconnection of Parisians with their river after over a century, bridging tradition with modern environmental and safety standards.
Historically, the River Seine has seen notable swimming events like the 1900 Olympic Games, where competitors swam in natural river conditions. Decades of pollution subsequently led to a ban in 1923. In recent years, substantial investments and enforcement actions have significantly improved water quality, making public swimming once again a possibility.
- Paris
- Water quality
- Swimming pool
- Climate change
- Quality of life
- Eiffelturm
- Swimwear
- France
- Olympic Games
In line with the anticipated improvement in water quality due to climate change, Paris will introduce three swimming pools in the Seine starting July 5, as a part of France's billion-euro investment. These pools, located near the Eiffelturm, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the National Library, aim to enhance the quality of life for city dwellers by providing a cooling off option during the summer months. Swimwear enthusiasts visiting Paris can now enjoy swimming in these historic waters with increased safety measures. The pool near the Eiffelturm will be particularly appealing, offering family and children's swimming areas, marking a significant milestone in reconnecting Parisians with their river. This endeavor revisits the tradition of riverside swimming events seen in the 1900 Olympic Games,, ultimately blending history and modern environmental standards.
