This summer, Paris is offering an unexpected attraction: swimming in the Seine. After a century-long ban and a massive cleanup effort, the river that was once considered an open sewer is now a popular bathing destination for locals and tourists alike.
Three free public swim spots opened in July 2026, timed to mark 250 years of Franco-American friendship. With temperatures soaring above 104°F (40°C) in late June, the cool waters of the Seine provide a refreshing escape. The swim zones are located at Bras Marie near Notre-Dame, Grenelle with views of the Eiffel Tower and a replica of the Statue of Liberty, and Bercy in eastern Paris, which features the largest pool stretching 67 meters.
The river’s revival is the result of a billion-euro engineering project that included a massive underground stormwater basin near Gare d’Austerlitz. This basin can hold 50,000 cubic meters of water, diverting sewage overflow away from the river during heavy rain. Officials say major overflow events dropped from 15 per year to about two.
Despite the water’s khaki hue and occasional floating debris, the experience is gaining popularity. Around 100,000 people swam in the Seine during its debut public season in 2025, and even more are expected this year. A flag system (green, yellow, red) indicates water safety based on daily E. coli tests. While the green flag was raised only 18 out of 31 days last July, the city continues to monitor and improve water quality.
The Seine’s swimming history dates back to the 17th century, when people bathed nude along the banks. Public bathing evolved through floating baths and elegant establishments like Piscine Deligny, which hosted events for the 1900 Olympics. But pollution worsened throughout the 20th century, leading to a total ban in 1923 and the river being declared biologically dead by 1970. The cleanup efforts revived the river just in time for the 2024 Paris Olympics, and now swimming is once again a cherished Parisian summer tradition.
