July 4, 2026, 8:34 p.mJuly 4, 2026, 8:34 p.m
The first bathers were able to splash around in the Seine on Saturday.Image: keystone
In Paris, swimming has been possible again in three outdoor pools in the Seine since this weekend, just in time for the start of another heat wave. The city of Paris announced that the three pools set up over the summer will be open until August 30th. Last summer, the outdoor pools in the river opened for the first time – and around 100,000 bathers dived into the Seine. One of the baths is in the immediate vicinity of the Eiffel Tower, one not far from Notre-Dame Cathedral and one near the National Library.
Swimming in the Seine was officially banned in 1923. The long-held desire to be able to swim in the river again only became a reality after investments of around 1.4 billion euros went into modernizing sewage treatment plants and the sewage system. The quality of the river water was closely monitored for the operation of the outdoor pools. No serious illnesses were reported by bathers, local health authorities said.
The fact that the Seine has become significantly cleaner is also reflected in the fact that the number of fish species found there has increased from three to over 30. Three endangered mussel species were also discovered in the river. (sda/dpa)