Imagine a city where a once-mighty river, long avoided due to pollution, is now welcoming its people back for a refreshing swim—this is the story of Paris and its beloved Seine. After years of dedicated efforts, the river is not just a scenic backdrop; it’s a vibrant part of life again, evoking memories of generations past.

For the first time in over a century, Parisians can dive into their cherished Seine, thanks to a monumental cleanup initiative that cost over $1.5 billion. This remarkable achievement invites locals to experience their river just as their great-grandparents did.

With the anticipation of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, excitement bubbled over about the triathlon event that would take place in these once-turbulent waters. Swimming spots were cordoned off for free access, allowing up to 1,000 bathers a day to take the plunge, rediscovering the joy and beauty of their river.

In the lead-up to this revitalization, both Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and President Emmanuel Macron hinted they would take a dip in the Seine. While Hidalgo made good on her promise, Macron faced criticism for withdrawing from his swimming debut, with some speculating he was apprehensive about lingering pollution.

The journey to this moment started in earnest after Paris was awarded the Olympic Games. In 2018, a bold law mandated that houseboats moor to sewage access points, eliminating direct dumping into the river. This foresight was just a fragment of the massive $2.3 billion project aimed at a cleaner Seine.

Innovative storage facilities sprang up throughout the city, like one near Austerlitz train station, capable of holding the equivalent of 20 Olympic swimming pools of stormwater, ensuring that wastewater wouldn’t flow directly into the Seine. This systemic change marked a turning point for the river’s health.

After the Games, there were still bumps in the road when several athletes fell ill after swimming in the Seine, sparking a wave of criticism directed at both the river and the local government. However, hope blossomed with a study from earlier this year, revealing the presence of rare mussel DNA in the waters—an encouraging sign that environmental restoration was on the right track.

Fast forward to July, and with a European heatwave rising, the Seine was officially reopened for swimming. Lifeguards, changing facilities, and showers made the swimming zones safe and inviting, heralding the dawning of a new era. New swimming spots are planned, extending the joy to even more areas along the river.

As the Seine welcomes swimmers back, it also revives the spirit of a community, reconnecting people to their history and to each other. Now, with the vibrant river flowing freely and cleanly, the Seine is poised to become one of the city’s most beloved attractions yet again.

SHARE this wonderful news from Paris—it’s like reuniting with an old friend!