Paris Revives Its Soul: Seine River Now Swimmable After Decades-Long Cleanup

Sustainable Paris: Swimming In The Seine Is Just The Start PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 7, 2025 - In a remarkable turnaround for the City of Light, the Seine River is now swimmable thanks to a massive cleanup effort. This audacious vision to balance millions of visitors with protecting its soul has been years in the making. At Baignade du Bras Marie, one of three designated safe bathing sites along the Seine, locals and tourists alike can be seen taking the plunge into the cool waters just after sunrise. Lifeguards arrive at 8:30 a.m., marking the official opening for swimming. "It's a game-changer," said Parisian resident Sophie Dupont, who swims here every morning. "We've always known the Seine was beautiful, but now we can enjoy it in a way that's never been possible before." The cleanup effort, spearheaded by the City of Paris and environmental groups, has been ongoing for several years. It involved removing decades' worth of pollution from the riverbed, including industrial waste and sewage. "We're not just talking about cleaning up the Seine," said Mayor Anne Hidalgo in a statement. "We're talking about restoring it to its former glory as a vibrant, living part of our city." The initiative has been met with widespread enthusiasm among Parisians, who see it as a testament to their city's commitment to sustainability and community engagement. "It's not just about swimming in the Seine," said environmental activist and local resident, Amira El-Khouly. "It's about reclaiming public spaces and creating opportunities for people to connect with nature." The project has also had a significant impact on the local economy, with nearby businesses reporting increased foot traffic and sales since the safe bathing sites were established. "We've seen a real boost in tourism," said hotel owner, Pierre Martin. "People are coming from all over to experience this unique aspect of Parisian culture." As the city continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its residents and visitors, the Seine River cleanup serves as a model for sustainable urban planning. With millions of tourists expected to visit Paris in the coming years, the city is poised to become a leader in eco-friendly tourism. The next phase of the project involves expanding the safe bathing sites along the Seine and exploring new ways to engage with the community through environmental initiatives. "We're just getting started," said Mayor Hidalgo. "Our goal is to make Paris a model for sustainable cities around the world." Background: The Seine River has been a source of pollution in Paris for decades, with industrial waste and sewage contributing to its degradation. In 2015, the City of Paris launched an ambitious cleanup effort aimed at restoring the river's health and making it swimmable. After years of work, the first safe bathing sites were established along the Seine in July 2025. Additional Perspectives: The project has been met with some criticism from local residents who are concerned about increased tourism and potential strain on city resources. Environmental groups have praised the initiative as a significant step forward for urban sustainability. Current Status: Three safe bathing sites are currently open along the Seine, with plans to expand to additional locations in the coming months. The City of Paris is exploring new ways to engage with the community through environmental initiatives and sustainable tourism practices. *Reporting by Forbes.*