Since the public swimming areas on the Seine reopened in early July, more than 35,000 people have taken a plunge—for the first time in over a century. Though heavy rain resulted in 13 days of closures, Paris officials claim the turnout has been respectable; 5,700 people showed up just on July 13.
The reopening came after a €1.4 billion cleanup operation designed to enhance water quality in preparation for the 2024 Olympic Games, when competitors battled in the river. Though Paris’s 19th-century sewage system can overflow during storms, a new retention basin has so far kept pollution under check during summer rains.
City official Pierre Rabadan called the outcomes “very gratifying” and said that locals, visitors, and regulars all have embraced the chance to swim next to monuments like the Eiffel Tower.
Public access to the three Seine swimming locations is free until August 31.
