Parisians Swim in Seine First Time in Century After $1.5B Cleanup

For the first time in over a century, Parisians legally swam in designated areas of the Seine River, including spots near the Eiffel Tower and Île Saint-Louis, celebrating the return of urban swimming after a $1.5 billion cleanup project tied to the previous Olympics. Swimmers wore bright yellow lifebuoys and were supervised by lifeguards as strict safety measures were enforced, and environmental authorities confirmed that bacteria levels remain well below official safety thresholds. Despite some lingering skepticism among residents about water quality, Mayor Anne Hidalgo demonstrated confidence by publicly showcasing the river water and participating in the swim herself. The Seine now meets European water quality standards on most days, signaling a significant milestone in urban environmental restoration and public health. The event drew applause from onlookers, with many embracing the opportunity to reconnect with the city’s revitalized natural resources. This initiative raises broader questions about the potential for other cities worldwide to reclaim their waterways for safe recreational use.