In a historic shift that has locals and tourists alike diving into excitement, Paris has officially reopened swimming in the Seine, offering an unparalleled opportunity to cool off in the heart of the French capital. This move comes after a 100-year ban on swimming in the famous river, which was lifted in July 2025, marking a major milestone in the city’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its public spaces and respond to the increasing demand for outdoor recreational activities. As France faces a level two heatwave, this refreshing new swimming experience has already proven to be a hit, especially with views of the iconic Eiffel Tower as a backdrop.
Heatwave and the Seine: A Unique Parisian Experience
In the summer of 2025, Paris is experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures expected to soar to 38°C (100°F), prompting the opening of three designated swimming zones along the Seine. The Grenelle swimming site, located in the western part of Paris, is among the newest additions. It’s not only drawing attention from tourists but has quickly become a favorite for Parisians seeking respite from the scorching heat. Here, swimmers can enjoy not just a refreshing dip in the river, but also stunning views of the Eiffel Tower, with schools of small fish swimming beneath the surface, adding to the magical experience.
While Italy’s heatwave poses challenges to France, the Seine’s new bathing zones offer a welcome alternative to crowded pools and other cooling locations. For those who enjoy a bit of sightseeing while swimming, these zones have become a perfect blend of leisure and stunning Parisian landmarks.
A Century-Old Tradition Reborn: Swimming in the Seine
Swimming in the Seine had been prohibited since 1923 due to concerns over pollution and the difficulty of navigating the river’s waters. However, after a massive 1.4 billion euro investment into cleaning the river and improving its water quality, the Seine has been declared safe for swimming once again. The cleanup efforts, which began years ago, were part of Paris’ preparations for the 2024 Summer Olympics. The water now regularly meets the European Union’s water quality standards, making it a safe and enjoyable swimming destination.
As of August 10, 2025, the water temperature was a pleasant 22°C (71°F), ideal for swimming and further adding to the appeal of this new opportunity. With Paris seeing an increase in both tourist visits and local participation, swimming in the Seine has quickly become one of the city’s must-do activities this summer.
Safety Guidelines for Swimming in the Seine
While swimming in the Seine is an exciting and unique experience, safety remains a priority. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, Paris has implemented several important guidelines for swimmers:
- Age Restrictions: Swimming sites are open to individuals 10 years or older at some locations and 14 years or older at others. Specific requirements may vary, so it’s important to check the official Paris City Hall websitefor updates on each site.
- Yellow Buoy Requirement: All swimmers are required to wear a yellow buoy attached to their waist for visibility and safety. This measure ensures that swimmers remain within the designated safe swimming areas and are easily spotted by lifeguards.
- Lifeguard Supervision: Each swimming zone is monitored by professional lifeguards who ensure that swimmers stay within safe boundaries and follow the established safety rules.
- Swimming Restrictions: Swimmers are reminded not to jump into the water from the riverbanks and to stay within the marked swimming areas to avoid accidents.
With these safety measures in place, swimming in the Seine has become a refreshing and secure way to enjoy Parisian summer days.
Weather Forecast: A Heatwave in Paris
The heatwave in Paris is expected to last through mid-August 2025, making the newly opened swimming zones along the Seine even more popular. Below is the weather forecast for August 12-18, 2025, to help visitors plan their trips to the Seine:
- August 12: 38°C / 22°C – Sunny and hot
- August 13: 37°C / 22°C – Clear, very hot
- August 14: 36°C / 21°C – Sunny, high heat
- August 15: 34°C / 20°C – Mostly sunny
- August 16: 32°C / 19°C – Partly cloudy
- August 17: 30°C / 18°C – Warm and sunny
- August 18: 28°C / 18°C – Mild, cloudy
With these temperatures, it’s expected that the swimming zones will be popular throughout the week, making it important to arrive early to secure a spot.
Visitor Numbers and Swimming Zone Hours
Since the reopening of the Seine swimming zones on July 5, 2025, over 40,000 individuals have swum in the river. The sites have been especially busy due to the hot weather, with daily visitors ranging from 800 to 1,200. However, each swimming zone is limited to 200 swimmers at a time, ensuring that the areas don’t become overcrowded. To maximize the chances of securing a spot, it’s advisable to arrive early, as the demand is high during peak hours.
The swimming zones will remain open until the end of August 2025, offering free access at specific hours.
Alternative Swimming Spots in Paris
For those looking for a similar outdoor swimming experience, here are five alternative swimming spots in Paris:
- Bassins de la Villette – A tranquil setting in the 19th arrondissement, perfect for a relaxing swim amidst parks.
- Piscine Josephine Baker – A floating pool with stunning views of the Seine, ideal for sunbathers and swimmers alike.
- Paris Plages – Every summer, Paris Plages creates artificial beaches along the riverbanks, complete with shallow pools and entertainment.
- Piscine de la Butte aux Cailles – An iconic Art Deco pool loved by locals, offering both indoor and outdoor swimming.
- Le Jardin d’Acclimatation – A family-friendly amusement park with a water park and pools for all ages.
Conclusion: A Cool Parisian Escape
With the reopening of swimming in the Seine and the 2025 heatwave, Paris has created a refreshing escape for both residents and tourists. Swimming in the Seine offers a unique way to cool off while enjoying views of the Eiffel Tower, and it promises to become one of the top attractions for years to come. Whether you’re visiting Paris for the first time or are a local seeking a new way to beat the heat, the Seine’s newly accessible swimming zones offer an unforgettable Parisian experience.
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