**The Seine River is once again welcoming swimmers, with newly designated areas offering safe access to the iconic waterway, marking a significant change for Paris residents and visitors alike.**
**Swimming Opportunities Return to the Seine as Water Quality Improves**
**Swimming Opportunities Return to the Seine as Water Quality Improves**
**Paris opens designated swimming areas in the Seine for the first time in over a century following successful pollution clean-up efforts.**
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On Saturday, I took a dip in the Seine River, experiencing its revitalized waters just steps away from the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Surrounding me were the historic homes of Île Saint-Louis, and an enthusiastic crowd enjoying the water. "What a joy. What a joy,” exclaimed 76-year-old Martine Laupin, as she swam nearby, filled with the magic of being able to swim in such an iconic location once again.
Swimming in the Seine had been outlawed since 1923 due to navigation concerns and pollution. However, the French government pledged to clean the river, resulting in the opening of three official swimming zones in Paris, with an additional two areas introduced in the nearby Marne River on the same day.
The experiences in the water were delightful; the water was warm and inviting, flowing gently beneath the orange buoys that marked the safe areas for swimming. A bright green flag stood nearby, indicating that water quality tests confirmed safety for swimmers, taken just hours prior.
This initiative marks a historic turnaround for the Seine, allowing both locals and visitors to enjoy a unique swimming experience in the heart of the city.
On Saturday, I took a dip in the Seine River, experiencing its revitalized waters just steps away from the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Surrounding me were the historic homes of Île Saint-Louis, and an enthusiastic crowd enjoying the water. "What a joy. What a joy,” exclaimed 76-year-old Martine Laupin, as she swam nearby, filled with the magic of being able to swim in such an iconic location once again.
Swimming in the Seine had been outlawed since 1923 due to navigation concerns and pollution. However, the French government pledged to clean the river, resulting in the opening of three official swimming zones in Paris, with an additional two areas introduced in the nearby Marne River on the same day.
The experiences in the water were delightful; the water was warm and inviting, flowing gently beneath the orange buoys that marked the safe areas for swimming. A bright green flag stood nearby, indicating that water quality tests confirmed safety for swimmers, taken just hours prior.
This initiative marks a historic turnaround for the Seine, allowing both locals and visitors to enjoy a unique swimming experience in the heart of the city.
