Paris opens Seine to swimmers

The French capital Paris has reopened three swimming spots on the Seine River to the public, coinciding with the start of a new heatwave, continuing a historic return of public swimming in the river after a ban lasting more than a century.

Paris city hall said on Saturday that the three swimming spots will remain open to the public until August 30.

The spots are located in prominent areas of the French capital, one near the Eiffel Tower, the second near Notre Dame Cathedral, and the third near the National Library.

These spots were first opened last summer, marking the return of public swimming to the Seine River for the first time in over a century, attracting about 100,000 people during the inaugural season.

Authorities officially banned swimming in the Seine since 1923, before investments totaling about 1.4 billion euros, equivalent to 1.6 billion dollars, paved the way for its return.

The investments included upgrading wastewater treatment plants and drainage networks, as part of long-term efforts to improve the river's water quality and make it available for swimming again.

Seine River Eiffel Tower Notre Dame Cathedral