The city of Paris has opened three swim spots along the Seine River, allowing Parisians and tourists to take a refreshing plunge in the water. The seasonal opening has been timed to mark 250 years of Franco-American friendship and comes as the city experiences a heatwave.

History of the Seine River

The Seine River has a long and complicated history with swimming. In the 17th century, Parisians would swim in the river, but this practice was eventually banned due to public decency concerns. The ban was lifted in the 18th century, and floating baths were introduced, allowing people to swim in the river while still maintaining some level of modesty.

By the 19th century, swimming in the Seine had become a popular social and sporting event. Wealthy establishments along the river offered swimming lessons, restaurants, and cafes. However, the river’s golden age began to fade in the early 20th century due to a series of drownings and accidents, leading to a total ban on swimming in 1923.

The ban remained in place for many years, and the river became heavily polluted. However, in recent years, the city has made a significant effort to clean up the river, investing over a billion euros in wastewater treatment and connecting thousands of riverside homes to the sewer network.

Today, the Seine River is a popular spot for swimming, with three distinct swim spots offering stunning views of the city. While the water may not be crystal clear, the experience of swimming in the Seine is unique and enjoyable.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.