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. This is the second summer in a row that the river has been open for swimming, and it’s a major milestone in the city’s efforts to clean up the river.
A Complicated History
The Seine River has a long and complicated history with swimming. In the 17th century, swimming in the river was a casual, nude practice that was eventually banned in 1716 due to public decency concerns. However, the ban didn’t last long, and by the 18th century, floating baths had become a popular way for people to cool off in the summer.
By the 19th century, swimming in the Seine had become a major social and sporting event, with wealthier establishments along the banks offering restaurants, cafes, and swimming lessons. However, the river’s golden age began to fade around the turn of the 20th century, and a wave of drownings and river-traffic accidents led to a total ban on swimming in 1923.
A New Era for the Seine
Fast forward to the present day, and the Seine River is once again open for swimming. The city has invested over a billion euros in a major cleanup effort, which included the construction of a massive underground basin to hold excess stormwater and prevent it from flowing into the river. The effort has paid off, and the river is now safe for swimming.
The three swim spots along the river offer a unique and refreshing way to experience the city. At Bras Marie, bathers can enjoy a quintessential Parisian view of the old city, while at Grenelle, they can swim with direct views of the Eiffel Tower. The largest of the three sites, Bercy, offers a 67-meter pool and is perfect for those looking for a real workout.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
