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Paris makes a splash as the River Seine reopens for swimmers

Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
Summer has arrived and you can now take a dip in the iconic River Seine for the first time in a century.

The famous River Seine in Paris is once again open to swimmers as of July 5th, for the first time in a century. A billion-euro clean-up effort made the river safe enough for Olympic events last year, and it is now swimmable for Parisians and visitors alike.

As part of Paris Plages – a popular annual event in Paris designed to offer city residents and visitors a seaside escape without leaving the city – three free swimming zones have been opened: one near Notre Dame, one by the Eiffel Tower, and one in eastern Paris, each accommodating between 150 and 300 swimmers.

River Seine, Paris
People relaxing by the iconic River Seine. (Credit: Unsplash/Jim Tran)

Swimming in the Seine had been illegal since 1923, and swimming options in Paris are limited, with most people relying on public pools. President Emmanuel Macron shared his enthusiasm for the project on X, about the opening of swimming spots, saying, “One of my predecessors, then Mayor of Paris, dreamed of a Seine where everyone could swim. Tomorrow, his promise will be kept… It’s a legacy of the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games after 100 years of prohibition, a collective effort, a source of pride for the country… We did it." [Translated from French].

In the lead-up to the 2024 Paris Olympics, there were concerns about the safety of the Seine’s water for athletes competing in open-water swimming events. This was in part due to the Seine historically having issues with high levels of pollutants. Authorities have implemented several measures for these three swimming zones to ensure water safety and address lingering concerns. This includes daily water quality testing at the designated zones and weather-related closures. Environmental agencies reported bacterial counts were well within safe, regulated limits. Ongoing vigilance and adaptive management are essential to keeping swimmers safe. 

Each swimming zone features lifeguards, changing rooms, showers and beach-style furniture. The swimming areas will be open until August 31st.

Would you take a dip?

Locations

Baignade Bercy – 12th arrondissement

Baignade Grenelle – 15th arrondissement, near the Île aux Cygnes and the Eiffel Tower

Baignade bras Marie – Paris Centre, at the foot of the Pont de Sully, facing the Île Saint-Louis

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Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is a freelance travel journalist, editor and hotel addict based in the UK. She was formerly International Traveller's Evergreen Editor and was responsible for the foundational content ahead of its website relaunch, as well as managing and growing the brand’s destination guides. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to creating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love and Bed Threads. Next on her travel wish list is Malta.
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What the European heatwave means for your summer travel plans

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
    Continue
    Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK. 

    Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

    And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

    Why is it so hot in Europe?

    Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

    France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

    In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

    The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

    Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

    How travel is impacted

    A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius
    A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

    During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

    If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

    Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

    people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris
    People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

    With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

    Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

    How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

    Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

    Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

    Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.