Paris reopened three free swimming zones staffed by lifeguards along the Seine River on July 4, 2026, using facilities originally created for the 2024 Olympics [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The zones are located at Bercy to the east near the finance ministry, Grenelle to the west, and Bras Marie in the city center [2, 3, 4, 5, 6].

Swimming in the Seine was banned for nearly a century until the ban was lifted for the 2024 Olympics, marking a major shift in the river's recreational use [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Each summer these areas open with lifeguards wearing fluorescent T-shirts. Swimmers must use yellow flotation devices due to the Seine’s strong currents [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].

Nearly 100,000 visitors swam in these zones last year. They will remain open through the end of August 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The reopenings come amid a record-breaking heatwave that struck Paris and much of Europe in late June, with temperatures soaring above 40°C [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The lack of widespread air conditioning in Parisian homes has made swimming a popular way for locals to cool off [2, 3, 4, 5, 6].

Water quality in the Seine is tested multiple times daily and indicated by colored flags—green, orange, and red—to inform swimmers of the safety conditions [2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. While some swimmers initially expressed fear about entering the river, municipal tests have reassured many. Pierre Aboukrat said, "I was a bit scared, but they do tests every morning. Then I’m careful, I don’t swallow any water... It’s safe, so it’s fine" [3, 5].

Visitors include locals and tourists. American tourist Benjamin Doncan praised the experience, saying, "Look at this water, with the Eiffel Tower in the background... Honestly, can it get any more beautiful than this?" [2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Swimmers engage in activities like breaststroke swimming, chatting, sunbathing on the riverbank, and resting on flotation devices [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].

Lauriane Fiorentino described the zones as "better than the pool; it’s not quite the beach, but it gives you the feeling you’re already a little bit on holiday" [1, 5]. The city will keep these swimming areas open through August to accommodate demand as the heatwave continues [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].