After a century, the bathroom on the Seine River He returned to Paris, marking a new era for the city and its inhabitants. The first organized beaches, created in central parts of the French capital, offer Parisians and visitors a unique experience, reviving a favorite tradition that had disappeared for decades.

Urban Reconstruction and Olympic Games: Returning to Water

In 2017 the first attempt to freely swim in the Vilet channel as part of a large project biological cleaning and urban regeneration. But the big test came with their 2024 Olympicswhen swimmers from all over the world fought in the Seine’s waters, set aside the initial reservations about water quality.

Today, three fully organized beaches were inaugurated in the city milestones-one very close to the Eiffel Tower, one in its shadow Notr and another one in central point. Facilities have cabins, lifeguard and sufficient space for sunbathing, while access remains free for everyone.

Seine experience: joy and reservations

Much of the public enthusiastically welcomed the opportunity to swim in open waters, without the restrictions in the specially designed Vilet basin seven years ago. * “It’s great, the waters are warm and we have a view to the Eiffel Tower”* Yulianne says from Munich. * “There may be some bacteria, but once constant measurements are made, the situation cannot be so dramatic …”* He adds.

Greta from Frankfurt notes that the bathroom is already widespread in Germany, comparing the Izar River in Munich. While a Parisian retired, Veronik recalls that according to the Olympics there were concerns about water quality, but stresses that “water is now clean” *.

Climate challenge for Paris

The return of swimming in the city center emerged thanks to Investments of more than one billion euro to improve the quality of water. The mayor Ann Indalgo, during the recent inauguration, underlined the need for the city’s preparation for even higher temperatures in the future in view of the climate crisis.

Already this year, the Parisians have experienced a strong heat wave with temperatures that reached 38 degrees Celsius, while expert estimates even speak of even about 50 degrees In some summers in the future. The city’s new bet is not only the quality of life but also the resistance to climate challenges.

Curated by: Yiannis Papadimitriou