Paris Swimmers Race in Seine River After 80 Years
Hundreds of swimmers dove into Paris's Seine River for the first major race in nearly 80 years, thanks to a massive cleanup effort. Competitors swam past the Eiffel Tower and other iconic landmarks while crowds cheered from the riverbanks.
For the first time in eight decades, swimmers are diving into the Seine River for a real competition, racing past some of Paris's most famous landmarks.
The Open Swim Harmonie Mutuelle drew hundreds of participants who plunged into the water near the Eiffel Tower on Sunday. Competitors chose between three distances: a flagship 8.5-kilometer route, plus shorter one and two-kilometer swims.
The longest course stretched from the Bibliothèque nationale de France to Quai de Grenelle, giving swimmers a unique tour of the French capital. Crowds lined the riverbanks to cheer as athletes made their way downstream, many crossing the finish line with arms raised in triumph.
The race marks a stunning comeback for a river that was too polluted to swim in for generations. Co-organizer and Olympic medallist Stéphane Caron says the Seine's water quality now meets exceptionally high standards, making it safe for open-water swimming in the heart of the city.
The event has an inspiring origin story. Caron and a group of former French swimmers created it in 2012, initially holding races in the nearby Canal de l'Ourcq. For 11 years, insurer Harmonie Mutuelle has supported their vision of bringing swimming back to the Seine.
The Ripple Effect
This race represents more than just athletic achievement. It shows what's possible when cities commit to cleaning up their waterways and reconnecting people with nature.
The success of the Seine cleanup could inspire other major cities to tackle their own polluted rivers. Imagine swimmers racing through London's Thames, New York's Hudson, or Rome's Tiber, all because Paris showed it could be done.
The weekend featured additional races in the Canal de l'Ourcq, with 500-meter and five-kilometer events on Saturday. Together, these competitions celebrate not just athletic ability but also environmental progress and urban renewal.
After decades of being told the Seine was too dirty to touch, Parisians can now swim through their city's historic heart.
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Based on reporting by Euronews
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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