Paris Makes Seine Swimmable After Century-Long Cleanup

Paris has made the Seine swimmable for the first time in a century, allowing residents and tourists to swim in the river for the second consecutive year. The transformation is part of a multi-billion-euro cleanup project involving daily water quality monitoring, new wastewater treatment infrastructure, and the legacy of the 2024 Olympic Games, which used the Seine for open-water events. The initiative aims to improve urban livability, public health, and environmental sustainability. City officials have invested heavily in reducing bacterial contamination from sewage and stormwater runoff. The project is a flagship example of urban river restoration in a major global capital.

Global Impact

Economically, the Seine cleanup represents a multi-billion-euro public works investment with long-term returns in tourism, property values, and public health savings. Politically, it strengthens Paris's image as a green city and may inspire similar urban river restoration projects worldwide, particularly in cities hosting major events.