With immense excitement, Paris has reopened its Seine River for swimming after a ban lasting nearly a century. Set against a backdrop of the iconic Eiffel Tower, the river now features three designated swimming spots, allowing residents and tourists alike to enjoy a refreshing dip in the clean waters.

The ban on swimming was lifted as part of France's commitment to revitalizing the river for the upcoming Olympics. Just this past weekend, I experienced the serene pleasure of swimming in the Seine, surrounded by friendly faces and laughter as delighted swimmers embraced the moment.

A vibrant 76-year-old swimmer nearby, Martine Laupin, exclaimed, “What a joy! This is Paris. Imagine!” After decades of pollution concerns, the Seine has transformed into a cleaner, greener waterway, and swimmers were thrilled about the new opportunities.

As I swam, a gentle current flowed, guided by orange buoys marking the swim zone, while a green flag indicated the water quality was tested and cleared just hours prior. This marks a significant milestone not only for Parisians but for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of the French capital from the water.