PARIS — Hundreds of swimmers took part in an organised open-water race on the Seine River this weekend, marking a major public swimming event in central Paris as authorities continue efforts to expand access to the waterway after decades of restrictions.
The Open Swim Harmonie Mutuelle Paris, held on July 11 and 12, brought competitors into the Seine and nearby waterways for a series of races, including a long-distance route through the capital. Organisers said the event included courses ranging from shorter amateur distances to an 8.5-kilometre swim crossing Paris from the Bibliothèque nationale de France area to Quai de Grenelle.
The race took place as Paris continues a broader programme to reopen parts of the Seine for recreational swimming. The City of Paris has authorised designated swimming areas along the river during the summer season, with supervised sites operating from July through August.
The return of organised swimming events on the Seine follows years of investment in water-quality improvements, including projects linked to preparations for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Paris authorities have said infrastructure upgrades and monitoring systems have improved conditions, allowing controlled public access at selected locations.
The Seine had long been closed to recreational swimming because of concerns over pollution and navigation safety. The reopening of supervised swimming areas has required measures including water testing, safety controls and restrictions designed to separate swimmers from river traffic.
Organisers and local officials have presented the event as part of a wider effort to restore swimming traditions in the river. The Open Swim event was described by organisers as a return of competitive swimming in the Seine after a long absence, with previous editions held in other Paris waterways.
Officials have continued to monitor environmental conditions as more people enter the river. The City of Paris has maintained that swimming is permitted only in approved areas with safety arrangements in place.
The latest edition concluded without organisers reporting any major disruptions, and scheduled public swimming areas remained open as part of Paris’ summer programme.
