The Revival of Swimming in the Seine: A Parisian Dream

The Olympic Games in Paris have sparked immense enthusiasm, particularly regarding the ambitious cleanup initiative for the Seine River. This iconic waterway will serve as the backdrop for thrilling triathlon and swimming events. Building on this momentum, Mayor Anne Hidalgo has exciting plans to unveil three public swimming areas along the Seine by the upcoming summer. This initiative is part of a broader trend, with similar projects already underway in cities like Boston, London, and Amsterdam.

These initiatives aim to develop what is known as “blue infrastructure.” This concept is essential for enhancing urban environments, as it contributes to cooling cities, fostering biodiversity, and elevating the overall quality of life for residents. However, Paris is not the only European city embracing this idea. Here are six cities that have successfully transformed their waterways into inviting swimming destinations:

• Paris
  Experience the unique charm of floating swimming pools filled with carefully filtered canal water.
  The Bassin de la Villette, a vast artificial lake located in the northeastern part of Paris, now boasts freshwater pools that attract locals and tourists alike. Many Parisians fondly recall the days when the banks of the Seine were adorned with floating swimming pools, offering stunning views of historic landmarks like the Pont Neuf and the National Assembly. One of the earliest examples was the Piscine Deligny, constructed on a floating barge in the Seine in the late 1700s, which sadly sank in 1993.