Even before 8:00 a.m. (9:00 a.m. Latvian time), when the swimming areas were scheduled to open, several dozen people gathered, eager to dive into the waters of the Seine, while lifeguards watched them intently.

The annual opening of the swimming season is considered a legacy left by the 2024 Paris Olympics, when swimmers and triathletes were allowed to compete in the waters of the Seine, which were specially cleaned beforehand.

The swimming areas, designed for 150 to 300 people, are equipped with changing cabins, showers and beach furniture.

The promise to lift the swimming ban was made back in 1988 by the then mayor of Paris and later French president Jacques Chirac.

"Elle est hyper chaude !"

Les premiers nageurs inaugurent la baignade dans la Seine à Paris

— BFMTV (@BFMTV) July 5, 2025