Paris to open Seine for swimming this summer after century-long ban

Athletes compete in the swimming race in the Seine during the women's individual triathlon at the Paris Games on 31 July, 2024. AFP - JEFF PACHOUD

One year after the Seine took centre stage at the Paris Olympic Games, hosting open water swimming and triathlon events, public swimming is set to return to the river – for the first time in more than a century.

Fulfilling a key legacy promise from the Games, the Paris authorities are to allow the public to swim in the Seine from 5 July at three points in the river, which is now deemed safe for a dip.