Search
shop

Swimming to return to the Seine for the first time in a century ahead of Paris 2024

Paris Olympic Games gets a boost as River Seine set to reopen to bathers.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

With the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris a little over a year away, the French capital is putting the finishing touches on a significant clean-up process of the River Seine which will see swimmers and divers return to its waters.

Since 1923, when the authorities banned swimming in the river, the Seine has struggled with pollution that is common in most major bodies of water flowing through urban populations. However, since the start of the millennium, conditions have improved enough to now allow bathers back in the river.

As both the men and women’s individual races at next year’s Olympic Games, plus the mixed team relay and the Paratriathlon races take place in the Seine, the news is a great indicator that everything will run smoothly this time next year in Paris.

Advertisement

Building the legacy

Whilst the Olympic Games are often heralded for their amazing sporting feats and battles during the competition, it is the legacy that they leave behind, be it an impression on the younger generation or a boost to the economy, which is normally of bigger benefit to the host city.

Cassandre Beaugrand wins WTCS Hamburg 2023 photo credit: World Triathlon
Cassandre Beaugrand and co will compete in the Seine in 2024 [Photo credit: World Triathlon]

The project to clean up the Seine is set to be one of the biggest legacies of these Games, with £1.2bn spent on the regeneration project which aims to bring bathers back to the banks of the Seine in the future.

There are plans to make accessible three open-air swimming areas on the quayside in 2025, with three more spots set to be open for public bathing in the centre of Paris as well as the eastern and western ends of the city from the summer after the Olympics.

With triathlon and paratriathlon set to be one of the events that shows off the revitalised river next summer, Parisians will hopefully be left with an impression of not just how exciting the sport is, but also of how important it is to maintain the venues in which these competitions can be held.

Next month, Olympic hopefuls will head to the French capital to participate in the Olympic Test Event, which will be held on the same course as next year’s Olympic Games around the Pont Alexandre III.

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Kat Matthews IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand 2024
IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea: Date, start time, who’s racing and how to watch live
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth run 2023 photo credit Challenge Roth
Laura Siddall signs off amazing pro career in fitting place at beloved Challenge Roth
Kristian Blummenfelt wins 703 Aix en Provence 2025
Triathlon rival accepts superstar Kristian Blummenfelt’s challenge with cheeky Insta message
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping line lunge 2025
New European Champion Caroline Pohle suffered ‘hate on social media’ after protest upheld
Alex Yee thumbs up Paris Olympics 2024 photo credit world triathlon
Superstar Brit Alex Yee launches his own triathlon to inspire next generation into the sport
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...