Parisians and tourists will have the opportunity to swim in the river Seine starting on Saturday, after French authorities lifted a ban that stood for over a century.
Three outdoor pools have been set up by Paris authorities: one opposite L’île aux Cygnes (Swan Island) near the Eiffel Tower, one near Notre-Dame Cathedral, and one opposite the Bibliothèque nationale de France.
The pools feature changing rooms and showers, will be supervised by lifeguards and offer space for sunbathing, according to a statement from the city.
Open throughout the summer, they are accessible free of charge up to capacity but only to people able to swim.
Water quality will be continuously monitored, as swimmers will be plunging directly into river water, the statement said. As the water is quite shallow, people will not be allowed to dive in.
A woman sits on the Seine river banks during a heatwave on Tuesday. Photo: AP
“Everyone should be able to swim in the Seine starting this summer,” said French Sports Minister Marie Barsacq when the move was announced in May.