Paris extends Seine swim season as turnout nears 100,000

Paris: Nearly 100,000 people have taken a dip at three River Seine bathing sites in Paris since their July opening, with authorities extending the swi...

Paris: Nearly 100,000 people have taken a dip at three River Seine bathing sites in Paris since their July opening, with authorities extending the swimming season, the city's mayor said on Wednesday.

The Seine reopened to swimmers last month, marking the first time since 1923 that bathers could take the plunge in the waterway following a years-long clean-up effort.

The sites were scheduled to close at the end of August but Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said two would remain open longer to meet strong public demand.

"Nearly 100,000 swimmers have already enjoyed swimming in the Seine this summer, and in light of this exceptional success, I have decided to extend the opening", said Hidalgo on the social media platform Bluesky.

One site just steps away from the Eiffel Tower will remain open until September 7, and the largest bathing area, located in the city's Bercy neighbourhood, will welcome swimmers until September 14, the mayor said.