Sèvres is planning a bathing area in the Seine: a summer dream comes true!

Sèvres is planning a bathing area in the Seine: a summer dream comes true!

Plans for a new bathing area in the Seine are taking shape and are causing excitement in the Sèvres region. Mayor Grégoire de la Roncière has launched an ambitious project to create a bathing area at the level of the Île de Monsieur by 2028. This project is based on the recent successes in Paris, where swimming in the river was allowed again on July 5, 2023 after over 100 years. sortiraparis.com reports that the project is intended to further improve water quality and establish Sèvres as a potential site for a permanent Seine bath.

The example of the Parisian bathing areas, which have been open in various locations along the Seine since summer 2025, serves as inspiration for Sèvres. Significant investments were made there to ensure the quality of the water and also to ensure the safety of bathers. Mayor Anne Hidalgo attended the inauguration, but swimming remains prohibited in unsupervised areas. At the new bathing areas, located opposite the Ministry of Finance and near the Eiffel Tower, the number of visitors will be limited and the water quality will be constantly monitored. taz.de emphasizes that these measures not only serve the well-being of bathers, but are also a sign of the reclaiming of water as a living space in Paris.

From vision to reality

However, there are still a few hurdles to overcome to make the swimming pool in Sèvres possible. Comprehensive monitoring of water quality and approval from the health authority ARS play a central role. Conclusive sampling in three consecutive summers will be a requirement for approval. The Hauts-de-Seine department will finance the project, although no final commitment has been made yet. rainews.it reports that comparable projects are included in the department's 2030 Agenda were recorded, which underlines the ambitions.

The Île de Monsieur is known not only for its planned swimming opportunities, but also for its vibrant water sports community. The converted park attracts rowing, sailing and canoeing clubs, and residents regularly use the idyllic location for water sports. In the context of climate change, the project becomes even more important, as it is intended to offer citizens a welcome means of cooling off during heat waves.

A cultural-historical comeback

Swimming in the Seine has a special place in the historiography of Paris. Swimming had been banned since 1923 due to concerns about water hygiene and shipping traffic. Although the city has offered unorthodox bathing opportunities over the years, such as the “Paris Plage,” the official permission granted in 2023 was a real game-changer. From a historical perspective, this is not only a practical step, but also symbolizes a return to the city's roots and reconciliation with the river that has shaped it over the centuries.

Finally, the project in Sèvres is also supported by partners such as the Agence de l’eau Seine-Normandie. In order to realize the vision of a lively bathing area with high water quality, several years of studies, investments and harmonious cooperation between all users are required. It will be exciting to see how this project will take shape in the coming years.