In addition to the three bathing areas in Paris, another 20 places will also be available in the capital, as in the past. Until the 1970s, bathing was permitted in the Parisian suburbs.
At the beginning of the 20th century, these places provided leisure for the working classes, with sandy beaches and popular festivals.
In Champigny, the “beach” on the banks of the River Marne had “a gentle slope, where children could stand”, recalls 74-year-old Michel Riousset.
But over time, the relationship with the river changed, summarizes the mayor of Ris-Orangis, Stéphane Raffalli, noting that some of his neighbors had never walked along the banks of the Seine.
His city has been wanting to reactivate the old river pool built around 1930 for years and hopes to reopen it by 2025. “From a health point of view, there are no risks”, he guarantees.
Climate change has revived interest. Political authorities emphasize that the climate in Paris in some years could resemble that of Seville, with temperatures of up to 50º C.
Some people don’t hesitate to bathe in the Seine. Josué Remoué does this on this river three times a month between May and October, when the water is not too cold, nor the current too strong.
“I’ve never been sick,” says this 52-year-old civil servant, stating that the water “is worse on the coast”, which means he doesn’t dive in this area.
But a series of safety rules are imposed: wear a brightly colored hat and floaty, don’t swim alone and prefer Sundays or afternoons to avoid boats.
