A first in France after 102 years

The Seine River, one of the symbols of the French capital Paris, has been opened for public use for the first time in 102 years.

Special areas created at 3 different locations—near the famous Eiffel Tower, near the Notre Dame Cathedral, and in the east of Paris—were opened for swimming at 08:00 local time.

The French flocked to the river, which has been opened for swimming for the first time since 1923.

It was stated that some of the swimming spots will be open between 08:00-11:00, and others between 13:00-17:00.

Swimming in the Seine River had been banned for 102 years due to water pollution levels that could make people ill.

More than 1.4 billion euros were invested to clean the Seine River ahead of the Olympics held last summer.

However, despite all efforts, the water quality of the Seine River could not be improved before the Paris Olympics.