Hundreds Dive into Seine for First River Race in 80 Years

Swimmers plunged into the Seine near the Eiffel Tower for the Open Swim Harmonie Mutuelle, marking the first major organized race on the river in almost eight decades. The event drew participants from across France and beyond, who navigated the historic waterway in a display of athleticism and camaraderie.

Organizers reported that the course ran from the Trocadéro to the Champ de Mars, covering a distance that tested endurance while showcasing the iconic Parisian skyline. The race was part of a broader initiative to revive river-based sporting events in the city, following a long period of limited use of the Seine for competitive swimming.

The successful completion of the Open Swim Harmonie Mutuelle has been hailed as a milestone for aquatic sports in Paris, suggesting a renewed interest in harnessing the Seine for future events and potentially encouraging further investment in river-based recreation.