The River Seine

After more than a century, swimmers are once again allowed to bathe in the River Seine, which was officially reopened for public use on Saturday, after a long ban since 1923. This move is part of France's larger effort to improve water quality and provide better public access to natural spaces within the urban setting of Paris.

Key Facts About the River Seine

The Seine River is an iconic waterway that runs through the heart of France, and its reopening for public bathing marks an important milestone in the country’s commitment to improving water quality and enhancing public access to natural resources.

1. General Information:

• Length: The Seine is the second-longest river in France after the Loire, stretching over 775 kilometers.

• Drainage Basin: The river's drainage basin, known as the Paris Basin, covers an area of about 79,000 sq. km, mainly draining the northern parts of France.

2. Geography and Course:

• Source: The Seine rises 446 meters above sea level in the Burgundy region, near the town of Dijon, in eastern France.

• Course:

  • As it flows westward toward Paris, it is joined by the Marne River, one of its largest tributaries, on the right bank.

  • The river passes through Paris for about 13 kilometers, traversing the heart of the French capital from west to east.

  • It then flows further west toward Rouen and eventually empties into the English Channel, specifically through its estuary at Honfleur and Le Havre.

Sections of the River Seine:

1. Small Seine (Petite Seine): From its source in Burgundy to Montereau-Fault-Yonne.

2. Upper Seine (Haute Seine): From Montereau-Fault-Yonne to Paris.

3. Paris Waterway (Traversée de Paris): The section flowing through Paris.

4. Lower Seine (Basse Seine): From Paris to Rouen.

5. Maritime Seine (Seine-Maritime): From Rouen to its mouth at the English Channel, passing through Honfleur and Le Havre.

Environmental Characteristics:

• Permeable Rocks: The river basin is primarily made of permeable rocks, which helps mitigate the risk of flooding by absorbing excess water.

• Precipitation: The basin receives modest annual precipitation, ranging from 650 to 750 millimeters.

• Agricultural Significance: About 62% of the river basin is used for agriculture, contributing to around 25% of France's agricultural activity. The basin is also home to 25-30% of France's industrial activity.

• Waterway Traffic: The Seine serves as a major inland waterway, carrying a significant portion of French waterway traffic.

Conclusion:

The reopening of the Seine River for public bathing is a significant achievement that showcases France’s commitment to improving its water resources and enhancing the urban environment. It provides a new recreational avenue for the public while reinforcing the need for continued investment in water quality management, ecological sustainability, and urban resilience.