The River Seine has officially reopened to the public for swimming for the first time since 1923, marking a major milestone for the French capital.
At 8.00am local time on Saturday, 19 July, dozens of swimmers gathered along the banks of the iconic Parisian river and entered the water as part of the historic reopening.
The monumental event comes after decades of efforts to clean up the Seine, which had been off-limits to swimmers for over 100 years due to pollution and safety concerns.
However, more than £1.2bn was invested into cleaning up the river ahead of last year's Olympic Games, during which open-water swimming and triathlon events were held.
Swimming in the Seine was banned in 1923 due to high levels of pollution and the risk of accidents caused by heavy boat traffic.
Over the years, multiple plans were put forward to reverse the ban, including a proposal in 1988 by then-mayor and future French president Jacques Chirac who promised Parisians that they would one day swim in the river. Now, it's been fulfilled.
Authorities say the water is now safe for public use, with daily testing of bacteria levels and several lifeguard stations at all swimming zones.
Speaking to EuroNews, Marc Guillaume, the prefect for the Paris' Ile-de-France region said: 'The water quality is exceptional.'
There are three designated swimming sites along the river: one near the Eiffel Tower, one close to Notre Dame Cathedral, and one in eastern Paris.
Each location includes changing rooms, showers, and beach-style seating areas, accommodating up to 300 people.
The swimming areas will be open until 31 August, and access is free during scheduled hours.
Entry is allowed for individuals ages 10 or 14 and up, depending on the location.
All swimmers must demonstrate basic swimming ability, wear provided flotation rings, and children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Access is granted on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations required.
Meanwhile, MailOnline Travel has shared 10 hidden gems to take holidaymakers off the tourist trail in Paris - from an unmissable viaduct 'park' to a secret vineyard.
There are three designated swimming sites along the river: one near the Eiffel Tower, one close to Notre Dame Cathedral, and one in eastern Paris.
The swimming areas will be open until 31 August, and access is free during scheduled hours.
Authorities say the water is now safe for public use, with daily testing of bacteria levels and several lifeguard stations at all swimming zones.
Around 50 million tourists flock to France's capital every year, with crowds heading straight for the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Notre-Dame.
After Parisians fled the city last summer during the Olympics, many locals hoped it would quieten down after the games were over.
But TikTok tourists and programmes like Netflix's Emily in Paris have only made the capital more popular with foreign tourists, which has increased prices in cafés and restaurants and resulted in ridiculously long lines for popular museums and cathedrals.
You can avoid being a clichéd tourist, and the queues, by going to these ten hidden gems scouted by MailOnline and recommended by real Parisians.