France: hundreds dive into the Seine for Paris’ first river race in 80 years

No Comment Video. France: hundreds dive into the Seine for Paris’ first river race in 80 years Copy/paste the link below: Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Updated: 12/07/2026 - 20:55 GMT+2 Swimmers plunged into the Seine near the Eiffel Tower for the Open Swim Harmonie Mutuelle, the first major organised race on the river in nearly 80 years. Footage filmed in Paris on Sunday 12 July 2026 shows hundreds of swimmers diving into the Seine near the Eiffel Tower before making their way past some of the French capital's most iconic landmarks. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT As competitors made their way downstream, crowds gathered along the riverbanks to cheer them on. At the finish, many crossed the line with their arms raised before collecting their medals after completing the open-water race in the heart of the city. The Open Swim Harmonie Mutuelle marked the first organised swimming competition in the Seine in almost 80 years. Its flagship 8.5-kilometre route stretched from the Bibliothèque nationale de France to Quai de Grenelle, alongside shorter one and two-kilometre events. Co-organiser and Olympic medallist Stéphane Caron said the river's water quality now meets exceptionally high standards. Created in 2012 by a group of former French swimmers, including Caron, the event has been supported by insurer Harmonie Mutuelle for the past 11 years. Previous editions were held in the nearby Canal de l'Ourcq, where 500-metre and five-kilometre races took place on Saturday as part of the same weekend programme. France Paris river Swimming unusual Top stories Now playing Next France: hundreds dive into the Seine for Paris’ first river race in 80 years Now playing Next Jude Bellingham double sends jubilant England into World Cup semis Now playing Next Argentina fans erupt as Messi's men reach World Cup semifinal Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | July 12th, 2026 – Evening Now playing Next Haaland look-alike contest draws fans in Miami Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | July 12th, 2026 – Midday Now playing Next US Senator Lindsey Graham dies after 'brief and sudden illness' Now playing Next Trump threatens to 'decimate' Iran, a day after saying talks back on Now playing Next Ukrainian drones hit southern Russian refineries and Azov port Now playing Next After oat milk, Europe turns to pea milk: the Greek scientist leading the way Now playing Next This Croatian island has a centuries-old way to beat the summer heat Now playing Next How NATO leaders reacted to Erdoğan's elaborate firearm gift Now playing Next 'Coalition of the Willing' leaders to meet in Paris ahead of Bastille Day parade Now playing Next Evacuees allowed to return home after deadly Spain wildfire stabilises Now playing Next From space rovers to hunger maps: How AI is reshaping humanitarian aid Now playing Next Ex-Spanish PM Rajoy: French World Cup team is playing 'without Frenchmen' ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT No Comment War in Ukraine: Kyiv hit by Russian ballistic missiles and drone swarm, 10 injured No Comment Spain fans celebrate World Cup semi-final place after Belgium win No Comment Spain: Nine injured in fourth San Fermín bull run in Pamplona No Comment Spain wildfire near Almeria kills 11 and sparks major evacuations Qatar Former Qatar ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies aged 74 Qatar Iran attacks Gulf states to impose its Hormuz battle lines Europe News Moldova's president nominates pro-European businessman Vasile Tofan for prime minister Sport South Africa World Cup footballer Jayden Adams dies aged 25 Europe News Eiffel Tower and other Paris landmarks to close early as another heatwave sweeps France Tech News Apple sues OpenAI over alleged theft of trade secrets - here's what to know USA Trump threatens to 'completely decimate' Iran, a day after claiming talks to take place Europe News Russian missile strikes on Kyiv injure at least 11 ADVERTISEMENT Lifestyle Famed Belgian fashion designer Martin Margiela auctions off personal archives Sport Spain score late winner to beat Belgium and set up clash with France Health news After oat milk, Europe turns to pea milk: the Greek scientist leading the way World News Japanese school teaches children how to stay safe around wild bears Europe News Ukrainian drone strikes hit southern Russian refineries and Azov port, officials say World News China achieves first-ever controlled rocket booster recovery The Europe Conversation Exclusive: ‘More grids, more electricity, less fossil fuels,’ energy leaders tell Euronews Europe News French government activates new 'extreme heat' Orsec plan as temperatures rise ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT