After a century-long ban due to pollution, swimming in Paris's River Seine is now permitted in designated zones, thanks to extensive cleanup efforts linked to the 2024 Olympics. Cheering crowds watched the first swimmers,

Paris opens up free urban 'beaches' for those people who haven't fled the city for the actual seaside - from themes to opening times and swimming opportunities, here's what to expect this year.

Three sites will be able to welcome over 1,000 swimmers daily until August 31, local officials said, to the delight of the Parisians and visitors who were among the first to take the plunge.