Parisians flocked to the 19th arrondissement on Sunday afternoon to enjoy the one-off opportunity to swim in the Bassin de la Villette, which connects the Canal de l'Ourcq with the Canal Saint-Martin. And it really was a one-off, as swimming there has been forbidden since 1923 and comes with the risk of a €38 fine. By around 3pm, the Parisians took the plunge after reports that the waterway would be temporarily opened to the public. Police kept close by, ensuring that swimmers didn't jump off the bridges, though many took the leap of faith anyway. with a splash at #LaFluctuat: Swim authorized-unauthorized (french way;) spot at Bassin de La Villette.

Source: The Local August 29, 2016 08:48 UTC