Les Soeurs de Sirene de La Seine-Maritime

A short story (in English) to celebrate the extraordinary lives of two of the most remarkable swimmers in history.

In nineteenth century France the astounding Dalle twins, Anais and Collette - 'Les Soeurs de Sirene de la Seine-Maritime' (The Mermaid Sisters of the Seine Estuary) - became renowned for their unparalleled feats of swimming and diving.

Together and aged only fifteen they were the first to venture into the vast and dangerous salt-marshes where the river Seine empties into la Manche (the English Channel), bringing to the world the most expensive oysters ever served in a Parisian restaurant - 'L'Huitre des Soeurs Dalle' (the Dalle Sisters Oyster).

They were painted by a then unknown artist, Georges Seurat, and, for three years, were also the star act at the famous Grand Bain de Piscine Deligny (the 'floating' swimming pool), becoming the talk of Paris.

Theirs was a remarkable story, shamefully forgotten, yet resurrected here. "