Facts About The Seine River
Facts About Seine River
A trip to France would not be complete without a visit to the beautiful city of Paris. One of the most enjoyable ways to experience the city is by taking a Bateaux parisiens river cruise along the Seine River. Embark on a leisurely tour down the river to visit the most famous landmarks in the “City of Lights.”
Choose your preferred time of day to see the city in its morning glory or to witness its vibrant night lights. As you cruise along, listen to the local guide to learn about all the landmarks you will visit.
To help you make a more informed decision about visiting the Seine River, below is a list of its most famous attractions.
The Seine River is beautiful on its own, but its experience becomes even more remarkable amidst the large, lush gardens on its banks. You can visit the 10 hectares of Parc Rives de Seine for a refreshing break or enjoy the sports facilities.
Two banks of the Seine are known as La Rive Gauche (the Left Bank) and La Rive Droite (the Right Bank). Both of these banks are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and they each offer their unique version of the Parisian experience.
Rive Gauche (Left Bank)
Rive Gauche (Left Bank): The Left Bank has long been associated with artists, intellectuals, and café culture. Figures such as Hemingway, Picasso, and Matisse once called the La Rive Gauche their home and it is the perfect place to wander and observe Parisian life. Enjoy a traditional hot chocolate at Le Deux Magots, explore the winding alleys of the Latin Quarter, or browse the bouquinistes (booksellers) set up along the river.
Rive Droite (Right Bank)
On one hand, the Left Bank has traditionally been associated with artistic expression, and on the other, the Right Bank of the Seine has always had stronger ties to business and trade. La Rive Droite was traditionally the wealthier side of the Seine, but this is not entirely true in modern times. This side of the Seine also claims many of Paris’ most striking attractions, including the Louvre Museum and Arc de Triomphe.
Bouquinistes
As you walk along the Seine, one of the unique and charming features you’ll encounter as you are the independent booksellers (bouquinistes) selling old books, collectables from green metal boxes, and magazines. Browsing the bouquinistes along both sides of the Seine is a quintessential Parisian experience. They are even a great source of interesting souvenirs and gifts to take home with you after your trip.
Popular Bridges
The Seine River in Paris is crossed by over a dozen bridges connecting the Left and Right banks. Each bridge has its unique history and features, but some stand out more than others.
- The Pont Neuf is the oldest bridge across the Seine, built under the guidance of King Henry III, it opened in 1607 and it is known for its striking stone arches.
- The Pont Alexandre III is considered by many to be the most beautiful and grand bridge in Paris, completed in 1900, it is a Beaux-Arts bridge known for its fancy lights and ornate sculptures at each end. It was named after Tsar Alexander III to celebrate Franco-Russian relations.
- The Pont des Arts, also known as the “Love Lock Bridge”, is a pedestrian pathway connecting the Left Bank to the Louvre Museum on the Right Bank. The locks had to be removed due to their weight and have been replaced by art panels.