SENA: MARGINS, ISLANDS, BRIDGES AND TOURS
Fundamental to the development of Paris, the River Seine, with its beautiful bridges and pleasant banks, is the authentic postcard of the city. Along its waters we can witness the history and progress of the capital.
The setting for several films, exhibitions, cultural and leisure activities, in addition to the stunning landscape, its surroundings are a charming place for tourists and residents, who regain it every day.
It wouldn't be too much to say that the River Seine (la Seine, for the French) is the heart of Paris. The attraction of the river over the city is so great that it influenced (and still does today) painters, poets, writers, lovers, residents and tourists for centuries.
The Seine is on the border of 10 of the 20 arrondissements and we can say that the city has evolved around this colossal artery for transport, commerce and all aspects of life in the capital. So much so that it is even used as a location: “Rive Gauche” (to the left of the river) and “Rive Droite” (to the right of the river), taking into account the direction of the current. The islands are central.
Its shores are home to some of the most beautiful places to stroll, do outdoor activities or rest. In summer, there's even a beach (artificial, but it's a beach. I guarantee it!). For those who can or want bank, several restaurants and even floating hotels are available. However, Paris is eclectic. For those who can't or want something simpler and cheaper, there is no shortage of places to enjoy the same view and pleasures with their own sandwiches, juices, cheeses and wines (picnics are very welcome).
History, geography and curiosities...
👉 The Seine is a 776 km French river that crosses the cities of Troyes, Paris, Rouen and Le Havre. Its source is at an altitude of 446m in the Côte-d'Or, on the Langres plateau, near Dijon, and empties into the English Channel, into the Atlantic Ocean.
👉 Joana D'arc had its ashes thrown into the River Seine, after being burned in 1431, in Rouen.
👉 Napoleon Bonaparte , who died in 1821, had a desire to be buried on the banks of the River Seine, which did not happen.
👉 From 1830 onwards, the development of the River Seine begins for the construction of dams and dams.
👉 The Seine fountain has been owned by the city of Paris since 1864.
👉 Us 1900 Olympic Games , the Sena hosted the oar , Swimming and Water Polo .
👉 Before 1923, when bathing in the Seine was prohibited, people bathed and swam in the river. It was also common to wash clothes and animals.
👉 In 1991 the banks of the river were classified as heritage of humanity by the UNESCO .
👉 There are several houseboats moored on the river. A risky but liberating lifestyle, say some supporters of this type of housing.
👉 The river has been, year after year, adapted to the daily life of Parisians, making the place more pleasant and democratic, which has been pleasing both locals and tourists.
👉 Currently, the stretch that crosses Paris includes 37 bridges.
tours
tours
Walking Tours - Only with small detours from the banks of the Seine, you can enjoy attractions, which are undoubtedly worth the trip.
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Shores, Islands, Bridges and Promenades
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ABOUT THE SEINE
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Friends for over 30 years, both systems analysts, we have in common an interest in art, photography, literature and history. This is where our enthusiasm for traveling comes from.
Lilian Possession and
Giselle Mettrau
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Islands
Visitors often come to the Île de la Cité to see Notre-dame, Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie. Many are also looking for Pont Neuf, but are surprised to walk through its streets...
bridges
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The history of Paris is closely linked to the Seine and the bridges that connect its banks. Today there are 37 (5 of them only for pedestrians). More than instruments for crossing, they are a mixture of art, architecture and history.
👉 In the 60's, the Seine was so polluted that it was considered "dead". In addition to industrial waste, it received domestic sewage. However, water quality has greatly improved in recent decades and continues to improve in several parameters. Pollution generated by communities, industry and agriculture never completely ceases and new types of pollution are now of concern, such as new industrial, chemical and pharmaceutical products. Therefore, it is necessary to continue control and prevention, in which the French Government is attentive.
👉 The force of nature has already made the river overflow a few times and historic floods have been recorded. The great flood of 1910 caused the water level to rise by about 9m. More recently, in 2016, the river level reached almost 6m above its natural level, causing several disturbances and threatening several postcards of the city.