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It is certainly along the Seine River that you will admire the most beautiful view of the capital city. Choose any bridge on the Seine River, and Paris will show itself to you and reveal all its beauties: its lights, its huge sky, its silvery reflections, its architecture, its history and its evolution.
 Besides, the impact of the Seine River on Paris was great, starting with the geographical position of the city and the choice of Paris as its capital city on France. Thus, however you fell in love, romantic, nostalgic or melancholic, let yourself stroll along the Seine River... happiness is guaranteed!
Banks and bridges of Paris
The Seine River crosses Paris over 14 km and is 26,4 meters depth on average. Its meanders cut the city in two parts: the left bank which is full of history and the right bank which evolution is more recent.
Today, 37 bridges span the Seine River. The oldest one is the Pont Neuf, which construction began in 1578 and ended in 1607. The most romantic ones are the Pont Saint-Louis and the Pont Louis-Philippe. The first one connects the Ile de la Cité to the Ile Saint-Louis, and the second one connects Notre-Dame district to Saint-Germain district. From theses bridges, you can enjoy the most romantic spots of Paris.
Finally one of the most atypical is the Pont des Arts. With its iron structure, it is the first metallic bridge of the city. Here you can meet painters, photographs and even picnic lovers in summer time.
 The Seine River, yesterday and today
But, let’s return to the Seine. For sure, the history of Paris is very close to the history of the Seine. First of all, the Seine was a real bulwark against the invaders. The islands used to be a refuge for the people. Then the Seine became the main mean of transport for raw materials and this enabled Paris to expand and grow rapidly.
In the 4th century, the Emperor Julien used to say: "The river provides very pure and very pleasant water to see and to drink if we wish. As we live on an island, it is mostly from the river that we need to take the water we use."
Today, and despite Jacques Chirac promises in his duties as mayor of the city, you would rather not put a foot in the river. However, the Seine offers Paris most pleasant spots to relax and walk. The success of "Paris Plages" in July and August confirms it, when the sun shines of course.
Walks along the Seine River and places to visit
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From the Trocadéro to the "Jardin des Tuileries"
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| The tour lasts roughly 2 hours (visits are excluded) |
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Civilisation and French Art
Start your walk at the Trocadéro, where you will have one of the most beautiful view on the Eiffel Tower.
Take the Pont d’Iéna and walk along the quai Branly. Here, not far away from the Eiffel Tower, you will see the "Musée du Quai Branly", one of the most beautiful museum of Paris. It was built by the famous French architect Jean Nouvel. Inside you will be able to admire indigenous art, cultures and civilizations from Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas.
Before reaching the Pont de la Concorde, you will see the Palais Bourbon (the French National Assembly).
Continue your way along the pier to admire the former railway station Orsay which houses since 1986, the masterpieces of Western paintings from 1848 to 1914 whose Courbet painting "L’origine du Monde".
Cross the Pont Royal that will take you to the Jardin des Tuileries, the oldest French garden in Paris.
Short breaks
- The restaurant "Les Ombres", located on the terrace of the Quai Branly museum, where you will have an unforgettable view on the Seine River and on the Eiffel Tower.
- The Tuileries Garden where there are plenty of little outdoor cafés in the shades of the trees.
- The tearoom Angelina (226 rue de Rivoli) where the design is old-fashioned but where you will experience the best hot chocolate in Paris (for gourmand only)!
Shopping
- The Quai Branly and Orsay museum’s gift shops are full of beautiful books.
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The "Ile Saint-Louis" and the "Ile de la Cité"
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| The tour lasts roughly 2 hours (visits are excluded) |
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A walk in the heart of Lutetia
Start the tour at the Pont des Arts. Walk along the quai du Louvre, then the quai de la Mégisserie, the quai of Gesvres and to end, the quai of the Hôtel de Ville until you reach the Pont Marie.
Cross the bridge to the Ile Saint-Louis. A visit of the island will bring you back to the medieval times, to the origin of Paris: Lutetia.
Afterwards, cross the Pont Saint-Louis. It will take you on the Ile de la Cité where the Cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris opens its doors all day long. Watch out, you may meet Quasimodo and the beautiful Esmeralda.
Once you cross the Pont Saint-Michel you will find yourself on the right bank. Walk along the quai de Montebello until the Pont des Arts and feel free to stroll on the Pont Neuf to enjoy the view.
Visits you must not miss
- The Conciergerie.
- The Sainte-Chapelle, masterpiece of Gothic architecture built in the 13th century.
Short break
- Bertillon ice cream on the Ile Saint-Louis (31 rue Saint-Louis-en-l’Ile).
Shopping
- Shakespeare and Cie, specialized in English literature (39 rue de la Bûcherie).
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