You might walk past more than a dozen different rivers during an average day. But you need to realise that most people have never really had the chance to see one up close. The Seine River in Paris is one of these rare bodies of water since it can only be accessed by boat or bridge. This serene, winding river winds from east to west and offers glimpses into Parisian history as it flows all around the city. So whether you’re looking for a scenic float down its banks or trying to get some work done, this post will show you the best ways to explore the Seine and learn about its history.
The Seine River
The River Seine is the main river that flows through Paris and is a large waterway that stretches across France. The most significant tributaries are the Yvette River, the Epte and Oise Rivers, and the Marne River. While touring Paris by boat, you will see many of these tributaries as they merge into the main river. On your tour, you will also see smaller bodies of water, such as ponds, canals, and small rivers that lead off the main body of water. It takes about 380 miles (612 kilometres) from east to west, passing through a handful of communities.
The Seine River is famous for its stunning architecture and grand bridges, such as Pont des Arts in Paris and Pont Neuf in Paris. It is also known as the river of love because of a bite mark on one of its bridges. Additionally, it used to be a favourite spot for boating until the Parisians realised that the water was not clean enough for swimming. More about this later.
History of the Seine River
Many assume that the Seine River was named after its source, an area outside of Paris called the Seine, located near Melun in the Marne Valley in France. However, the Seine received its name when the Romans occupied France. The Romans brought their name with them, Seina, and added it to the word Sequana, a Celtic word that means “rapids.” During this time, people would travel down the river to transport goods around France.
The best way to understand where you’re going and how to get there is by using a map or an online navigation tool. There are many ways for you to get from one place on the Seine River to another. You can reach a smaller body of water from a larger one by driving across a bridge that crosses over it or travelling down smaller paths along its banks. There are also canals you can use to travel between the river and the different areas it goes through.
Tour Guide
If you’re travelling with a bike, boat, or another vehicle, public boat ramps can be used in Paris, such as one near the Eiffel Tower. The Pont de Bir-Hakeim area has several access points for watercraft and boats. Additionally, there are many bridges along the river where you can park your car and take your boat using one of these ramps. Since there is limited space available, you have to request permission from traffic authorities if you want to park on a bridge or at one of its ramps.
The Seine River is also very popular for tourists to explore Paris. You can use our Seine River Cruise as a great way to see all of the top spots in Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and more. You can also choose to sit on the upper deck and enjoy the view of these landmarks along the river’s banks.
The Seine River Tour starts at 9 am. You will be collected from your hotel by a friendly local guide with excellent knowledge of French history. From here, you’ll board one of our comfortable boats for your 45-minute journey along one of the most famous rivers in France. The trip starts by cruising past the Louvre and up to Pont des Arts, a bridge originally built for traffic in 1776. It is located near the Seine’s only lock-gate at the Pont de Bir-Hakeim.
When you arrive at your destination, you’ll disembark from your boat and then be taken to an easy-to-navigate route map which will show you all the different areas along the river with many restaurants and other attractions available.
On this Versailles Palace Tour, we’ll stop at several of these places so that you can enjoy a guided meal with local cuisine. Afterward, you’ll get back on your boat and sail back to downtown Paris. You’ll have the chance to see many famous landmarks from a different perspective, including the Arc de Triomphe and several former royal or religious residences. This 2-hour cruise will give you the chance to see about 12 different areas so you can learn about their history, architecture, and local cuisine.
You’ll also learn how to get around this large body of water and use its bridges to travel between its different areas. Our boat tour on the Seine River is perfect for solo travellers and large groups as we customise tours to be enjoyable for everyone in your group.
Book your Seine River Cruise now with Paris Day Trips and enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience.
