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Seine River Facts and Tips about the Cruise

Gently sailing a fancy boat in the Seine River and feasting on Paris’s amazing sights has to be one of the best options to explore this beautiful city. 

The Seine River cruise is one of the must-do activities in Paris; it provides an authentic Parisian experience in the way it is meant to be experienced. 

Before you take the first chance to book one of the value-for-money Seine River cruises, here are a few tips and Seine River facts to prepare you better for this unforgettable experience. 

From general tidbits like “Where is Seine River” to even the most obvious thought, “What is the Seine River?” Let’s get you up to speed regarding the Seine River facts. 

We will also reveal some helpful tips to aid you in a smooth and comfortable exploration of Paris from the Seine River. 

Let’s jump in to know the facts about Seine River! 

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Brief History of the Seine River

One of the most important La Seine facts is that the river’s name comes from Gaullish Sequana, the Celtic-Roman goddess of the river.

This La seine fact is confirmed because offerings for the goddess were found at the source of the river. 

Civilization on the bank of this iconic river can be traced as far as 500,000 years ago, as stone tools of Neanderthal are found here. 

The Romans called it the River Seine Sequana, fortified the settlements along the river and built up the Gallic city Lutetia. 

Julius Caesar defeated Gaul in 52 BC to incorporate the Seine River into Roman Empire. 

Paris was later attacked by Vikings in the 9th century when they sailed the upper Seine, destroying most of Rouen and laying a year-long siege to no avail. 

It remained under French influence, including Charlemagne, who made it part of his region. 

However, the part of Sine north of Paris was controlled by Norman kings, descendants of the Vikings. 

During the Middle Ages, when Joan of Arc was burned at the stake by English invaders in 1431 in Rouen, her ashes were thrown into the Seine River from the Mathilde bridge. 

In 1864, Napoleon III proclaimed the Seine region as part of Paris. Napoleon, in his will, wished to be buried on the banks of the Seine. 

This shows how integral the identity of the French people was to the Seine. 

In modern history, the Seine River was the site for various events of the 1900 Summer Olympics. It hosted the Summer Olympics in 1924 as well. 

The Seine River remains central to the identity, cultural heritage, and inherently French way of living to this day. 

It has been a source of perennial inspiration to various artists, including several famous impressionist painters such as Honfleur. 

Other artists inspired by the beauty of the Seine River are Monet, Van Gogh, and Seurat. 

If you wish to see the elegant and beautiful history of the architectural development of Paris and its ornate structures, then you should definitely consider taking a Seine River cruise. 

Facts about Seine River 

The first Seine River fact is that it is 777 kilometers (483 miles) long river in Northern France. It originates from the commune of Source-Seine. 

It flows through Paris and into the English Channel at Le Havre and Honfleur on the left bank. 

It is the second longest river in France and provides almost half of the water needs of Paris. It is also one of France’s most navigable rivers.

There are 37 bridges crossing the Seine in Paris alone. 

One of the interesting Seine River facts is that the river has been a source of inspiration and influence for many great artists and art pieces. 

It has been the subject of many famous paintings by impressionist painters such as Monet and Renoir. 

The Patron Saint of France honored as the defender of the French nation, Joan of Arc’s ashes were scattered in the Seine at Rouen.

What to Wear on the Cruise? 

For almost all Seine River cruises, you can dress casually in whatever way you used to be, and it will be fine. 

You don’t have to do anything special. You can dress in shorts, a t-shirt, or athletic wear for the typical sightseeing Seine River cruise.

Let your common senses guide you regarding dressing. You can wear light trousers and shirts during the warmer months and daytime.  

But as the cooler parts of the year approach, jeans and jumpers become more common. 

However, if you go for the Lunch Seine River Cruise or Dinner River Cruise, you might be required to dress formally. This varies from cruise to cruise. 

Pack some sunblock and a boat if you want to look at the part and avoid the sun!

Read what to expect on the Seine River cruise to get a hint. 

Seine River Cruise Timings

The Seine River cruise operates every week from 10 am to 10.30 pm. 

However, this is a general operation hour where you can find sightseeing Seine River cruises. 

A typical Seine river cruise lasts 1 hour, but longer Seine river cruises are available, including multiple attractions and activities. 

Read how long is the Seine River cruise for detailed information. 

There are specific time windows for a breakfast Seine river cruise, a dinner river cruise, and a sunset Seine river cruise

You can read the Seine River cruise timings for more detailed information to know what to pick according to your plan.

Where do Seine River Cruises Leave From? 

One of the crucial pieces of information you should remember while booking the Seine River cruise is the departure point. 

Most sightseeing Seine River Cruises leave from the left or right bank near the Eiffel Tower. Most cruises depart from central Paris. 

There are however other shorter Seine river cruises from Ile de la Cite near 19 Quai de l’horloge in the 1st arrondissement. 

There are Seine River cruises that combine other attractions, like the Saint-Martin Canal, for a longer duration and depart from Musee d’Orsay. 

You need to pick a cruise closer to where you will stay to avoid unnecessary travel. 

Read Where do Seine River cruises leave from for more information.

Which Seine River Cruise is Best? 

There is no one best cruise as there are plenty of Seine River cruises offering unique experiences. 

The best Seine River cruise depends on what you want to experience. If you are looking for the best dinner Seine cruise, there will be better options than getting a  breakfast Seine River cruise

Similarly, a  Sunset Seine River cruise will appeal more to you if you are a fan of sunsets. Read in detail which Seine River cruise is best for you.

There are Seine River cruises with combo tickets available as well. For instance, you can watch the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River cruise.

There are too many options available for the Seine River cruise.  Booking Seine River cruise tickets online has plenty of advantages; the biggest is the attractive discounts

All you have to do is pick the one you fancy! 

FAQs

How deep is the river Seine?

The majestic Seine River, 777 km long or 438 miles, is a river in northern France. 

The Seine River is not among the deepest rivers. With an average depth of approximately 10 feet, the river is 10 to 20 feet deep in a few places. 

The most fascinating Seine River fact is that even though it is a shallow river, some points go as deep as 30 feet.

Which famous river flows through Paris?

Originating in the Burgundy wine region of northeastern France, the Seine River flows northwesterly and passes through Paris. 

With an estimated length of 777 km long, the Seine River is the second-longest river in France and drains into the English Channel. 

There are plenty of exciting Seine River cruises which visitors can take for exploring the natural beauty of the river and the landmarks of Paris. 

Why is the Seine River so important?

The Seine River is like a lifeline. Due to its impressive length, not just for drinking; it is used for various other life-sustaining activities. 

As much as half the water used in the Paris region and almost 3/4th of the water used between Rouen and Le Havre is drawn from the Seine river. 

Other activities, such as electric power stations, thermal and nuclear, pull their cooling water from the Seine River. 

This is one of the most crucial Seine River facts.

What are the Seine River facts for kids?

The Seine River is the most iconic river and a lifeline of Paris. 
Many of the city’s most iconic structures, such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, can be seen on one of many Seine River cruises

It is the second-longest river in France. It originates in the Burgundy wine region of northeastern France. 

It is 777 kilometers or 483 miles long and drains into the English Channel between Le Havre and Honfleur. 

Featured Image: GetYourGuide.com

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