THE FASCINATING STORY OF RIVER SEINE ,PARIS

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THE FASCINATING STORY OF  RIVER  SEINE ,PARIS

 

"Agar fursat mile paanī kī tahreeroñ ko parr lenā ,

Har ik dariyā hazāroñ saal kā afsāna likhtā hai"…….( Bashir Badr)

 

( Should you get time,

then do read the scripts this water has penned,

Every river writes its saga of many thousand years) 

                                        

 

The third-longest river in France, the Seine emerges from the earth in a remote spot called Source-Seine, in the Burgundy wine region of northeastern France. It flows northwesterly, curving through Paris, to the Normandy coast, where it empties into the English Channel. It embodies the serene beauty that flows through the heart of France, capturing the nation’s history, culture, and natural allure. Cutting through the very heart of Paris, the Seine River has been a witness to significant events that shaped the nation. This beautiful waterway is an integral part of the city and its fascinating history. Many of the city’s most famous monuments and buildings, such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde, sit right along its banks. Lined with traditional booksellers and bordered by beautiful boulevards, famous cafés, historic bridges and charming neighbourhoods, the river is an attraction in its own right. Walking along the banks of the Seine or taking a relaxing boat tour down its waters is an excellent way to get acquainted with the City of Light and its resplendent past. Through Roman conquerors, medieval kingdoms, emperors and revolutions, the Seine has remained at the heart of Paris. The River has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous civilizations and played a pivotal role in the establishment and expansion of the French nation-state. From the early Middle Ages, the river facilitated the growth of commerce and the exchange of ideas, contributing to the flourishing cultural and intellectual scene in the city.

 Over two thousand years ago a Celtic tribe established a fishing village on the Ile de la Cité, an island in the Seine where Notre Dame Cathedral now stands, and called it Parisii. The chosen location for Parisii was no accident. The Seine was an important trading route connecting the English Channel to modern-day Dijon, and Parisii’s location at the centre of this route proved thriving Over the centuries the small riverside village grew into a bustling trading post and by the 12th century, Paris had grown into the largest city in the western world.

The two banks of the Seine are referred to as La Rive Gauche (the Left Bank) and La Rive Droite (the Right Bank). Both banks have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1991 and they each offer their distinct flavour of the Parisian experience. The Left Bank has long been linked to writers, artists and café culture. The likes of Hemingway, Picasso and Matisse all once called the La Rive Gauche their home and today it’s the perfect place to get lost on foot and watch Parisian life pass by. Whereas the Left Bank has historically been associated with the arts, philosophy and other intellectual pursuits, the Right Bank of the Seine has always had stronger links with commerce and trade. La Rive Droite was traditionally the wealthier side of the Seine, though this is not entirely true in modern times. This side of the Seine also lays claim to many of Paris’ most notable attractions, including the Louvre Museum and Arc de Triomphe.

As one gazes down the banks of the River Seine, one finds quaint little green boxes that line a large portion of the banks. These are shops; they are very prestigious and sought after. You can’t just buy a store; it is not easy you have to have it handed down to you; from generation to generation. There are about 900 Little Green Boxes which run for about a 3km stretch along the riverbank, usually open from dusk until dawn. The Bouquinistes sell unique rare old books, journals, stamps, metal boxes, and trading cards. The tradition is still very much alive; however, they have moved with the times and have started stocking souvenirs for tourists. Browsing bouquinistes along either side of the Seine is a quintessential Parisian experience and they are a great source for unique souvenirs and gifts to take back with you after your trip. You need to have some expertise in bargaining at these shops as prices quoted are generally inflated. You can also go to Rue de Rivoli or Montmartre markets for more affordable souvenirs.

 

Bridges ( Pont means bridge in French )

 

In the city of Paris alone 32 bridges cross the river; the Pont Des Arts spanning over the river that has become quite popular amongst the tourists is Pont Des Arts. Mysterious Legends surround this bridge which is the Love Lock Theory. What is the love lock theory? you and your beloved; take a padlock and have your names engraved on it. Together you lock it to the bridge; throwing the key into the River Seine by doing this your love will be eternal. That is the Parisian tradition. The Love Lock Theory swept the world and you see it in many other places in Europe.Over a dozen bridges connect the Left and Right banks of the Seine as the river snakes its way through the heart of Paris. Each has its own unique history and striking features, but there are a few in particular that certainly stand out.

 

Pont Neuf: Connecting the Left and Right banks with the Ile de la Cité, Pont Neuf is the oldest bridge across the Seine. Built under the instruction of King Henry III, it opened in 1607 and is distinguished by its striking stone arches. 

 

Pont Alexandre III: Completed in 1900, Pont Alexandre III is considered by many as the most beautiful and extravagant bridge in Paris. The beaux-arts bridge is famous for its ornate lamps and gilded sculptures at each end. It was named after Tsar Alexander III to celebrate Franco-Russian relations.

 

Pont des Arts: Perhaps better known as the “Love-Lock Bridge,” Pont des Arts is a pedestrian pathway connecting the Left Bank to the Louvre Museum on the Right Bank. The locks were recently removed due to their enormous weight and have been replaced by art panels.

 

Leonardo da Vinci, the eminent artist and visionary of the Renaissance period, found himself captivated by the beauty and allure of the River Seine. It was reflected in many of his landscapes. The river’s meandering curves reflected light, and the tranquil atmosphere stirred Leonardo’s imagination, leading him to capture its essence through sketches, paintings, and scientific observations. Leonardo’s fascination with the Seine epitomizes its power to ignite the creative spirit and instil a sense of wonder in those who seek its embrace. In the late 19th century, the Seine River played a pivotal role in shaping the artistic movement known as Impressionism. The Impressionists, including notable figures such as Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Édouard Manet, found inspiration in the ever-changing qualities of light, colour, and atmosphere that the Seine offered. They sought to capture the fleeting moments of everyday life along the river’s banks, infusing their works with vibrant brushstrokes and a sense of immediacy. The Seine became both subject and muse, enabling the Impressionists to redefine artistic conventions and pave the way for modern art.

 

A night river cruise is more than a pleasurable journey through the past of the city. As you glide along the gentle currents, you’ll be treated to captivating vistas of architectural marvels like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. These breathtaking sights, accompanied by the soothing ambience of the river, create an atmosphere of tranquility and wonder. Taking a leisurely cruise along the river unveils the enchanting scenery of the UNESCO-listed banks and bridges, including the Pont Neuf and Pont Alexandre III. Several of the main stops on a Seine river cruise are ideal locations to visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Palace of Versailles, the Palace of Fontainebleu and Chartres Cathedral.

                                             

                                                 

 

The artificial beaches on the banks of the Seine in central Paris and the Bassin de la Villette, a man-made lake in the northeast of the city, have been a roaring success since they were launched by Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe in 2002. Every summer 20000 tons of sand is transported to create beaches with lovely palm trees for Parisians to sunbake and enjoy outdoor concerts. Floating on the river are restaurants and cafes. The river banks are a place of energy and serenity; one will notice sunbathers, joggers, and people riding bikes along the footpaths. During the Corona pandemic, movie-goers in Paris came in for a surprise as the Seine River was transformed into a floating theatre. The project was undertaken as a part of Paris Plages, a yearly transformation of the river into man-made beaches. As a part of the project, 38 electronic boats were organised for viewers for a free viewing of the 2018 French comedy "Le Grand Bain." Solving the question of social distancing, the six-seater boats were boarded by people who knew each other and the rest were seated on the deck. 

                                                                                

                                      ( Free viewing of the French comedy "Le Grand Bain." in boats )

The timeless beauty of the Seine River continues to inspire artists, writers, and dreamers from all walks of life. Its meandering waters, historic bridges, and iconic landmarks provide a rich tapestry of inspiration, evoking a sense of awe and wonder. The riverbank promenades erupt in a riot of al fresco spots to drink and dine with views of the water. The river was prominently filmed in many French and Hollywood movies like ‘The Lovers on the Bridge (1991’ ), ‘Ondine (2009’), ‘Cat and Mouse (1975)’, ‘120 Beats Per Minute (2017)’, ‘Galia (1966’), ‘All the Mornings of the World (1991)’, ‘Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life (2010)’, ‘The Bourne Identity (2002)’, ‘Goodbye First Love (2011)’, ‘Rescue Dawn (2006)’, ‘Paris Champagne (1964)’, ‘Tourist (1980)’, ’ Lovers (1999)’, ‘Les clefs de bagnole (2003)’ and many more. The longest-standing bridge over the river Seine, the Pont Neuf (or New Bridge) transects the Île de la Cité and joins the 1st and 6th arrondissements. Its inbuilt stone benches are a popular spot for canoodling couples, and the views it offers down the Seine towards the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre are breathtaking. The bridge’s romantic and architectural appeal is so great that it has been the silent star of numerous motion pictures over the years, with the seven below representing the best of the cinematic bunch. 

                                               

             ( Above ..The houseboats in Alfortville )

I couldn’t see any person swimming in the river in Paris. To my surprise, I found some families living in houseboats moored to the bank of the river at Alfortville, a town on the outskirts of Paris city. I also visited the confluence spot  where River Seine is joined by River Marne. At Alfortville , just at the outskirts of Paris city , River Marne joins   River Seine  creating a grand  confluence near the famous Chinese  Hotel named ,Huatian  Chinagora. In fact this hotel is located at the confluence  point.. The huge hotel  is a true floating pagoda, one of very few resorts of its kind in France that possess this surface area.  A magnificent view of the confluence can be had from the nearby bridge on Seine or the footbridge on River Marne. The Hotel Huatian Chinagora rooms and terraces also give a commanding view of the confluence .

                                             

I was informed more than 100 years ago, in 1926, swimming was banned in the Seine River due to pollution concerns. Authorities in Paris have embarked on an ambitious project to clean up the river completely to make it fit for holding the 2024 Olympic Games. Seine River will see three Olympic and Paralympic events, namely triathlon, marathon swimming and Para-triathlon. Officials say, "When people see athletes swimming in the Seine with no health problems, they'll be confident themselves to start going back in the Seine. It's our contribution for the future." People believe that three spots on the Seine River will be open for public bathing in summer 2025.

 

( Avtar Mota )

PS

(In May 2023,  a grand  night  cruise was organised by Shailesh Mota and Jeanne Allard for us ( me and my wife ) . We were in the cruise boat for about 3 hours . The night spectacle of Eiffel Tower was really unforgettable and an amazing experience .)

 

 

 

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