The Beauty of the Seine
The Seine is one of the most captivating features in Paris as the waterway flows right through the center of the city. The Seine offers a variety of activities to indulge in, from a relaxing stroll to a glass of wine with a stunning view. Whether you are drawn to its vibrant culture, rich background, or quiet tranquility, the Seine is the perfect location to discover the soul that flows through Paris. Here are some of our favorite ways to experience the river.
Stop by the Love Locks
The City of Love is host to a wide array of spectacular displays of love. Though not extremely grandiose, the love locks are a beautiful display of affection left behind by locals and travelers alike. You may wonder what the purpose behind these padlocks are. The idea is that couples will leave behind a lock often marked with their initials or an important date to represent the commitment and love within their relationship. Locks like these can be seen throughout European cities, but none are as iconic as the love locks in the City of Love.
Overtime, this collection of locks gained so much popularity and attraction that the weight of them was too heavy for the bridges to which they were attached. It is prohibted to add new locks to the display. However, the locks remain as a symbol of enduring love and commitment. Whether you are traveling with friends, family, or a significant other, this is a perfect location to enjoy with a loved one.
Experience the bars along the Seine
Another great way to enjoy the Seine is at one of the many boat bars and restaurants along the river. While the drinks at many of these boat bars can be a bit pricey, it is definitely worth the trip for the lovely atmosphere right on the water. If you take the metro directly to the Châtelet station, take a stroll along the river and you will surely find a variety of boat restaurants and bars to choose from. Many of these boats require reservations, so be sure to check ahead of time, especially if you plan to go at peak hours.
If you choose to opt out of heading to these bars and restaurants, another way to enjoy a meal along the river is to bring a picnic. Head to the nearest grocery store and grab some cheese, bread, and cold cuts; along with a bottle of wine, and enjoy the river Parisian style.
Take a River Cruise
Finally, one of the best ways to experience Paris is on the river. Luckily, there are a variety of river cruises to choose from that will take you right through the center of the city. Along the way, you will be able to enjoy iconic sites like the Orsay Museum, Notre Dame, the Louvre, and of course, the Eiffel Tower. River cruises run all day and into the night, so you can choose a time that fits your day.
River cruises along the Seine are also a great activity to pair with other sites throughout the day as they provide a peaceful rest during a busy day of sightseeing. We recommend you check out our Private Eiffel Tower Tour With Seine River Cruise to check off the most iconic spot in Rome followed by a peaceful cruise down the Seine. If you want a packed day of activities including time at the Louvre Museum, check out the Paris in a Day Tour with River Cruise | Semi-Private Experience.
Can you actually swim in the river?
The short answer is no. Authorities currently prohibit swimming in the river. However, there have recently been discussions about cleaning it out to host some of the 2024 Olympic swimming events in the river. So, perhaps in the future, after some cleaning, the river will be open for the public to swim in. Until then, enjoy the Seine and all of its offerings with our suggestions.