The Seine River- Paris has long been a cultural and artistic center that attracts many people to visit, especially during summer. Although it is not uncommon for some tourists to be disappointed with Paris because of its high cost of living or difficulty in finding a place to stay, many other things still draw people to visit. One of these is the Seine River Tour. The river runs through Paris from west to east, and it can be seen from practically every angle in the city. Along the water bank, you will find various monuments, often located on islands or rocks extending out into the river itself.
This area attracts many tourists because of its beauty and unique location. Here are some of the main points along the Seine River and what you can expect to find at each.
Musée du Quai Branly: This ethnographic museum opened in 2006 and is located on the Left Bank, close to Pont de l’Alma. It took 11 years to complete, but it was worth it due to its original architecture and white coloring. Many different tribal arts can be seen here, making it a very interesting place for tourists and locals alike. The Eiffel Tower is also directly in front of this museum, which makes for a great combination when looking at both attractions.
Pont Alexandre III – This huge, single arch bridge stretches over the Seine River. It connects the Champs-Elysées and the Grand and Petit Palais. This bridge was designed by Gustav Eiffel but modified by Levachez, who added two marble staircases and ornate lamp posts that line the bridge’s edges. The lamps were also styled after Egyptian spear throwers to match the overall Egyptian theme of the Grand Palais. These features combine to create one of Paris’s most unique bridges.
Musée d’Orsay: This is another museum on the Left Bank of the Seine, but this one was built in the late 19th century as a train station. The building is quite magnificent, and apart from the stunning architecture, it also houses some impressive artwork. When crossing over Pont de l’Alma on your way to this museum, you will see four great statues that Alfred Marzolff created in 1906. These statues are titled “La Ville de Paris,” “L’Industrie,” “La Science,” and “agriculture. ” Some of the artwork inside this museum is also quite impressive, with pieces from paintings such as “The Son of Man” by Gustave Moreau, commissioned by French heads of state during the 19th century. It was also interesting to see some artwork from modern artists such as Picasso and Matisse.
Notre Dame – This church has been around for over 800 years and is in Paris because of its importance as a religious site. Although it is not very large, it remains one of the most famous landmarks in all of Europe for its architectural beauty, which makes it a must-see for any tourist that visits Paris and takes Versailles Palace Tours. The spire on the church is beautifully designed and made of intricate stone carvings that make it one of the most detailed structures within Paris. This building is next to the Seine River, just before Pont Neuf.
Pont Neuf: This is another bridge that connects both sides of the river, and it was constructed in 1607 by King Henry III and his uncle. It is a larger bridge than Pont Alexandre III but not quite as elaborate or artistic in its design. The bridge connects to Notre Dame, adding to its beauty as a whole monument. The view from this bridge provides an excellent vantage point for viewing all three sites listed above.
Palais de Tokyo – This is also a museum, but it has a very different theme than Musée du Quai Branly. It is located before the Pont Mirabeau and was opened in 2000 to emphasize contemporary art. Many artists have exhibited their work here, such as Yayoi Kusama and Naum Gabo. The building is unique because of its geometric structure, which Shigeru Ban designed. It makes for a very interesting contrast with the older buildings surrounding it. Although it is not directly on the river, it still attracts many tourists due to its modern design. The museum recently reopened after a lengthy renovation. You can see the many improvements made to the building, including an outdoor sculpture garden.
Château de Vincennes: This is another castle built within the Vincennes Forest in 1680 by Louis XIV. It is located along the Seine River and closed to tourists. However, it provides an excellent view of both Paris and its surroundings. Many different structures were added during its construction, including barracks buildings, a chapel, and a royal palace. The castle has been used as a prison for both prisoners of war as well as common criminals throughout history. It is a beautiful structure, a unique part of Paris that tourists do not often visit.
The Seine River provides an excellent view of some of Paris’s greatest monuments, making it a great place to visit during your stay. Not only will you witness the incredible architecture, but you will also be able to enjoy the natural beauty that comes with the Seine River itself. It is a sight to see and is definitely one of Paris’s most impressive attractions.
