Would you like to learn a bit about the history of the Seine, one of the world’s most famous rivers and the most important one running through Paris? Whether you want to visit this beautiful river or need information for a school, college, or university project, this article will walk you through the significant events that have taken place along the Seine over the centuries.
Today, the Seine is an essential part of Parisian life (recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site). It’s the perfect spot for romantic walks, sightseeing cruises on the iconic “bateaux-mouches,” and cultural activities like this nighttime cruise with live music. But the Seine has a rich history to share, and we’re starting from the very beginning.
Brief History of the Seine
The Seine River is one of the principal rivers flowing through Île-de-France and Upper Normandy, and it has long been a vital commercial route for these regions. Originating near the Côte-d’Or Department, it empties into the Seine Bay at Le Havre. Along the way, it flows through important French cities such as Paris, Rouen, and Troyes.
The Seine River is remarkable for its impressive length of over 700 km and its width, which makes it navigable through much of its course. It has historically served as a crucial artery for transportation and trade in the region.
In ancient times, the Gauls and Romans used the Seine for moving goods and people, efficiently linking significant areas. Later, during the Middle Ages, it became a major route for transporting wine, grain, and wood across the country.
Over time, navigation on the Seine intensified, leading to the construction of canals and locks that made transportation easier and connected it with nearby waterways. However, until the 1800s, the river was relatively shallow, and large ships couldn’t navigate through. A significant turning point came in 1910, when torrential rains caused the river to flood, prompting innovations in water management that have since made navigation safer.
Today, the Seine River remains a crucial route for both passenger and freight transportation, and it offers fantastic guided tours from Paris. Many boat cruises operate on the Seine, both during the day and at night. With a Paris Pass, you can enjoy significant discounts.
If you’re visiting Paris and want to experience a boat cruise, consider these options:
- One-Hour Seine River Cruise
- Eiffel Tower + Seine River Cruise
- Paris Sightseeing Boat “Batobus”
- Seine River Dinner Cruise with Gourmet Meal
1910 Seine Flood
The winter of 1910 was one of the wettest on record, and combined with melting mountain snow, it caused the river to rise dramatically. The Seine’s water level climbed to an astounding 8.62 meters above its normal height in Paris, causing unprecedented flooding.
The flood had a devastating impact on the city. The outdated sewage systems and pumping stations couldn’t handle the surge, resulting in contaminated floodwaters mixing with waste. As a result, much of Paris was submerged, and 20,000 buildings suffered severe damage.
The response included building wooden walkways and bridges to allow people to move through the city, while the military worked tirelessly to rescue stranded residents and deliver food to affected areas.
Interesting fact: The flood of 1910 still stands as a reminder of nature’s power, and the Parisians’ resilience is commemorated through exhibitions and historical tours dedicated to this event.
All the devastation from the 1910 flood served as a crucial lesson for Paris. Since then, the city has invested in solid infrastructure to protect its population and has developed an advanced flood management system—hopefully, one that won’t need to be heavily relied upon.
Swimming Ban for Over a Century
In the 19th century, it was common for people to swim in the Seine, using the so-called “floating baths.” These were designated areas along the riverbanks equipped with pools and separate bathing sections for men and women.
However, as Paris grew, the water quality of the Seine began to deteriorate. The river became a dumping ground for untreated industrial and wastewater, making it unsafe for swimming. As a result, in 1923, authorities decided to ban swimming in the Seine because the pollution had reached dangerous levels, posing a risk of diseases like typhoid and dysentery.
In recent decades, significant efforts have been made to improve the Seine’s water quality, such as sanitation projects and initiatives like “Seine Aval.” Nevertheless, swimming in the river remains prohibited to this day.
The Seine Washerwomen
In the 19th century, the Seine was the workplace of washerwomen—hardworking women who laundered the clothes of Parisians in the river’s waters. They would arrive early in the morning with baskets of dirty laundry and use washboard and soap to scrub clothes clean.
The work was exhausting and the conditions were challenging, especially in extreme weather—the water was freezing in winter. Still, these women were often passionate about their jobs, and the sound of them singing and chatting filled the riverbanks.
Over time, this profession declined, mainly due to the advent of laundromats and washing machines. Yet, their legacy remains significant in the memory of Parisians. Besides washerwomen, there was another job, mostly held by men, known as dog washers, who were highly valued for keeping noble pets clean and well-groomed.
Historical Events
One of the notable historical events related to the Seine was the famous Operation Overlord. The Allies aimed to reach the Seine within 90 days of the D-Day landings, but the rapid collapse of German forces allowed them to get there much sooner.
Another tragic event was the Paris Massacre of 1961, during which many people drowned after being thrown from bridges like Pont Saint-Michel. In a more curious historical note, efforts in the 1960s successfully curbed the phenomenon known as Le Mascaret—the tidal bores that had created dangerous waves on the river—thanks to dredging.
In more recent, somber history, the Seine has been one of the most frequented places for suicides. In 2007, for example, 55 bodies were found in the river, and in 2008, the body of model Katoucha Niane was discovered.
The Love Lock Bridge
The Pont des Arts is one of the city’s most famous pedestrian bridges and has become a tourist attraction over the years as couples attach locks to its railings to symbolize their love.
The tradition started around the year 2000, seemingly without any specific reason, but it caught on and became wildly popular. Couples write their names on a lock, secure it to the bridge, and toss the key into the Seine to signify eternal love.
Though seemingly harmless, the sheer weight of all those locks became an issue, threatening the bridge’s structural integrity. In 2015, authorities removed around 45 tons of locks. Still, the Pont des Arts remains a romantic spot for couples, and many take selfies there to commemorate the moment.
The Importance of the Seine River
The Seine is one of the world’s most important rivers for numerous historical and contemporary reasons, both for commerce and tourism. It spans a length of 777 kilometers, winding through the French countryside from Burgundy to its outlet in the English Channel.
Its watershed is critical, supplying water to many fertile and heavily populated regions. The Seine flows through several major cities, including Troyes, Rouen, and, of course, Paris, where it splits the city into the Left and Right Banks, connected by a series of iconic bridges.
The river has also been an inspiration for countless artists, writers, and musicians, profoundly shaping Paris’s cultural heritage. Renowned figures like Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Victor Hugo, and Belle Époque poets have immortalized the Seine in their works.
Finally, the Seine is adorned with numerous historic bridges, ideal for photographing the city. Noteworthy examples include the Pont Neuf, the Pont des Arts, and the Pont Alexandre III.
Seine Facts and Features
Here are some key facts and features you should know:
1. The Water Quality of the Seine River
The waters of the Seine River are not suitable for swimming. One major issue is a phenomenon called sanitary sewer overflow, where toxic substances are directly discharged into the river, especially during heavy rainfall. This reduces the oxygen levels in the water due to bacteria generated by the contaminants.
2. Bridges of the Seine
Throughout the history of the Seine, around 37 bridges have been constructed in Paris, with many more in the various other cities the river passes through.
3. The Seine River and Art
Over the centuries, the Seine River has inspired world-class painters who have created some of their greatest masterpieces featuring it. Beyond visual art, even singers have composed songs dedicated to this iconic Parisian river.
Victor Hugo, for instance, set his novel “Les Misérables” in Paris, and the Seine plays a significant role in the story. We won’t reveal more details in case you haven’t read this classic!
4. Monuments Along Its Banks
We must also remember that the Seine River is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The river flows past important historical landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Eiffel Tower.
Legends of the Seine River
The history of the Seine goes much deeper; it is filled with legends, myths, and stories involving significant historical figures that may surprise you once you learn about them.
1. The Remains of Joan of Arc and Napoleon
One of the best-known legends about the Seine River involves Joan of Arc. After her execution in 1431, it is said that her ashes were thrown into the river, although some legends dispute this. To this day, we cannot confirm the truth behind these stories.
Another intriguing tale is about Napoleon. In his will, he expressed a wish for his remains to be laid to rest near the Seine. However, after his death in 1831, his wish was not fulfilled, and he was buried in a different location.
2. The Treasure of the Seine
A widely shared legend over the years is the mystery of the Templar treasure. The Knights Templar, a famed medieval order dissolved in the 14th century, are surrounded by countless tales.
One story claims that several Templar knights threw a massive treasure into the Seine to prevent it from falling into enemy hands, intending to retrieve it later. Yet, the only certainty is that no one has ever managed to locate this hidden fortune in the depths of the Parisian river.
3. The Lady of the Seine
Another widely discussed Seine legend involves an event from the late 19th century, when the body of an unknown young woman was found in the river. Her face was so strikingly beautiful that a morgue worker made a plaster mask of her features (a somewhat macabre act).
This mask, known as “L’Inconnue de la Seine,” captivated artists and writers, who wove countless stories around the mysterious young woman. Interestingly, her face later became the model for CPR training mannequins, a piece of trivia that adds to the legend’s eerie fascination.
4. The Mermaid of the Seine
Lastly, we have one of the lesser-known but more fantastical legends that sparks the imagination: the tale of the Mermaid of the Seine. According to this legend, on nights with a full moon, a mermaid can be seen emerging from the river’s waters and singing an enchanting melody. Anyone who hears her song, it is said, falls under her spell.
Curious Note: Legends like these highlight the mystique of the Seine, adding layers of romantic and eerie intrigue to a river that has inspired countless tales and continues to captivate imaginations around the world.