Page 71 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Paris
P. 71
INTRODUCING P ARIS 69
A RIVER VIEW OF PARIS
Historically, the River Seine has been a Paris’s riverbanks are well worth exploring
mode of transport, a muse for artists on foot. There are benches and playgrounds,
and an inspiration for romantics. Flowing floating cafés and discos, houseboats and
through Paris, the Seine has a profound bouquinistes – bookstalls selling second-hand
relationship with the city, and it is even a books and prints. From the Musée d’Orsay to
designated UNESCO World Heritage site, the Pont de l’Alma, about 3 km (2 miles) of the
protected as an important natural and Left Bank are part of a regeneration project
cultural location. It is also an essential point of dedicated to pedestrians, Les Berges de la
reference for the city: distances are measured Seine. This public park and promenade offers
from it, and street numbers determined by it. gorgeous views, free fitness programmes,
The Seine divides the French capital into the picnic spots and playgrounds. Further down
Left Bank, on the south side of the river, and the river, another popular initiative, Paris
the Right Bank, on the north. Plages, takes place during the summer, when
Paris’s urban development and history the Right Bank, from the Louvre to the Bassin
can be admired from the banks of this de la Villette, is turned into a giant beach, with
iconic river. The Seine borders ten of the everything you need to feel like you are in the
city’s 20 arrondissements, its two banks are South of France, from deckchairs to parasols
connected by 32 bridges, and most of Paris’s to beach volleyball.
buildings and monuments are either However, the star of this flowing boulevard
alongside it or within a stone’s throw of it. remains the Seine itself. It is busy with
From Notre-Dame to the Grand Palais, from commercial barges and sightseeing boats,
the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, the river is like the most famous being the bateaux mouches.
a busy floating avenue, its banks providing The best way to start your visit to Paris is with
Parisians and tourists alike with an interesting a cruise down the Seine, where you can take
and dynamic walkway. in some of the city’s most illustrious sights.
See pp70–71 OPERA See pp72–3
CHAMPS-ELYSEES QUARTER
CHAILLOT
QUARTER TUILERIES
QUARTER BEAUBOURG
AND
LES HALLES
THE
Seine
MARAIS
INVALIDES
AND ST-GERMAIN-
EIFFEL TOWER DES-PRES ILE DE LA
CITE
QUARTER ILE
ST-LOUIS
LATIN
QUARTER
LUXEMBOURG
QUARTER JARDIN DES
PLANTES QUARTER
MONTPARNASSE
This map shows the sections of the river 0 kilometres 2
depicted on the following pages. 0 miles 1
View of the Seine from Notre-Dame For keys to symbols see back flap
068-069_EW_Paris.indd 69 25/04/16 4:47 pm
