The River Seine is a major river in northern France that flows through Paris and into the English Channel. It is the second longest river in France, after the Loire, and has a length of 777 kilometres (483 miles). It has a rich history and cultural significance, as well as being an important source of water, transportation, and tourism.
Here are some facts about the River Seine
The name Seine comes from the Latin word Sequana, which was the name of a Gallo-Roman goddess of the river.
The source of the Seine is located in the Côte d’Or region of Burgundy, near the town of Source-Seine. There is a grotto with a statue of a nymph, a dog, and a dragon that marks the origin of the river.
The Seine has several tributaries, including the Yonne, the Marne, and the Oise. The largest tributary is the Marne, which joins the Seine in Paris.
The Seine flows through four regions of France: Burgundy, Champagne-Ardenne, Île-de-France, and Normandy. It passes through many cities and towns, such as Troyes, Melun, Paris, Rouen, and Le Havre.
The Seine is divided into five sections: the Petite Seine, from the source to Montereau-Fault-Yonne; the Haute Seine, from Montereau-Fault-Yonne to Paris; the Traversée de Paris, the section that crosses Paris; the Basse Seine, from Paris to Rouen; and the Seine maritime, from Rouen to the English Channel.
The Seine is navigable by ocean-going vessels as far as Rouen, 120 kilometres (75 miles) from the sea. It is also used by commercial and recreational boats, such as barges, tour boats, and houseboats. There are 37 bridges over the Seine in Paris, and many more outside the city. Some of the most famous bridges are the Pont Alexandre III, the Pont Neuf, and the Pont de Normandie.
The Seine has played a vital role in the history and culture of France. It was the site of many battles, such as the Siege of Paris in 885-886, the Hundred Years’ War, and the World Wars. It was also the inspiration for many artists, writers, and musicians, such as Claude Monet, Victor Hugo, and Edith Piaf.
The Seine is home to a variety of wildlife, such as fish, birds, and mammals. Some of the species that can be found in or near the river are salmon, trout, carp, heron, swan, beaver, and otter. The Seine also supports a diverse ecosystem of plants, such as willow, poplar, alder, and water lily.