10 Best Things to Do on the Seine River in Paris
Culture Travel may earn a commission through links on this website. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
The Seine River is a major river in France that flows through Paris, the country’s capital city. It’s one of the most important rivers in France, stretching approximately 777 kilometers (483 miles) from its source in the Burgundy region to its mouth in the English Channel near Le Havre.
The river runs through several key regions of France, including Burgundy, Île-de-France, and Normandy. Paris is famously built along its banks, with the river dividing the city into the Right Bank (Rive Droite) and Left Bank (Rive Gauche).
The Seine has been crucial to French history and development. It has been an important transportation route since ancient times, used by the Romans and later becoming a vital commercial waterway.
The river is deeply ingrained in French culture and art. Many famous paintings by artists like Claude Monet have depicted the Seine, and it’s a central feature of Paris’s landscape and identity!
Today, the Seine remains important for transportation, tourism, and commerce. It’s used for shipping, leisure activities like river cruises, and supports various industrial activities along its course.
Here are some fun things to do to experience this French river like a local:
- Take a bateau-mouche cruise to see Paris from the water, especially beautiful at sunset or evening when the monuments are lit up
- Stroll the riverside walkways, particularly between the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame
- Browse the bouquinistes (green book stalls) selling vintage books, prints, and postcards
- Picnic on the banks at Île Saint-Louis or near Pont des Arts
- Rent a bike along the Seine’s dedicated bike paths
- Visit riverside museums like Musée d’Orsay or the floating art galleries on barges
- Catch outdoor cinema or music events during Paris Plages (summer beach setup)
- Explore the islands – Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis have charming streets and cafés
- Join locals at the floating bars and restaurants moored along the banks
- Simply sit on the stone steps with wine and cheese at golden hour
Enjoy these cool things to do along the Seine!
