Seine River Paris

Posted on Sunday, July 26, 2009

The Seine River divides Paris into two halves, the right and left bank. The Right Bank conjures up an image of bourgeois respectability. Historically the stronghold of merchants and royalty, it remains today the home of commerce and government. Faubourg Saint Honoré offers the luxury of 'haute couture' and jewellery shops, also the authority of the President’s palace, whilst the Champs Elysées claims the shops, film and advertising and airline companies.

The Left Bank, in complete contrast, has always had a bohemian and intellectual image dating back to the founding of the university and the monasteries. Today, the Sorbonne, the Académie Francaise, the publishing houses and a myriad of book shops continue to exude an intellectual magnetism. Left Bank theatres typically prefer avant-garde drama.

The River Seine is by far the best place to begin an exploration of Paris. The Seine provides a spectacular vantage point for city landmarks: the Palais de Chaillot and Trocadéro Gardens, the Grand and Petit Palais, the Palais Bourbon, Louvre Museum and Notre Dame all take on a dream-like quality when seen from a Bateau Mouche or river boat.

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