The story of the Seine begins far from the hustle and bustle of Parisian boulevards, in a quiet corner of Burgundy, where its sources are located. Sources of the Seine is a place of extraordinary historical and cultural significance. Located about 30 kilometers northwest of Dijon, in the picturesque village of Source-Seine, it marks the beginning of the 776-kilometer route the river takes to its mouth in the English Channel. It was here, amid the green hills of Burgundy, that the ancient Gauls worshipped the goddess Sevana (Sequana), whose name the river bears.

The source of the Sequana is not an imposing waterfall or rushing stream - rather, it is a modest place where water flows out of the ground to form a small stream. However, for the ancient inhabitants of this land, it was a sacred place. Archaeological excavations conducted in the area have uncovered numerous votive offerings and sacrifices to the goddess, including wooden and stone figurines depicting body parts - testimony to the belief in the healing power of the Seine. The goddess was often depicted as a young woman sailing in a duck-shaped boat - a symbol of her connection to water and travel.

Today, Sources of the Seine is a charming archaeological park where you can see not only the river's natural springs, but also the remains of a Gallo-Roman-era temple and a museum displaying artifacts related to the goddess cult. The site, although far from the main tourist routes, attracts enthusiasts of history, archaeology and mythology. It is worth planning a visit during spring and summer, when the surrounding nature is awakening and the springs are most abundant.

The worship of the goddess of the Seine was not limited to the river's sources. Along its entire course, places of worship were established and offerings were made. It was believed that the goddess looked after travelers flowing along the river, ensured fertility in the fields located in its valley and protected them from floods. Over time, with the Romanization of Gaul, the Seine began to be identified with Roman water deities such as Neptune and river nymphs, but it retained its unique character.

Christianity, which reached these lands in the first centuries AD, failed to completely eradicate the cult of the Seine. Instead, as was often the case with pagan beliefs, elements of the cult were adapted and transformed. Sacred sites associated with the goddess became the locations of Christian chapels and churches, and the river itself acquired a new symbolic meaning in Christian iconography. Water from the Seine was used for baptisms, and the river became a symbol of purification and renewal.

Today, when visiting the sources of the Seine, one can experience a remarkable combination of history, mythology and nature. The archaeological park offers not only an education on ancient beliefs, but also an opportunity for contemplation in a peaceful, natural setting. Walking paths take you through the forest and along the initial course of the river, allowing you to watch the inconspicuous stream gradually gain strength, eventually becoming a mighty river that shapes the landscape and history of France.

It is worth noting that despite the passage of centuries and changing beliefs, the Seine still retains its symbolic power. The river, which took its name from a forgotten goddess, has become an icon in its own right - a symbol of Paris and France, an inspiration for artists, poets and filmmakers. Its waters, flowing from these humble springs, carry with them not only the history of the cult of the pagan goddess, but also the cultural heritage of an entire nation.

The Seine is no ordinary river flowing through the city - it is a living artery around which Paris has been shaped over the centuries. Its banks have become home to the French capital's most important monuments, creating a unique cultural heritage listed by UNESCO. A journey along the Seine is a journey through French history, from medieval times to the present day.

One of the oldest and most recognizable monuments along the Seine is the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. This Gothic temple, whose construction began in 1163, rises majestically on the Île de la Cité - the natural heart of the city. Although the cathedral suffered a tragic fire in 2019, it remains a symbol of Paris and a testament to the genius of medieval builders. Before the fire, Notre-Dame attracted some 13 million visitors a year, being one of the most visited monuments in Europe. Intensive reconstruction work is currently underway, and the cathedral is scheduled to open to the public in 2024. Although the interior remains inaccessible, it is worth going around the cathedral, admiring its exterior architecture and observing the progress of the restoration.

Not far from Notre-Dame, also on the Île de la Cité, is the Sainte-Chapelle, a true gem of Gothic architecture. This royal chapel, built in the 13th century at the behest of Louis IX the Saint, impresses above all with its spectacular stained glass windows, which cover almost the entire surface of the upper chapel's walls. The 15 huge windows depict more than 1,000 biblical scenes, creating an amazing lighting effect, especially on sunny days. Unlike Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle is fully open to the public, offering an unforgettable experience of interacting with medieval sacred art. It is advisable to plan your visit during the morning hours, when the sunlight shines through the stained glass windows most beautifully.

Moving along the Seine, it's impossible to miss the Louvre, a former royal palace and today one of the largest and most important museums in the world. This monumental building, the oldest parts of which date back to the 12th century, has witnessed key events in French history. Today, the Louvre attracts art lovers from around the world, offering an unparalleled collection of works from antiquity to the 19th century. The Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo or the Code of Hammurabi are just some of the masterpieces that can be admired here. The museum is huge - its collection has more than 35,000 exhibits, and the length of the corridors exceeds 14 kilometers. It is virtually impossible to visit the whole thing in one day, so it is worth planning in advance which departments interest you the most. The Louvre is open every day except Tuesdays, and on Fridays until late in the evening, which allows for a quieter visit during off-peak hours.

Right next to the Louvre is the Tuileries Garden, one of the most beautiful parks in Paris. This classic French garden, designed in the 17th century by André Le Nôtre, offers a tranquil space amid geometrically trimmed hedges, fountains and sculptures. It's the perfect place to relax after a busy tour of the Louvre. The garden is also home to the Musée de l'Orangerie, where you can admire Claude Monet's famous 'Nenufars'. The Tuileries is open year-round, from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free.

One of the most romantic spots along the Seine is the Pont des Arts bridge, formerly known as the 'bridge of love's padlocks.' This pedestrian bridge, connecting the Institute of France to the Louvre, became a symbol of love when lovers began attaching padlocks to its railings with their initials engraved on them, and throwing the keys into the river. Although the padlocks were removed in 2015 for safety reasons, the bridge still attracts lovers and offers some of the most beautiful views of the Seine. It's also a popular spot for artists, who often set up their easels here, capturing the city's skyline.

A little further west is Paris' oldest surviving bridge, the Pont Neuf (which paradoxically means 'New Bridge'). Built in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, during the reign of Henry IV, whose equestrian statue adorns the center of the bridge, the Pont Neuf connects the right bank of Paris to the island of Île de la Cité. It was the first bridge in the city that was not built up with houses, a novelty at the time. As a result, it offered (and still offers) great views of the river. The bridge is richly decorated with 381 masks depicting satyrs and forest deities, which is an interesting decorative element worth a closer look.

Among the Parisian sights along the Seine, the Pantheon, a monumental structure originally built as the church of St. Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris, is also not to be missed. Today it is a mausoleum where some of the most prominent Frenchmen rest, including Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Marie Curie and Alexandre Dumas. Although the Pantheon is not directly on the river, it is located on the hill of Sainte-Geneviève, which offers a beautiful view of the Seine and the left bank of Paris. The building impresses with its neoclassical architecture, especially its dome modeled on the Roman Pantheon. The interior is decorated with monumental paintings depicting key moments in French history.

The Seine is not only a historic artery of Paris and a witness to its turbulent history, but also one of the city's main tourist attractions. The river offers unique perspectives on Parisian monuments and is the center of social life for locals and visitors alike. Cruises on the Seine, walks along its boulevards or picnics on its banks are experiences that are permanently etched in the memories of visitors to the French capital.

One of the most popular ways of getting to know Paris from the perspective of the water are Seine river cruises. Seine river night cruise is a unique option for those who want to see the city in a magical evening setting. As dusk falls, Parisian monuments are strikingly illuminated, creating a fairy-tale panorama. Night cruises offer unforgettable views of the illuminated Eiffel Tower, whose illuminations are activated every hour after dark, flickering for several minutes. This is the perfect time to take souvenir photos. During the cruise, you can also enjoy the illuminated bridges, facades of museums and cathedrals, and the nightlife bustling on the quays. Most night cruises last about an hour and include a guide's commentary in several languages, explaining the history and significance of the monuments passed.

For those who prefer a more intimate experience, private cruises are also available, offering luxury accommodations and a personalized itinerary. Some companies, like Seine Privée Cruise, specialize in organizing exclusive excursions for small groups, often combined with a champagne service or dinner. This is an excellent option for a romantic date, anniversary or engagement, but also for business meetings in an unusual setting.

It is worth noting that cruises on the Seine take place all year round, but their character changes with the seasons. In spring you can admire the flowering trees along the banks, in summer the bustling quaysides full of picnicking Parisians, in autumn the golden colors of the leaves reflected in the water, and in winter - Christmas illuminations and a quieter, more reflective atmosphere. Each season offers a different but equally fascinating face of the river.

In addition to traditional sightseeing cruises, the Seine is also the stage for more specialized water attractions. Some companies, like River cruise Seine, offer themed cruises focusing on specific aspects of Parisian history or culture. You can take a cruise in the footsteps of the Impressionists, who often immortalized the Seine on their canvases, a culinary cruise with a tasting of French specialties, or even a music cruise with a live concert.

For those who prefer to explore the city on their own two feet, the Seine's boulevards provide one of the most beautiful walking routes in Europe. The riverbanks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer miles of paths for pedestrians and cyclists. Particularly charming are the boulevards on the left bank, between the Pont de l'Alma bridge and the Pont des Arts, where there are numerous second-hand bookstores (bouquinistes), an integral part of the Parisian landscape since the 16th century. These distinctive green booths, of which there are about 900, offer not only books, but also old maps, posters, postcards and small souvenirs.

The Seine boulevards are also the site of numerous cultural and entertainment events. In the summer, part of the waterfront is turned into artificial beaches as part of the 'Paris Plages' initiative, where Parisians and tourists can take sunbaths, play beach volleyball or attend outdoor concerts. There are also book fairs, outdoor exhibitions, film screenings and culinary festivals throughout the year.

One more aspect of the Seine's tourist use is worth mentioning - restaurants and cafes overlooking the river. Establishments such as Paris Seine offer the opportunity to enjoy French cuisine while admiring the city skyline. Some restaurants are located on ships moored at the shore, while others occupy strategic positions on wharves or bridges. Prices at such places tend to be higher than at establishments further from the river, but the exceptional view often makes up for the extra cost.

The Seine as a tourist attraction has another, less obvious dimension - it is a natural landmark in the city. For many tourists, the river is the main axis against which they determine their location and plan their sightseeing routes. The division between the right bank (Rive Droite) and the left bank (Rive Gauche) has not only geographical, but also cultural significance - traditionally, the right bank is associated with commerce and business, while the left bank is associated with intellectual, artistic and student life.

All in all, the Seine offers tourists a multidimensional experience of Paris - from the perspective of the water, from its banks, by day and by night, in historical and contemporary contexts. The river, which took its name from a pagan goddess, has become an icon in its own right - a symbol of the romantic, artistic and historical character of the French capital. Whether you choose a night cruise, a stroll along the boulevards, or simply a moment of contemplation on one of the bridges, the Seine invariably offers one of the most unforgettable Parisian experiences.