The River Seine

I was told not to miss taking a night cruise on the Seine. So, I've added that to my list. Left Bank, Right Bank, what is this mysterious river called the Seine anyway? 
C'mon, ya'll know there's always something to learn when you stop by my blog.

The waters of the Seine,(pronounced la sen)Latin for Sequana "sacred river" have been the heart and soul of Paris as far back as 200-250 BC. It is the 2nd longest river in France (485 miles) and flows through Paris emptying into the English Channel. There are 37 bridges over the river just within Paris and dozens of others outside the city. Many historic landmarks line its banks as well as sidewalk cafes and lovers enjoying the views. The French are not shy about PDA's.

The first inhabitants Of Paris (Paris was originally called Lutetia) chose to settle on the "Ile de la Cite" (or City Island), because the Seine, which used to be twice as wide as it is today, provided a very efficient natural barrier against barbarian invasions.

La Rive Gauche (the Left Bank) is the southern bank of the river Seine in Paris. Here, the river flows roughly westward, cutting the city in two: the Rive Droite (the Right Bank) to the north, and the Rive Gauche (Left Bank) to the south.

"Rive Gauche"generally refers to the Paris of an earlier era; the Paris of artists, writers and philosophers.

This is our hotel located on the Right Bank

While the Right Bank grew with the spread of the royal palaces and aristocratic mansions, the Left Bank has been the place for clergy and their students since the Middle Ages. But the old generalization of the “fashionable Right Bank” and the “gauche Left Bank” is not as relevant today, since the 6th and 7th (Arrondissements=districts) have been taken over by the privileged classes and the most dynamic Right Bank quarters are in the working-class, ethnic enclaves of the 10th, 19th and 20th arrondissements.

Bateaux Mouches are open excursion boats that provide visitors to Paris with a view of the city from along the river Seine.

Like most famous rivers, The Seine is also a popular site for suicides and the disposal of bodies of murder victims. In 2007, 55 bodies were retrieved from its waters; in February 2008, the body of supermodel-turned-activist Katoucha Niane was found there. Over the space of 6 years a total of 306 bodies were retrieved the highest number in one day being 16. However, the Golden Gate Bridge is not only the most popular place to commit suicide in the US but the most popular place in the entire world!

I'm Just Sayin