Springing up from vineyard-coated Burgundy, the Seine is France’s best-known river. Flowing for 482 miles, it snakes through Paris, one of the world’s most romantic and iconic capitals. Reaching northwards into Normandy, the Seine winds through orchards, meadows and wooded hills, revealing beauty and history at every turn before reaching the English Channel at Le Havre. The Seine’s landscapes have inspired generations of artists, including Monet and Cezanne. The river has also witnessed significant historical events; during the Middle Ages, Joan of Arc was martyred in Seine-side Rouen, whilst in World War II the river became a critical military crossing point. In 1991, its Parisian banks – the famous Rive Gauche and Rive Droite – were accorded UNESCO World Heritage status.
