Since ancient times, people settled on the river banks.I was no exception and the river Seine in Paris, where approximately in the third century BC there was a Gallic tribe known as the Parisienne.It should be noted that after she passed an important commercial waterway, connecting the East with the Atlantic.
Origin names
There are several theories about the origin of the name of the water body.One of the most common is that the Seine River was named the Latin word «Sequana», which means "sacred river".However, some historians argue that the name of a Gallic origin.They suggest that it modified the name of the river Yonne, the influx of which, according to the Gauls, was sung.In the lower reaches, on the territory of Normandy, before the water flow is generally called "Rodo" - in honor of the eponymous plains.
General description
Seine River stretches for 776 kilometers.His beginning she takes in Burgundy (province in the eastern part of France), in the area of the plateau of Langres, which rises above the sea level 471 meters.Proceeds mainly on severofrantsuzskoy lowlands through the Paris basin.In the vicinity of Paris, it makes a lot of all kinds of winding turns.Not far from the city of Le Havre falls into one of the bays of the Channel.The largest river, tributary of the Seine - a Oise.In addition to her right here on the river Marne and on the fall, and the left - Yonne.The total area of the basin is about 79,000 km2.
Whatever it was replenished Sung mainly due to precipitation.The same can be said of other water bodies that are located in France.In particular, for the period from November to March is characterized by the highest rise of the water level.The slope of the bed of the Seine is just over 60 centimeters per kilometer.In general, it can be described as a deep river with a steady level and a steady flow.
role for the country
Sena is now shipping to France an important thoroughfare.Starting from the town of Troyes has the status of river transport, because from this point downstream can run the court, the draft of which is up to 1.3 meters.Ships with a draft of up to 6.5 meters are to the port of Rouen.From the latter established shipping to the capital, there may pass vessels with a draft up to 3.2 meters.Due to the numerous artificial canals connected with the rest of the Seine rivers.It is impossible not to note the large number of ports located on its banks.The largest of them are concentrated in the cities of Paris, Rouen and Le Havre.The role of the river for the whole of France is so important that it informally called 21 districts of the capital (in accordance with the approved formal administrative structure, there are 20 of them here).
Geographical location
River Seine on the map arbitrarily divides the French capital in two parts, crossing it from the south-east-west kind of arc.Left Bank is considered to be artistic and bohemian, and the right - the business center where there are numerous office buildings, the royal residence of the Louvre Museum, gardens, squares and many other facilities.On the river it is also the historical center of Paris - Cite island.Outside the city, this waterway neatly skirts the famous Bois de Boulogne and then flows toward the English Channel.
Bridges
City on the river Seine is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world thanks to its numerous cultural sites.Without a doubt, they include local and bridges.Just across the Seine in Paris within their stretches 37. One of the most beautiful of them considered such as Notre Dame, Small and Louis-Philippe, erected centuries ago.It is impossible not to mention the fact that on this river, to be exact, at its mouth, is Normandy Bridge - one of the longest in the world suspended structures of this kind.Its length is 2,350 meters, width - 23 meters.
Sights on the Seine River Seine
has numerous architectural monuments on its shores.Going down the river by boat, you can see the Louvre, together with a complex of museums, Bourbon Palace, Les Invalides, the Musée d'Orsay, as well as immortalized by Victor Hugo's Notre Dame de Paris, built in the period from the twelfth to the fourteenth century.In descending the river travelers a perfect opportunity to see well on the left bank of the world famous symbol of the city - the Eiffel Tower.It should be noted that the movement of the Seine is continuous.Ride and admire the beautiful city you can, using as small yachts and pleasure cruise ships.Unfortunately, this can not affect the state of the river - the water is heavily polluted.
Interesting facts
the Seine related many interesting historical facts, legends and beliefs.In particular, it is believed that the ashes of burnt in 1431 Joan of Arc was dispelled just above it.In addition, the river Seine was so loved by the French national hero Napoleon Bonaparte, that he wanted to be buried on its banks.But his will was never executed.
In 1910 there was a great Parisian flood, which resulted in the French capital was almost completely flooded.The cause of the disaster served as a rise in water level in the River Seine in January by as much as six meters.Nothing like this here since that time occurred.In 1991, the Parisian river bank were made to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites, are concentrated in Europe.
There unpleasant statistics relating to the River Seine.The fact that it is very popular among the suicides, as well as criminals released into her body of its victims.
