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Monday, May 13, 2013

The Seine et Paris Plages


The Seine, Paris' romantic waterway--and probably most widely-known river throughout the world, 
runs 482 miles from Source-Seine near Dijon 
through Paris all the way into the English Channel 
near Le Havre and Honfleur. 

The average depth runs about 9 1/2 meters 
and periodic flooding creates great concern
regarding Paris' many artworks stored underground.

It is said that Joan of Arc's ashes were thrown into the Seine from Rouen.
And every summer since 2002, the Paris Plages 
brings truckloads of sand to its banks:
instant beach fun for city dwellers.

Thirty seven bridges span the Seine in Paris alone.
Some people have their favorites in the city.
Mine happens to be whichever one I'm on.

We sometimes take a walk to our Bir Hakim Bridge 
(formerly the Pont de Passy) with friends
--at just the right time--
to share a bottle of bubbly and the hourly evening shimmering lights of the Eiffel Tower.

There is nothing like strolling the banks of the Seine
with its cobblestone walkways and docked boats often used as hotel rooms,
perusing the local book- and art- sellers like in the shot above.

This year the Paris Plages begins July 20 
and runs for four weeks. 
For more information, see the Mairie de Paris website
which also shares a panoramique of photos.

Last one in the poo.....no, skip that part! 



(Photo copyright: Kirsten Steen)


6 comments:

  1. Thanks for visiting me. I absolutely love walking along this river.
    I use Picasa for doing collages. The header a friend put together for me and not sure what she used.

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  2. I love the idea of creating a beach each summer! It really is a beautiful river and such a gift for a city like Paris to have this from end to end and beyond.

    Thanks so much for stopping by The Marmelade Gypsy. (I just look at the photos on your side bar and sigh!)

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  3. Kirsten,
    That must be an amazing bridge to see! I love charming bridges, and are delightful in every way.

    Yes, I am getting ready for Anita's link party, and I will be sure to stop by here and say hello. Looking forward to your post.

    Love,
    ~Sheri

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  4. It is so beautiful. Watch out for the gypsies though. They gravitate towards me and love to play their games or wares on me. I'm told to just ignore them, but I can't be so rude. I had no idea the Seine was so long.

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  5. FANTASTIC! And the Seine holds so many mysteries, both physically and metaphorically!!! Kirsten my dear, the FRANCE link party has begun. This is a lovely post, and I hope you can visit the other links via my blog. Visit when you can ma belle! Anita

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Hello and Welcome!
Thanks for coming and for making your thoughts and feelings known. I appreciate all comments greatly.
Hope to see you again!
Kirsten