Walking along the banks of the Seine

Along the banks of the Seine

Walking or cycling

The left bank of the Seine was partially pedestrianised in 2013, and the right bank followed this year. Pedestrians and cyclists can now enjoy trips along both sides of the Seine.

Take a walk to discover Paris and its buildings and history. And if you prefer to wander along the quays, you can visit riverside parks and gardens such as the Rives de Seine Park. The park is on the left bank of the Seine, and is a 2.5-kilometre-long footpath from the Eiffel Tower to the Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge, passing the Musee d’Orsay and the Pont de l’Alma.

By bus

If you want to take in more of Paris, try a bus tour. It’s an ideal stress-free way to discover Paris, including the banks of the Seine, at your own pace, with superb views and a guide to tell you more about the city.

Tootbus offers a Discovery Paris bus tour that takes in both banks of the River Seine. Take the blue line from the Eiffel Tower to the Ile de la Cité that allows you to hop on and hop off at any stop.

By boat

See the city from a different angle with a boat tour on the Seine. Tootbus also offers cruises on the Seine as an addition to its other services so you can experience and explore Paris in different ways.

Take the Vedettes de Paris cruises and enjoy the magical atmosphere of the Seine while you admire the UNESCO World Heritage site riverbanks, and the 37 bridges across the Seine including Pont de Bir-Hakeim, Pont Alexandre III, Pont Neuf, Pont de Sully and many more!

Must sees - not to be missed

The Eiffel Tower

A monument that has become the symbol of Paris and France, the Eiffel Tower is a must-see for any visit to the city. Its full 324 metres soaring above Quai Branly is always an impressive sight.

Pont Alexandre III

This bridge is a symbol of Franco-Russian friendship and was, like the Eiffel Tower, inaugurated at the 1900 World’s Fair. It spans the Seine from Les Invalides on the left bank to the Petit and Grand Palais on the right bank.

Place de la Concorde

The Place de la Concorde is famous for its outstanding architecture and its unusual past. It is a symbol of the French Revolution and located close to some major sites in the city. It is one of the most beautiful squares to see on a first visit to Paris.

The Musée d’Orsay

The former Orsay train station was converted into a 19th century art museum in 1986. It now houses the largest collection of Impressionist paintings in the world.

The Louvre Museum

It’s impossible to come to Paris without visiting the Louvre one of the biggest museums in the world. Lovers of art and antiquities will find plenty to delight them among the 460,000 works in its collections.

The Pont des Arts

The current bridge was rebuilt in 1984. Its 7 arches are aligned with Pont Neuf. Cross the Seine and enjoy a great view of Pont Neuf and add your own love padlock to the bridge.

Pont Neuf

This is the oldest bridge in Paris (16th to 17th century), and is a UNESCO World Heritage site, as are the banks of the Seine. It was fully restored in 2007.

Notre Dame Cathedral

This basilica on the Ile de la Cité took more than 2 centuries to build. It is the most visited monument in France. Take our bus tour to be one of the 30,000 people who visit it every day.

Quai de la Mégisserie

Reminiscent of the Paris of yesteryear and old postcards, the Quai de la Mégisserie was one of the earliest quays to be built in Paris. It is a road in the first arrondissement, known for its many pet shops, nurseries and florists. 

 Ile Saint-Louis

If you are looking for some peace and quiet, Ile Saint-Louis is the place for you. Treat yourself to a day of pure joy and let the island work its charm on you. It is an ideal romantic getaway for couples thanks to the Vert Galant park, with its magnificent variety of animals and impressive plant life for a park in a capital city.

What are you waiting for? On foot, by bike, bus or boat, you’ll find the perfect way to visit Paris and the banks of the Seine. You’ll find all the practical information you need at the city of Paris tourist office.