Paris and the River Seine: A History

The intertwined histories of Paris and of the River Seine are interesting but complicated. It is the Seine, however with all its ports, bridges, boats, commerce, monuments, and vistas, that has always been the keystone in the arch of Paris life, both in the past and now in the present. The great French medievalist Jean Favier (1932-2014) summed up its story in just six words: "Paris is born of the Seine."

Paris may be known today as "The City of Light" but, like most big cities, it also ha...