Have you ever done a first aid course? Then you have locked lips with a real-life beauty; pulled from the River Seine Paris. The Seine is considered one of the most majestic and romantic rivers in the world. The Banks of the Seine are full of character and it is a very desirable area. The idea of attaching their Love to the Love Lock Bridge, Seeing the historic Bouquinistes, or enjoying a concert on the man-made river is what draws tourists to The River Seine Paris. However, did you know about the dark past of the River? murders, suicides, and body dumpings.

Suicides, Murder Victims and the fearless Joan of Arc

Once upon a time, it was a common sight to find bodies washed up along the shoreline. Throughout the River Seine’s long history, it became an easy place for disposing of bodies of murder victims and suicides. A now-famous young girl by the name of Joan of Arc was scattered into the River as she was burnt at the stake. Joan of Arc played a major role in French History. she was a devoted Christian and claimed she had spoken to God; God had chosen to help lead her country to victory who was at war with England.

Joan approached the French Army; who were losing badly and pleaded with the general; to listen to her and she would help them win the war. Because she was a girl they took no notice of her; Joan decided to dress up like a boy and approach the general again. By this time the French were losing severely; they had nothing left to lose so the general finally listened. Joan of Arc helped lead the French the victory; unfortunately, this story doesn’t have a happy ending. Joan was betrayed by one of her own, she was captured and burned at the stake in 1431 for witchcraft. Joan Of Arc was brought back to Paris and her ashes were scattered in the River Seine as her final resting place.

What does your first aid course have to do with the River Seine Paris?

Remember the manikin that you had to practice CPR during your first aid course? You were giving mouth to mouth to a mold of a real-life girl found in the River Seine Paris. The Story goes that there was a family of Parisians walking their dog along the banks of the Seine; when they came across a body, notifying the authorities the body was taken away. No one came forward to claim her; they had no choice but to send her to the morgue. On her arrival, the man; who was working took a bit of a fancy to this young girl’s face. He thought she was the most beautiful person he had ever seen; so he decided it was a good idea to take a mold of her face; to preserve her forever. To this day she is the face of every resuscitation manikin for the first aid course.

The Bouquinistes of Paris

As your eye gazes down the river at the beautiful Seine you will be drawn to these quaint little green boxes that line a large portion of the banks. These are actually shops; they are very prestigious and sought after. You can’t just buy a store; it is not easy you have to have it handed down to you; from generation to generation. There are about 900 Little Green Boxes which run for about a 3km stretch along the riverbank, usually open from dusk until dawn. The Bouquinistes sell unique rare old books, journals, stamps, and trading cards. The tradition is still very much alive; however, they have moved with the times and have started stocking souvenirs for tourists. Be warned they are usually at a very inflated tourist price; it would be best to head to Rue de Rivoli or Montmartre markets for more affordable souvenirs.

The World Famous Love Lock Bridge

In the city of Paris alone there are 32 bridges that cross the river; the Pont Des Arts spanning over the river that has become quite popular amongst the tourists is Pont Des Arts. Mysterious Legends surround this bridge which is the Love Lock Theory. What is the love lock theory? you and your beloved; take a padlock have your names engraved on it down to the bridge. Together you lock it to the bridge; throwing the key into the River Seine by doing this your love will be eternal. The Love Lock Theory swept the world and you will see it in many other places now too.

This tradition was carried out for many years and in 2014 there was so much love being locked to the bridge that a section collapsed into the river under the weight of the locks. On a monthly basis, the locks are removed to prevent the bridge from collapsing again. Don’t worry the Love Lock Theory still stands the panels are picked up and moved to the mainland where they have positioned them; as a part of the walkway along the river.

Look Down River to get your bearings

The River Seine Paris splits the heart of the city into two banks which are both considered UNESCO World Heritage sites. They are the right and left bank, look down the river; this way you will be able to work out which is the left and right banks. The Seine is a great navigation tool for getting around the city of Paris; you will find most things you want to see and do are located directly off the river itself.

Do not underestimate the beauty of exploring the river banks, every summer 20000 tons of sand is transported to create beaches with lovely palm trees for Parisians to sunbake and enjoy outdoor concerts. Floating on the river are restaurants and cafes. They can be quite expensive so if you are on a budget maybe just a walk along the river bank. Regardless of the River’s dark past these days, it is a place of energy and serenity; you will notice sunbathers, joggers, and people riding bikes along the footpaths.

Enjoy the city from the River Seine  

Another fantastic way to truly experience the river and see the city of Paris from another perspective; is via a boat or cruise up the River. There are various companies who do sightseeing trips, for something special take a cruise at dusk with a candle-lit gourmet dinner; with your one and only. On the 14th of July every year, the Parisians celebrate Bastille Day; there is a massive fireworks display is held throughout the city. This is a perfect opportunity to book yourself a dinner and cruise along the River Seine; enjoy the romance of the Eiffel Tower being lit up by the fireworks display. 

The River Seine Paris has been a very important aspect of life in France, and the city of Paris yet so many secretes still hide in the dark murky waters of the Seine. All that aside; these days, we are lucky enough to have such a beautiful, vibrant and exciting area of Paris to enjoy. As you capture those perfect Instagram shots of the city; think back to the mystery and murder of the dark past of the River Seine Paris.