Exploring Paris: A City Walk Along the Seine River

Between sudden showers and the occasional glimpse of Paris's thin, transparent blue sky, the Seine River offers a picturesque City Walk route. As evening approaches, the gentle sunset casts a warm glow on your shoulders while you stroll along the riverbank, passing through urban landscapes. Each bridge along the Seine witnesses the history and transformation of the City of Light. The old bookstalls along the Seine remain as they were years ago, while the locks on the bridges have become more varied and beautiful, yet the stories they hold remain unchanged. The bookstalls, known as 'bouquinistes' in French, have a fascinating history. A documentary reveals their origins, tracing back to a ship that sank near Notre Dame centuries ago. Sailors sold salvaged books to passersby to recover financial losses, thus starting the tradition of selling books by the river. However, in recent years, the bookstalls have faced challenges from digital culture, with many now selling souvenirs. Some fear this change threatens the traditional bookstall culture, and there are calls to preserve them as heritage sites. Yet, there are still those who remain dedicated to selling only books and vintage prints, resisting the lure of tourist trinkets. A memorable quote from a bookstall owner in the documentary resonates: "For me, the value of books will always remain, and those who love books will continue to buy them. Theaters never disappeared with the advent of cinema." It's inspiring to see such steadfast dedication to preserving the timeless essence of books. Here are three bridges worth visiting along the Seine: - Pont Neuf: The oldest bridge, connecting the Île de la Cité with the banks of the Seine. - Pont Alexandre III: The most ornate bridge, easily recognizable by its golden sculptures at each end. The east side features the coat of arms of Saint Petersburg and a sculpture symbolizing the Neva River, while the west side depicts two dwarfs representing the growth history of Paris and the Seine. - Pont des Arts: Also known as the Lovers' Bridge, legend has it that couples who kiss here will never part. The bridge is adorned with love locks, though they are periodically removed due to the weight. Cultural Stop: The Bookstalls Along the Seine, over 200 bookstalls line the banks, offering a glimpse into the past with their distinctive green boxes. Many vendors are passionate about preserving the bookstall culture, waiting for you to discover their treasures. Best Time to Visit： The Seine is particularly enchanting at dusk, when day transitions to night, sparking countless dreams and emotions. It's highly recommended to take a Seine River cruise at sunset to experience both the twilight and nighttime views of Paris. Some boats even offer dinner reservations.