The name of the river takes its roots from the Gaulish/Celtic word sicauna, which comes from the Celtic sakw, meaning sacred. The river is first mentioned as early as the year 358 in some ancient texts. The average depth at Paris is about eight metres. Since the early 19th Century, locks were installed to artificially raise and maintain the level of the river. Its water quality is not top-notch so do not go running in to have a swim. And if you would like to do some fishing, it is advised against. Nevertheless, since 1991 the Seine has been placed on UNESCO’s world heritage list.
If you still want to experience the Seine, take an excursion with the bateaux mouches, open excursion boats that give a chance for visitors to view Paris from along the river. The Bateaux Mouches have become something like a trademark so do not hesitate to ask! A typical cruise may last around an hour. You can expect to be offered lunch or you might decide to take a night cruise and observe the starry Paris illuminated. Indeed, a lot of Paris and its attractions can be seen from the river. There are also beautiful bridges all along the way. The Seine has inspired many painters such as Claude Monet or Eugene Boudin to paint, to write, to create.