It was not until 1994 that UNESCO added the 7.45 miles of the Seine Riverbanks in Paris to its World Heritage list that it became worthy to be called a Paris sightseeing site.

For most of the 19th and 20th centuries, the Seine was barely acknowledged by anyone other than those working on it or driving alongside it.

After light was shown on it, floating venues such as Batofar became a very stylish accessory to Paris sightseeing. Soon after, many other nightclubs were popping up on other boats. Today, the Seine is a major Paris sightseeing attraction, especially in the summer.

In the summer, Port de Javel and Jardin Tino-Rossi are converted into open-air dance halls. Piscine Josephine-Baker was able to revive the floating swimming pool concept that was so popular in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Many visitors now opt to stay in Paris vacation rentals near the Seine. On Sundays, the riverside roads are closed for the benefit of roller skaters, sunbathers and cyclists.

Paris’ 37 bridges are some of the most renowned Paris sightseeing landmarks in the city and provide some of the most fascinating views.

The bridges that linked the islands to the riverbanks back in the Middle Ages were lined with shops and houses; unfortunately, the wooden construction was weak and the structures would often catch on fire or simply be washed away. It took 11 sinkages of the Petit Pont before it was prohibited to build atop bridges.

The Pont Neuf, Paris’ oldest bridge, was unveiled in 1607. The newest bridge is the Passerelle Simone-de-Beauvoir. The Ile de la Cite is the center of Paris’ history dating back to 250 BC. The Pont Neuf covers the Seine on the most charming, western tip of the island.

There are many Paris vacation rentals to choose from on this side. The Notre-Dame cathedral dominates the eastern half of the island which also offers plenty of Paris vacation rentals.