Paris, Banks of the Seine

Photo : Guilhem Vellut from Paris, France (CC BY 2.0)

This cultural World Heritage Site encompasses the riverbanks and islands of the Seine as it flows through Paris, representing an exceptional convergence of natural landscape and urban development. The site was inscribed in 1991 in recognition of the Seine's central role in the city's evolution and its influence on European urban planning and architecture. Located in the Île-de-France region, the site includes the historic islands of Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis, along with the adjacent embankments that have shaped Paris's character over centuries. The banks are characterized by distinctive architectural ensembles, including Notre-Dame Cathedral, royal palaces, and classical buildings that reflect various periods of French history. The Seine's relationship with the surrounding urban fabric demonstrates how the river has functioned as both a practical infrastructure and a defining geographical feature that organized the city's growth. This heritage designation recognizes the Seine's importance as a dynamic element that continues to define Paris's urban landscape and cultural identity.

Nearby World Heritage Sites

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