In the heart of Burgundy, in the commune of Sources-Seine, lies the origin of our famous emblematic river that flows through the heart of Paris, the Seine. But where does this enigmatic name come from? Our story takes us back in time to Celtic times, when the Seine was associated with a particular divinity, the goddess Sequana.
The Celts, with their profound admiration for the natural elements, erected a temple near the river's source in homage to Sequana. This mystical site is still visible today, and a host of ancient artifacts were discovered during archaeological digs in the 19th and 20th centuries. This heritage, with hundreds of votive offerings and coins, testifies to the spiritual importance of this place.
Among these treasures, a statue of the goddess Sequana, unfortunately incomplete, was found and is currently on display at the Dijon archaeological museum. It is to this legendary goddess that we owe the name of this mythical river.
However, a fascinatinganecdote to share is that, technically, the Seine should be called the Yonne! According to hydrographic rules, when two rivers meet, the one with the greater flow retains its name. At Montereau-Fault-Yonne, where the Yonne and Seine meet, the Yonne is in fact the larger river. But history preferred Sequana, and the Seine remained the Seine.
Here, then, is a glimpse into the history behind the Seine's name, a history rooted in Celtic mythology. The next time you cruise along the Seine, you'll have a whole new appreciation for this historic river and its divine origin. So why not take a stroll along the Seine and embrace its rich heritage?
Location
Banks of the Seine
Parc des Rives de Seine
75001 Paris 1
Access
Metro Pont Neuf (line 7), Hôtel de ville (lines 1 and 11)
Recommended age
For all
