What did the Seine look like in the 18th century? With its sandy banks, its bustling ports and its bridges covered in houses, it was the heart of Parisian life. People came here to buy goods, to take ferries and to listen to the lively banter of the street sellers. The Seine was a place for washing clothes, cleaning tripe, and working. And it was also a place for bathing and for drowning – because at the time not many people knew how to swim!
Gens de la Seine is a soundwalk made up of 19 narratives, which come alive with the sounds, quarrels, laughter and experiences of the people that used to live here. Available in both English and French, Gens de la Seine makes in-depth historical research available to all, in a way that is both fun and engaging. It is part of the soundwalks collection Gens de Paris which aims to allow people to rediscover Paris through the lives and experiences of those who lived here long ago. Gens de la Seine is supported by the Mairie de Paris, the CNRS, the EHESS and Roger-Viollet/Paris en Images.
