A few months ago, an exhibition showcased all the unusual objects found in the Seine. While it’s easy to imagine that empty bottles or jewelry might have found their way there inadvertently, it’s hard to imagine the same thing happening to larger objects! Here’s a small selection of unusual objects found in the Seine.
Works of art and precious objects of all kinds found in the Seine
Among the hidden treasures the Seine has sheltered are works of art of all kinds, including a statuette by Camille Claudel and Rodin, estimated at 800,000 euros, a statuette of Apollo, sculptures dating back to Gallo-Roman times…
Wartime weapons, shells and artefacts in the Seine River
Visit Seine is home to many relics of the war. Every year, between 480 and 550 tonnes of shells are found all over France! In all, 154 shells were discovered by the river brigade and deminers in Paris alone in 2022. In 2018, it was an old model from 1917 that was found in the river after a major flood. A French helmet from the First World War was also found not far from the Quai d’Austerlitz. And, of course, there’s no mention of the many weapons found in the river… Pistols, knives, rifles…
A crocodile, a python and other amazing animals found in the River Seine
Who said there were only fish in the sea? Seine ? Some exotic animals have found refuge in the river. In 1984, an 80 cm crocodile was found in the sewers of Paris, near Pont-Neuf. This female was transferred to the Ferme aux Crocodiles in Pierrelatte, in the Drôme region of France, and lived for 36 years! In the same style, a dead python weighing 40 kg was found in 2012. It has certainly been abandoned by its owner… Finally, a calf seal was spotted in the Seine in August 2022. According to Sea Shepherd, the animal is accustomed to feeding there at this time of year.
A mascaron from the Pont-Neuf falls into the Seine
It’s an incredible but true story! In 2014, a brigade fluviale diver discovered a mascaron weighing over 100 kilos. The scary head was one of the 381 decorations that originally adorned the Pont-Neuf. Its disturbing features, reminiscent of the ancient gods, were intended to ward off evil spirits. It is now on display at the Carnavalet Museum of Paris History.
A mammoth skeleton
In 2021, an entire woolly mammoth skeleton was found some 50 kilometers from Paris, in Changis-sur-Marne. Affectionately named Helmut, this behemoth must have weighed between 4 and 5 tonnes. A major discovery for archaeologists!
Centuries-old coins
In 1957, very old coins dating from the Iᵉʳ, IIᵉ and 4th centuries were found! Treasures you can admire at the Musée Carnavalet!