A few months ago, an exhibition highlighted all the unusual objects found in the Seine. While it’s easy to imagine that empty bottles or jewelry might have found their way into the river, 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 found in the Seine 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…
Weapons, shells and wartime artefacts in the Seine
The Seine is home to many relics of war. Every year, between 480 and 550 tons 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 Seine
Who said there were only fish in the Seine? Some unsuspected exotic animals have found refuge in the river. In 1984, an 80 cm crocodile was found in the Paris sewers near Pont-Neuf. This female was transferred to the Ferme aux Crocodiles in Pierrelatte, Drôme, and lived for 36 years! In a similar vein, a 40 kg dead python was found in 2012. It had 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 in the river 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 ominous 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 km from Paris, in Changis-sur-Marne. Known affectionately as Helmut, this mastodon 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!