I often walk along the banks of the Seine, the river being one of my favorite places in Paris to sit and observe time; to picnic with friends; to read a good book. These days it’s impossible, with water levels recently reaching 21 feet above normal, heights unseen since 1982. What exactly does this mean? Barriers have been constructed to hold water back and the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay have been closed to move artwork to higher floors. Boat cruises have obviously been cancelled, creating an eerie stillness on Paris’ main waterway. And what does this look like? Here are a few images of “Paris underwater” as taken from a local’s perspective. Thankfully the rains have stopped and the water levels are receding. In just a few weeks (with a little added sun) picnics will be well underway. Residents are safe and sound and life will soon return to normal.

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