Q 01/05

Which Seine-side Paris landmark served as the entrance gateway to the 1889 World's Fair?

A) Grand Palais

B) Eiffel Tower

C) Palais de Chaillot

D) Les Invalides

Answer · why

B) Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower was meant to come down after 20 years, but later uses, notably as a radio telegraphy station, made it worth keeping.

Q 02/05

The Seine empties into which body of water?

A) The North Sea

B) The Bay of Biscay

C) The English Channel

D) The Mediterranean Sea

Answer · why

C) The English Channel

The English Channel is reached only after the Seine winds through Normandy in deep loops, formed because its valley slopes so gently.

Q 03/05

The Seine rises about 30 km northwest of which Burgundian city?

A) Beaune

B) Dijon

C) Nevers

D) Mâcon

Answer · why

B) Dijon

Dijon's archaeology museum now holds wooden figures that pilgrims left at the Seine's spring, rare survivors preserved for two thousand years by marsh...

Q 04/05

Which river is the only one in France longer than the Seine?

A) Garonne

B) Charente

C) Loire

D) Dordogne

Answer · why

C) Loire

The Loire is longer but dotted with sandbanks, while the Seine's steady, regular flow keeps it navigable for much of its length.

Q 05/05

Which Paris art museum on the Seine's Left Bank was built as a railway station finished for the 1900 World's Fair?

A) Musée d'Orsay

B) Petit Palais

C) Musée Rodin

D) Musée de l'Orangerie

Answer · why

A) Musée d'Orsay

The Musée d'Orsay's station soon became outdated as railways modernised, and it stood largely empty until the 1970s decision to make it a museum.