Atmospheric Parisian cafés, quirky bookshops, and stylish students give the Latin Quarter a special Bohemian charm. This vibrant, artsy, and eclectic quarter is one of the oldest areas ofParis. During the Middle Ages, the Sorbonne University attracted scholars from all over Europewho learned and spoke Latin, explaining the quarter's name. There are still many higher education institutions in this historic academic quarter, including La Sorbonne and the Collège de France. Roughly bounded by Boulevard Saint-Michel, Boulevard Saint-Germain, and the Seine River, the Latin Quarter represents one section of the city's 5th arrondissement in the Left Bank.
Most of the Latin Quarter is a medieval maze of winding narrow streets and cobblestone alleyways, with a few quiet hidden squares. Except for the Boulevard Saint-Michel, this quarter has a distinct Old World character. Wander off into the side streets to explore the pedestrian lanes. Peek into the ancient churches, dine aboard a boat docked on the Seine River, and discover the ruins of a Roman amphitheater. The Latin Quarter also has a lively feel with many restaurants, cinemas, and theaters.
1 Musée Cluny (Musée National du Moyen-Âge)
Discover the beauty and depth of medieval art at the Cluny Museum. This National Museum of the Middle Ages is housed in the 14th-century Hôtel de Cluny, formerly the Paris town house for the Benedictine abbey of Cluny based in the Burgundy region. The building happens to lie on the excavation site of an ancient Roman bath complex. One of the museum's rooms is in the ruins of the former frigidarium (cold baths), which now displays Roman and Gallic sculptures of the 1st century AD.
The Cluny Museum is most renowned for its collection of medieval tapestries. The oldest of the tapestries is the Flemish Offrande du Coeur, a delicate declaration of love created in the 15th century. The greatest treasure is the famous Lady with the Unicorn (Dame à la Licorne) tapestry series. Made in the 15th century, the six tapestries in the series were meant to be an allegory of the five senses and the joys of the senses. These exquisitely detailed tapestries were created in the "millefleurs" style of the time. This technique featured intricate patterns of flowers ("millefleurs" means "thousand flowers"), animals, and birds. Besides the unicorn, look out for the little bunny and friendly dogs.
Address: 6 Place Paul Painlevé 75005 Paris (Métro Cluny-La Sorbonne, Saint-Michel, or Odéon station)
2 Panthéon
This famous landmark of the Latin Quarter is a mausoleum that holds the tombs of France's most prominent citizens. Above the facade of 18 Corinthian columns, an inscription reads "Aux Grands Hommes la Patrie Reconnaissante," which means "To Great Men, Their Country is Grateful." The celebrated architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot was commissioned by King Louis XV in 1756 to build a grandiose church replacing the ruined abbey of Sainte Geneviève. Soufflot succeeded at creating a masterpiece of Neoclassical style, with the architectural simplicity and monumentality of antiquity. After the church was completed, it was converted into a mausoleum by walling up the church windows to give the interior a somber ambience. The name Panthéon was inspired by classical temples of ancient Greece that were dedicated to multiple gods. The entire space of the Panthéon is devoted to remembering the accomplishments of France's most influential men. Underneath the main dome, Foucault's pendulum, that proved the rotation of the earth, was demonstrated here. There are 72 great citizens buried here. Among the famous names are the authors Victor Hugo and Emile Zola as well as the philosophers Voltaire and Rousseau.
Address: Address: 19 Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris (Métro: Luxembourg station)
3 Eglise Saint-Sevérin Saint-Nicolas
While wandering the Latin Quarter, take time to admire its historic churches, which are often missed by most tourists. The Eglise Saint-Séverin Saint-Nicolas is one of the finest examples of Flamboyant Gothic architecture in Paris. With its dark sanctuary illuminated by candles, the church has a somber and spiritual ambience. The architecture combines various styles, with a simple nave from the 13th-century and stained-glass windows dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. Other noteworthy details of the interior include the pillars with elaborately carved capitals and fanciful keystones. The Church of Saint-Séverin Saint-Nicolas regularly hosts classical organ recitals open to the public. Many visitors enjoy attending a concert here and find that listening to the holy music adds to the experience.
Address: Address: 3 Rue des Prêtes Saint-Séverin, 75005 Paris (Métro: Saint-Michel, Cluny-La Sorbonne, or Maubert-Mutualité station)
Official site: http://www.saint-severin.com/
4 Boulevard Saint-Michel & Place Saint-Michel
The busy main thoroughfare of Boulevard Saint-Michel and the bustling Place Saint-Michel bring modern energy to the Latin Quarter. In contrast to the narrow medieval streets that are tightly packed in most of the quarter, the Boulevard Saint-Michel is a wide modern avenue designed by Haussmann in the 19th century. The Boulevard Saint-Michel is lined with artsy bookstores, clothing shops, busy cafés, and other student hangouts.
At the end of Boulevard Saint-Michel, a few steps away from the Seine River, is the Place Saint-Michel. This atmospheric public square is the real heart of the Latin Quarter. The square is crowded day and night with locals on the way to the Métro, students headed to class, and tourists traveling to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral. The centerpiece of the Place Saint-Michel is the monumental Fontaine Saint-Michel. Commissioned by Haussmann under Napoleon III, this stunning fountain depicts the archangel Michael vanquishing the Devil. The allegorical image evokes the theme of good battling evil. In the tourist tradition, stop to toss in a coin into the fountain and make a wish.
Address: Address: Boulevard Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris (Métro: Saint-Michel or Cluny-La Sorbonne)
5 Atmospheric Medieval Streets
An obligatory tourist experience is getting lost in the Latin Quarter's labyrinth of narrow medieval streets. The narrowest street is Rue du Chat Qui Pêche (The Cat Who Fishes), an alleyway that runs from Rue de la Huchette to the Seine River. This tiny street only provides enough space for pedestrians to walk single-file. Rue de la Huchette is a cobblestone pedestrian street with many restaurants geared to tourists and students (but not gourmands). Other historic streets worth exploring include Rue Saint-Sevérin where the Eglise Saint-Sevérin is located, and Rue de la Harpe, another cobblestone street full of restaurants and cafés.
On the gently sloping Montagne Sainte-Geneviève hill, the Rue Mouffetard is one of the oldest and most atmospheric streets in Paris. Known simply as "Mouffe," this narrow street is lined with historic shops, 16th to 18th-century houses, and quaint restaurants that are popular with students. (The upper part of the street is "Little Athens" with mostly Greek restaurants.) The street is especially lively on weekend evenings when many street musicians come out to entertain diners. Rue Mouffetard begins near the Panthéon and ends at the Place de la Contrescarpe, a pleasant square with many sidewalk cafés.
6 Bouquinistes & Bookshops
To discover the quintessential Latin Quarter ambience, take a stroll down the Quai de la Tournelles, which runs along the Seine River. Les Bouquinistes are riverside book sellers along the quays around the Pont Marie (bridge). This popular open-air bookshop features separate stalls stocked with classic and modern literary works. In addition to used and new books, there are also postcards and posters for sale. Across the street from the book stalls at 53 Quai des Grands Augustins is Les Bouquinistes Restaurant. This contemporary restaurant features the gourmet cuisine of Guy Savoy. In an enchanting location near the Pont Neuf, the restaurant offers views of the Seine River and the books stalls set up along the quay.
The Latin Quarter's ancient streets are also filled with many eclectic book stores including the legendary second hand bookshop Shakespeare and Company at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie. This Bohemian bookshop sells old editions of everything from Shakespeare to James Joyce. Shakespeare and Company is a well-known gathering place for writers, and some of the in-house writers even live here, sleeping on cots in between the library aisles. The shop hosts literary events such as book readings, children's hour, and book launches. The closest Métro station is Saint-Michel.
7 Dining by the Seine River
For a truly memorable dining experience, try one of péniches along the banks of the Seine River around the Pont Saint-Michel. Péniches are charming little docked boats with inviting restaurants. These boat restaurants offer a unique tourist experience that's often missed by tourists. The restaurants have outdoor terraces offering magical views of the Seine River, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Ile-Saint-Louis, and the Pont Neuf (bridge). Some péniches restaurants also feature live musical entertainment.
To indulge in a more upscale meal, there is the legendary Tour d'Argent, one of Paris' most renowned gastronomic restaurants. This Michelin-starred restaurant is at 15 Quai de la Tournelle, along the Seine River waterfront. The dining room dazzles guests with its spectacular views of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The refined (and expensive) restaurant is famous for its classic French cuisine. One of the restaurant's legendary desserts is called "Les Crêpes Belle Epoque" (crêpes served in an orange sauce). Be sure to make a reservation in advance and wear appropriate attire. The closest métro stations are Saint-Michel or Maubert - Mutualité station.
8 Eglise Saint-Etienne du Mont
Another exquisite historic church, the Eglise Saint-Etienne-du-Mont was built in the 15th century from the Late Gothic period to the Renaissance. The architecture shows the evolution of styles. The nave of the church features stellar Gothic vaulting, while the round pillars were influenced by Renaissance design. The church is famed for its rood-screen, which has a central marble section and a spiral staircase at each end. At the entrance to Our Lady Chapel are the epitaphs of the philosopher Blaise Pascal and the dramatist Jean Racine, who are buried in the church. The church is also said to contain a stone from the tomb of Saint Genevieve. Spectacular 15th to 16th-century stained-glass windows depict scenes of the Apocalypse and the Parable of the Marriage Feast.
Address: Address: Place Sainte-Geneviève, 75005 Paris (Métro: Maubert-Mutualité or Cardinal Lemoine station)
9 Place de l'Odeon
The Place de l'Odeon is an elegant square lined by lovely old Parisian buildings. The most important monument on the square is the impressive Théâtre de l'Odéon. This theater is the home of the Comédie-Française, a theater company that performs classic French theater such as comedies by Molière and drama by Victor Hugo. On warm days, students like to linger on the arcaded patio and steps of the theater. The charming side streets around the Place de l'Odeon are delightful to explore. Take a stroll and discover the trendy boutiques and happening restaurants. For a change of scenery just a few steps away, the tranquil Jardins du Luxembourgare a perfect place to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch in the setting of a formal French garden. The closest Métro station is Odéon.
10 Eglise Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre
On the Quai Saint-Michel beyond Square Viviani, the Eglise Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre is an interesting historic church. It was built in High Gothic style between the mid-12th and mid-13th century. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Rector of the University was elected in this church, and its bell was rung to announce the beginning of lectures. The interior of Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre Church is dominated by an icon-decorated screen installed in 1901. There is a lovely perspective of the church's silhouette from a spot on Rue Galande near the Eglise Saint-Sevérin.
Address: Address: 79 Rue Galande, 75005 Paris (Métro: Saint-Michel, Cluny-La Sorbonne, or Maubert-Mutualité station)
11 Sorbonne University
Known as "La Sorbonne," this ancient academic institution was founded in 1253 as a college for poor students of theology who could live and study at the school's expense. The college soon developed into a leading school of theology and became a university. During the reign of Napoleon, the Sorbonne was considerably enlarged and was given the status of a State university. The present buildings were constructed between 1885 and 1901 with 22 large lecture halls and hundreds of classrooms. The main front of the Sorbonne on Rue des Ecoles is decorated with allegorical representations of the sciences. The main lecture hall, the Grand Amphithéâtre, has seating for 2,700, and the auditorium features the celebrated mural by the Neoclassical painter Puvis de Chavannes, The Sacred Grove. In the courtyard of the Sorbonne is a Baroque chapel built between 1635 and 1684.
Address: Address: 47 Rue des Ecoles, 75005 Paris (Métro: Cluny-La Sorbonne or Maubert-Mutualité station)
12 Jardins des Plantes & Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle
A legacy of the Royal Garden of medicinal plants kept by King Louis XIII in the 17th century, this lush green space is a tranquil spot to relax and escape to nature, right in the heart of Paris. The Jardins des Plantes includes a Botanical Garden with an exceptional variety of flowers and plants. The gardens have a special focus on biodiversity and support ecology programs. Inside the gardens is the Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle, which offers a comprehensive view of the various fields of natural history including botany (the collection features more than 10,000 plant species), mineralogy (with notable giant crystals), zoology, ecology, and paleontology. The museum is also a place of study for students from the nearby University of Paris.
Address: Address: 57 Rue Cuvier 75005 Paris (Métro: Place Monge or Jussieu station)
13 Arènes de Lutèce Archaeological Site
The Lutetia Arena is the remains of an ancient Roman amphitheater of Paris, discovered in 1869. These ruins give an idea of the huge size of the original amphitheater, once used to stage gladiator and animal fights. The elliptical arena was 56 meters long by 48 meters across, roughly the same size as the interior of the Colosseum in Rome. The amphitheater was built in the Roman city of Lutetia (site of today's Paris city center) around AD 200, but later in the same century, during a barbarian incursion in 285, it was used as a quarry of stone for building defensive walls. Although the amphitheater had only 36 tiers of seating, it could accommodate an audience of 17,000, which was almost the entire population of the city during antiquity.
Address: Address: 49 Rue Monge, 75005 Paris (Métro: Cardinal Lemoine, Place Monge or Jussieu station)
14 Grande Mosquée de Paris
Discover an oasis of Islamic culture right in the Latin Quarter, just a few steps away from theMuseum of Natural History. A relatively recent addition to the neighborhood, the Grand Mosque of Paris was built between 1922 and 1926. The mosque is frequented by the local Muslim community but also offers tourists a unique and exotic experience. The interior of the Grand Mosque is a stunning masterpiece of Hispano-Moorish style. The prayer hall features magnificent carpets, and the hammam replicates the baths of North Africa with colorful mosaic tile decorations. Featuring delicately adorned archways, the patio was inspired by the Alhambra Palace in Granada.
Amble through the lush fountain-adorned gardens and enjoy fresh mint tea at the salon de thé(tea salon) in the patio, or savor a delicious meal of authentic couscous at the Mosque'srestaurant. It is also possible to visit the traditional hot and cold baths and relax in the sauna. Check the schedule; certain days are reserved for men, others for women. For those who want to learn more about the architecture, guided visits are available. The tea salon and restaurant entrance is at a different location from the mosque, on a parallel street.
Address: Address: Entrance to Mosque: 2 Bis Place du Puits de l'Ermite; Tea Salon and Restaurant: 39 Rue Saint-Hilaire 75005 Paris (Métro: Place Monge or Censier - Daubenton station)
15 Musée National Eugène Delacroix
This excellent small museum lies on the border of the Latin Quarter and the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood. The museum celebrates the life and work of French Romantic painter, Eugène Delacroix. The collection spans Delacroix's career, giving visitors an in-depth sense of the artist. The museum's exhibitions show the different themes that Delacroix depicted as well as his artistic influences. For instance, the museum displays Moroccan objects of art from his trip to Morocco in 1832. Highlights of the collection include the Magdalene in the Desert painting exhibited at the 1845 Salon and another religious composition called the Education of the Virgin, painted in 1842. The museum also boasts the artist's only three attempts at fresco art, created in 1834. Many of the other famous works by Delacroix are found in the Musée du Louvre across the Seine River in the 1st arrondissement.
Address: Address: 6 Rue de Furstenberg, 75006 Paris (Métro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés or Mabillon station)
Official site: http://www.musee-delacroix.fr/en
Nearby Attractions
Boulevard Saint-Germain
The Boulevard Saint-Germain is the most famous boulevard of the Left Bank, known for its legendary sidewalk cafés. At the border of the Latin Quarter, the Boulevard Saint-Germain is in the stylish Saint-Germain-des-Près neighborhood of the 6th arrondissement. This boulevard has the intellectual ambience of the Latin Quarter, with many historic establishments that were frequented by illustrious patrons.
The most celebrated landmarks of Boulevard Saint-Germain are the stylish Café de Flore (172 Boulevard Saint-Germain), where Jean Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir met to discuss philosophy, and a literary café called Les Deux Magots (6 Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés) that catered to authors James Joyce and Hemingway as well as Picasso and other creative types. Marcel Proust, Chagall, and Camus used to dine regularly at the convivial Brasserie Lipp (151 Boulevard Saint-Germain), an upscale brasserie that serves traditional French cuisine. To step back in time even further, have dinner at Le Procope (located nearby at 13 Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie), which is the oldest restaurant in Paris, established in 1686-more than a century before the French Revolution.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame
The most important medieval monument in Paris, the Notre-Dame stands in the true center of Paris on the Ile de la Cité, an island in the Seine River. Notre-Dame is known as the "kilomètre zéro" ("point zero") of Paris-the point from which all distances to other towns in France are measured. A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Notre-Dame Cathedral was founded in the 12th century by King Louis IX (Saint Louis) and Bishop Maurice de Sully. It took more than 150 years to construct the cathedral with its ornately sculpted facade, fascinating gargoyles, fabulous flying buttresses, and magnificent stained-glass windows. The opulence of the details and the grandeur of the massive interior are unsurpassed. To best experience the cathedral by avoiding crowds, arrive early in the morning, late in the afternoon, or early evening. Those who appreciate classical music should attend a concert held in the cathedral sanctuary.
While in this area, soak up the historic ambience of the ancient streets around Notre-Dame. TheIle de la Cité is not only the geographic center of Paris, it is also the oldest part of the city-originally settled in the 3rd century as the Gallo-Roman city of Lutetia. Roman-era ruins can be seen in the archaeological museum next to the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Also be sure to visit thePlace Dauphine (just beyond the Pont Neuf), one of the most beautiful squares in Paris. The elegant 17th-century buildings that line this square were built during the reign of Henri IV. The King ordered the construction of the Place Dauphine with special instructions to create uniform facades. Each of the 65 terraced houses is made of light-colored stone and brick, with an arcaded ground floor.
Jardins du Luxembourg
These peaceful gardens in the 6th arrondissement lie at the border of the Latin Quarter. The Luxembourg Gardens are a wonderful place to stroll on a sunny day, while admiring the statues, flowers, and perfectly trimmed shrubbery. Many locals and tourists enjoy having a picnic here. Stop at a nearby boulangerie to pick up a sandwich, then pull up one of the chairs by the garden's pond and enjoy the views. The garden also has a little café with an outdoor terrace. Children will enjoy sailing mini boats across the pond; the boats are available for rent at a kiosk in the park.
Place Saint-Sulpice
One of the most picturesque squares in Paris, the Place Saint-Sulpice features the monumentalFontaine des Quatre Evêques (Fountain of Four Bishops). When the weather is nice, locals often socialize in the square. During summer, many kids play here and sometimes cool off with water from the fountain. Take a moment to admire the Eglise Saint-Sulpice, a gorgeous 17th-century church that was mentioned in the Da Vinci Code novel by Dan Brown. The opulent French Baroque interior features frescoes by Eugène Delacroix and a famous Clicquot organ. The Church of Saint-Sulpice is also renowned for its organ concerts.
After visiting Place Saint-Sulpice, spend time wandering the neighborhood, a chic shopping district of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th arrondissement). Locals rave about the home decor shops and fine pâtisseries of this area. Be sure to stop for a treat of exquisite pastries fromPâtisserie Pierre Hermé or Pâtisserie Gérard-Mulot. Then browse the designer shops and artisan boutiques, such as a fancy perfume shop or children's clothing store. The nearby Rue du Cherche-Midi is another shopping street with many stylish clothing, shoe, and jewelry boutiques, and the world-renowned bakery Poilâne.
Address: Address: Place Saint-Sulpice, 75006 Paris (Métro: Saint-Sulpice, Mabillon, or Saint-Germain-des-Prés)
Sainte-Chapelle
One of Paris' must-see sights, Sainte-Chapelle is just across the Seine River from the Place Saint-Michel. This gorgeous, glittering chapel is a gem of Paris' medieval monuments. Built between 1245 and 1248 for King Louis IX, the chapel is most renowned for its marvelous stained-glass windows that seem to cover most of the interior wall space. The intricately detailed windows filter in colorful light, a symbol of Heavenly Jerusalem. Sainte-Chapelle possesses precious Christian relics that King Louis IX acquired from the Byzantine Emperor. The chapel is not often used for religious worship but hosts many classical music concerts, allowing tourists to experience the sanctuary while listening to ethereal melodies.
Address: Address: 4 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris (Métro: Seine, Châtelet or Saint-Michel)
Official site: http://sainte-chapelle.monuments-nationaux.fr
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