Apartment in the Latin Quarter of Paris. Route through the Latin Quarter in Paris. Church of Val-de-Grâce – Église du Val-de-Grâce
The Latin Quarter is the oldest student district that grew up around the University of Paris. This area is characterized by a special atmosphere - cozy narrow streets filled with shops and cafes, as well as numerous other attractions, the central one of which is the Sorbonne.
A little history
In February 1988, the only three-way station in Paris called Cluny-Sorbonne was opened in the center of the quarter, which had been closed since 1939. This event created a real sensation: Parisians saw a real work of art that was fashionable at that time. The rather extensive vault of the station was 75 m long and 18 m wide. Its decoration was a mosaic image of two giant birds and two symbolic flames of blue and red. The author of this mosaic is an abstract artist named Jean Bazin.
In addition, on the metro vault he decided to reproduce 54 signatures of all those famous people who lived in the Latin Quarter at different times. Among them are the signatures of kings Philip Augustus and Henry IV, Soufflot, Champollion, Baudelaire, Racine, Moliere, etc. The design and color scheme of the decor were also unusual: the rails were painted blue and yellow, the name of the station was distinguished by an orange inscription on a white background. There were also benches made of gray granite, which were 45 cm wide, which Parisians called “the joy of clochards” (or, translated into Russian, simply homeless people).
Also interesting is the fact that Jean Bazin himself categorically resisted the installation of tubes, common in the metro, at stations - small televisions that displayed an information and advertising program. As he argued, the atmosphere of every new metro station should encourage people to think.
This quarter received its name not by chance. The thing is that in the Middle Ages it was Latin that was the most common language of communication, and the same language was taught in all universities. Knowledge of Latin for students and teachers, as well as for people from different countries, has become a necessity, otherwise they would not understand each other as a result. It was in honor of this linguistic feature that the quarter began to be called “Latin”.
Sights of the Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter is replete with attractions, including the narrowest street in Paris, the Museum of the Middle Ages and much more, which you can learn about from the material below.
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Boulevard Saint-Michel
The central street of the quarter is a holiday for any second-hand book dealer. The boulevard is a complete bookstore.
A huge variety of unique volumes can be purchased right in the open air, and the peculiar traders and colorful buyers with whom you can engage in scientific debate on academic topics are in themselves an attraction and a symbol of the Latin Quarter.
The narrowest street in Paris - rue Chat-qui-Peche
Turning off Boulevard Saint Michel, you can find yourself on colorful medieval streets, the narrowest of which is Chat-qui-Peche (fishing cat street).
It was named after the cat, famous for the fact that in difficult times he “fed” his owners with fish that he caught from the Seine. The width of this street is only 170 cm.
Theater on Rue Huchette - Théâtre de la Huchette
Rue Huchette runs parallel to Chat-qui-Peche. There is a theater on it that is included in the Guinness Book of Records.
Here, for 57 years, almost every evening the performance “The Bald Singer” based on the play by the famous French absurdist Eugene Ionesco takes place. Of course, this is not the only play in the theater's repertoire, and in later hours you can enjoy other performances.
— Musée national du Moyen Âge
The Museum of the Middle Ages - the baths and mansion of Cluny, is better known among the people as the Cluny Museum.
Household items and works of art created in the medieval era are stored here. The most interesting and impressive exhibits of the museum are the heads of the kings of Judea (the statues of Notre Dame Cathedral beheaded by order of Robespierre). Part of the exhibition is the ruins of the ancient Roman baths of the 3rd century, on the site of which the Cluny monastery was built.
—Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of the main attractions of Paris. The beginning of its construction dates back to the middle of the 18th century, when it was conceived by Louis XV as the Church of St. Genevieve.
Later, the building, erected in the image of the Roman pantheon, became the burial place of prominent Frenchmen. Voltaire, Emile Zola, Victor Hugo, Pierre and Marie Curie, and many others are buried here. “The Fatherland is grateful to great people” is the inscription above the entrance of the Pantheon that greets visitors.
— Sorbonne
Currently, the University of Paris has a large number of buildings, its faculties are located in different areas of the city.
But here, in the Latin Quarter, stands the original Sorbonne, built in the 13th century. The most famous European university began as a theological college founded by Abbot Sorbonne. In the university church there is the tomb of Cardinal Richelieu, who was rector here for a long time. Sorbonne Square is the most popular place for student gatherings and parties, where youth life is constantly in full swing.
Paris Cathedral Mosque – Grande Mosquee de Paris
This is the largest Islamic religious building in France, covering an area of almost a hectare.
It was founded in the first half of the twentieth century, after World War I, in memory of the Muslims who fought in the ranks of the French army. A typical example of the Art Nouveau style, the building is stylized as a Moorish mosque. The height of its minaret is 33 meters.
Church of Val-de-Grâce – Église du Val-de-Grâce
The Val-de-Grâce church is considered the finest example of Baroque church building in Paris.
It was founded in the 17th century by order of Anne of Austria, on the occasion of the birth of her first-born, the future King Louis XIV. On the south side of the temple there is a Benedictine monastery, which the French Revolution turned into a military hospital, which it still is.
Cafes and restaurants
Each establishment in the Latin Quarter has its own regular audience and its own culinary and cultural characteristics. If you are interested in literary discussions, visit Brasserie Balzar. Lovers of classic medieval cuisine can taste rooster in wine by visiting the Chez Rene bistro. The Coco de Meu restaurant offers its visitors fresh fish, which is delivered to its kitchen every day directly from the Seychelles. In the cafe de la Mosquee, located next to the Paris Cathedral Mosque, you can not only taste Arabic cuisine, but also visit the Turkish hammam.
Real estate in the Latin Quarter
Due to the particularly high popularity of this quarter, real estate in this area has become very expensive. As surprising as it may be, not every modern student can now rent housing in a student quarter.
How to get there
Address: Latin Quarter, Paris 75005Metro: Cluny - La Sorbonne
Updated: November 26, 2016
), and this time I want to offer my own version of a walk through the Latin Quarter. The main attractions of this quarter are well known to everyone; all that remains is to combine them into a convenient route.
The starting point is Place Saint-Michel, which is a 5-minute walk from Notre Dame, on the left bank of the Seine.
The main attraction of the square is the Saint-Michel fountain, built here on the instructions of the great city transformer Baron Haussmann in 1858-1860. Architect Gabriel Davioud was faced with the controversial task of decorating the square with a fountain, and at the same time preserving as much free space as possible. He coped with this task brilliantly, placing the fountain on the wall of a building at the junction of the boulevards Saint-Michel and Saint-André-des-Arts.
Initially, the central statue of the fountain was supposed to be the statue of Peace, then Napoleon Bonaparte, but after fierce disputes, the statue of the Archangel Michael trampling on the dragon was eventually installed. To be fair, it should be noted that in addition to Daviu, a whole group of sculptors participated in the creation of the fountain. The figure of St. Michael and the dragon was made by Francis Joseph Duret, and the remaining figures were made by eight other lesser-known sculptors. The framing columns are crowned with statues symbolizing the cardinal virtues of Prudence, Strength, Justice and Temperance.
The square is very popular among young people, especially among lovers who like to have dates here.
Now about our route, more precisely about its first part, of which there will be three in total..
Rue de la Huchette.
From Place Saint-Michel we go to Rue Huchette. You won't have to look for it for long, because... it is located literally across the road from the square (if you stand with your back to the fountain, it will be on your right). This is a narrow street that runs parallel to the Seine.
We keep to the left (another street goes to the right). 
Rue Huchette appeared here at the same time as the beginning of construction of the Notre Dame Cathedral, i.e. more than 800 years ago. In the Middle Ages, the name Yuchet was given to an entire quarter, consisting of a labyrinth of narrow, crooked streets, on which it was life-threatening to appear at night.
Today Rue Huchet is packed with crowds of tourists. There are cafes, Greek restaurants, all kinds of shops and souvenir varnishes at every step. There is even a small theater here with the same name - "Yuchet".
2. Cat-Fisherman Street (Rue de Chat Qui Pêche).
Having walked along Yushet Street for about 150 meters, we begin to actively look to the left (in the good sense of the word), in search of a side street called Kota-Rybolova Street. This street is considered one of the narrowest streets in Paris, and has been preserved since the Middle Ages. Rue Cota-Rybolova connects the Seine embankment with Rue Huchette.
This is what this street looks like from the Seine embankment. In the narrowest place, you can touch both of its walls with your hands if your height is about 180 cm, and the span of your arms matches your height. In French, the name of the street Kota-Rybolova sounds very melodic - Rue du Cha-qui-pech.
Several legends are associated with the history of the origin of the name of this street. They tell about a cat who knew how to fish in the Seine and brought it to his owner. And if you believe the Hungarian writer Jolana Foldes, then the owner of the cat was the canon of the Cathedral of Saint-Severin, Father Perle, who sold his soul to the devil, and was engaged in alchemy. No one had ever seen the cat and the owner together, and there were rumors that the cat was the priest. The end of this dark story was decided by three students of Sarbona, who waylaid the cat and drowned him in the Seine. The priest also disappeared along with the cat, after which the students were accused of killing him and were soon hanged. But a few days later, Father Perle, as if nothing had happened, reappeared on the street, and explained his absence that he was leaving on business. The black cat also returned and, as before, continued to carry fish from the Seine. 
Before the war, the legendary bookstore of Sylvia Beach bore this name, which in 1964 transferred the rights to use this name to the owner of this store, George Whitman. Whitman collected books bit by bit - in markets, from private individuals, bought the library of Simone de Beauvoir after her death and eventually collected a wonderful collection of old, rare books.
By restoring the old title, George continued Sylvia's tradition of helping unknown writers. He placed armchairs and sofas in the store so that young talented but needy prose writers could work and even spend the night there. The cozy store became the main meeting place for the creative intelligentsia of the 60-70s.
4. Square René Viviani (French: Square René Viviani-Montebello).
Right behind the bookstore there is a cozy Viviani square. The square is interesting in itself, as a place of relaxation, and it also offers wonderful views of the southern façade of Notre Dame Cathedral, which photographers love so much.
The square is named after former French Prime Minister René Viviani (1863-1925), and opened to the public in 1928.
In the center of the square there is a fountain named after the canonized bishop of the city of Le Mans, who distributed all his money to the people and received the nickname Julian the Poor. Saint poor Julian in French is Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre or Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre. The fountain was built by Georges Jeanclos, a professor at the National School of Fine Arts, in 1959. , in addition to sculptural fragments, contains many biblical texts.
In all guidebooks, Viviani Square is also mentioned as the place where the oldest tree in Paris grows, planted back in 1601. It is called false acacia, or Robinia (Robinia pseudoacacia), in honor of the botanist Robin. To prevent the tree from falling, it is supported by a concrete slab. The statement that this tree is the oldest is quite controversial, because in the Botanical Garden of Paris there is an acacia that is not inferior in age.
It is also interesting that it is this Robinia that attracts all kinds of magicians, sorcerers and other adherents of inexact sciences. They claim that this tree was once cursed by a witch who was dragged past it to the fire, and since then, in any thunderstorm, lightning is sure to strike it, and the tree itself has an exceptional property - touching it, especially on the day of the summer solstice, gives strongest energy.
The witch’s spell has spread to the neighboring trees, so you can feed on energy from them too.. 
5. Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre (Eglise Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre).
The main attraction of this square is the Church of Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre (Eglise Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre), named, as you might guess from the name, in honor of the same Julian the poor. This is one of the oldest churches in the city. In its place there once stood a chapel, then there was an abbey that survived more than one Norman raid and more than one student revolt, but did not survive the French Revolution. The church we see now was built around the same time as Notre Dame Cathedral, from 1165 to 1220. After the emergence of the university, it became the parish church of the Sorbonne: university meetings were held here. After students, dissatisfied with the results of the rectorate elections, destroyed the church in 1524, the monks demanded that student meetings in the abbey be cancelled. By the 17th century the church had to literally be rebuilt; then it acquired its current façade. During the French Revolution, the abbey was destroyed and the church was converted into a warehouse. Services there were resumed only a century later, in 1889.
6. Half-timbered facade.
Next to the church is one of the few remaining half-timbered houses in the city. One of its windows is decorated with a medieval wooden figurine.
At the end of the street there is a building in which once, due to lack of space in the old Sorbonne, professors gave lectures at home.
7. Church of Saint-Severin (Eglise Saint-Severin).
Having walked a little from the Church of Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre to the end of the street, we turn right, and on the opposite side of the Rue Saint-Jacques we will see another one of the oldest churches in Paris - the Church of Saint-Severin ). In many sources in Russian transcription it is written as Saint-SeverEn, so I can’t vouch for the correct spelling. But I know for sure that the saint in whose honor this church is named was called Severin. When Saint Severin died, a chapel was erected over his grave. which was destroyed, completed and rebuilt many times. After almost ten centuries of continuous construction, the church acquired its current appearance.
The main façade of the building is decorated with a portal moved from the Church of Saint-Pierre-aux-Boeufs, destroyed in the 13th century, and stained glass windows from the Middle Ages have been preserved on the windows. The bell tower of Ser-Severin houses the oldest bell in Paris, cast in 1412.
In Paris, the Church of Saint-Severin is considered the most striking example of “flaming Gothic”. The name “flaming gothic” appeared due to the similarity of the shape of the openwork ornament with tongues of flame.
If you decide to go inside the church, be sure to pay attention to the columns supporting the vault, especially those in the far part of the temple. Their bizarre shape makes them look like giant palm trees.
We go around the Saint-Severin church and continue moving straight..
continued in the next part..
Paris has long gained a reputation as a city that is ideal for cultured and educated people, art lovers and adventure lovers, bohemians and creative individuals, actual students and eternal students. If this is not your first time in Paris and you want to see it in a new way, if you can’t wait to plunge into the atmosphere of high matters and lively student life, welcome to the Latin Quarter!
The history of the Latin Quarter in Paris
Since the Middle Ages, this place has been a haven for various intellectuals and bohemians. Thanks to the Sorbonne, which gave the world many talented philosophers, scientists, worthy representatives of art and literature, the Latin Quarter has become a favorite place for educated people, students, intellectuals and thinkers. It got its name thanks to Latin, which was predominantly spoken by Sorbonne students.
At first, the Latin Quarter was a name given to a small area in the heart of which was the Sorbonne, but over time the boundaries expanded to include numerous other educational institutions, and the definition itself became a kind of euphemism for college towns, giving the name to many student areas around the world. The irony is that, thanks to the vibrancy and charm of the intelligentsia, this area has become very popular and popular, and now it is rare for a student to have the luxury of renting accommodation in the Latin Quarter.
Where is the Latin Quarter in Paris?
Where exactly the Latin Quarter of Paris is located is a secret even for locals. Contrary to first impressions, the Latin Quarter is not an administrative unit at all, and has nothing to do with the 80 quarters of Paris; it is difficult to even say with certainty which district it occupies. It is an area of undetermined size, located near the hill of St. Genevieve, in most of the fifth and sixth arrondissements. on the left bank of the Seine.
The Latin Quarter of Paris is a historical rather than an administrative concept, so if you plan to build a route using a map, focus on the area around the Sorbonne. After all, even the Parisians themselves do not know the clear boundaries of the Latin Quarter.
Latin Quarter on the map of Paris:
The 5th arrondissement is located in the territory of Ancient Roman Paris, when the city's territory was occupied by Roman legions (from the 1st century BC to the 5th century AD). Walking around this area, you can still see traces of that era.
During the Middle Ages this area became known as Latin Quarter, when either students or clergy who spoke Latin lived here. Long associated with education, the Latin Quarter became the seat of the most famous branch of the University of Paris (Université de Paris) - the famous Sorbonne, one of the most prestigious universities in France. However, the revolutionary days of May 1968 are far behind us, so although the 5th arrondissement retains a certain charm of youth and romance, it has now become one of the most tourist spots in Paris.
Latin Quarter in Paris - restaurant street
- Start of the route: Boulevard St-Michel ( : Cluny).
- End of route: St-Étienne-du-Mont (nearest: Cardinal Lemoine).
- Route time: 1:30 (not including stops).
- Route length: OK. 2 km.
- Best time: Monday to Saturday from 11 to 23.
- Worst time: Sunday morning, when everyone is asleep.
Route through the Latin Quarter in Paris on the map:
Route through the Latin Quarter in Paris - @http://www.frommers.com/
Attractions in the Latin Quarter in Paris:
1. Boulevard St-Michel
Boulevard Saint-Michel has received the nickname Boul' Mich among local residents. This is the main street of the Latin Quarter. Opened in 1855, Saint-Michel was the first of the boulevards designed by Baron Haussmann, the man responsible for the modernization and renewal of Paris in the 19th century. Haussmann planned to create a Paris organized around huge central crossroads called la grande croisee, in the center of which is the Place du Châtelet. Rue de Rivoli became the east-west axis, Boulevard Sebastopol the northern axis, and Boulevard St-Michel went south. About a century later, in May 68, student protests took place on the Boulevard Saint-Michel. Suddenly, the Latin Quarter was filled with revolutionaries, and local residents witnessed violent clashes between protesters and police.
At the intersection of Boulevard Saint-Michel and Boulevard Saint-Germain, go north until you reach:
2. Place St-Michel
In the center of Place St-Michel there is a huge fountain built by Gabriel Davioud in 1860. The fountain is decorated with a sculpture of St. Michael slaying the dragon. In honor of this saint, Saint-Michel Boulevard got its name. In this square in the summer of 1944 there were frequent clashes between the German occupiers and members of the Resistance. In honor of them, a memorial plaque was made in front of the fountain. This fountain square is a popular meeting place for locals and is often home to breakdancers and various street performances.
Cross Boulevard Saint-Germain and continue down:
3. Rue de la Huchette
Now it is one of the most tourist streets in Paris. Despite the numerous fast food shops, this street gives an idea of what Paris looked like in the Middle Ages, when most Parisian streets were only 2 to 5 meters wide. Only a few such streets have survived in the city.
In the house at number 23 there is a tiny Théâtre de la Huchette, which is famous for the fact that since 1957, performances by Eugene Ionesco (French playwright of Romanian origin, one of the founders of the aesthetic movement of absurdism (theater of the absurd), a recognized classic of the theatrical avant-garde of the 20th century) have been given here - “The Lesson” and “The Bald Singer”.
At number 5 there is a legendary jazz club Caveau de la Huchette. Founded in 1946, it was the first club in Paris to play jazz. Jazz legends such as Sidney Bechet and Lionel Hampton once performed here.
Before you reach house no. 5, turn a little onto the left street - Rue de la Huchette:
4. Rue du Chat-qui-Pêche
This tiny street is considered the narrowest in Paris. It also dates from the Middle Ages. Before the embankment was built - quai, — the Seine River at times flooded the cellars of houses. According to legend, cats used this to go fishing in basements. Hence the name of the street, which is translated from French as “Street of the cat that catches fish.”
At the end of Rue de la Huchette, turn right onto Rue du Petit Pont and continue until:
5. St-Severin
Named after a 6th-century hermit, the Church of Saint-Severin was built between 1210 and 1230 and rebuilt in 1448. Before entering, stroll around the church, admiring the expressive gargoyles, birds of prey, reptiles and monsters performing with roofs. These architectural details are characteristic of the Flame Gothic style. The oldest bell in France, which dates back to 1412, hangs in the church's bell tower. And next to the gate is the only crypt remaining in Paris - a place where the bones and bodies of dead people were placed.
When Rue du Petit Pont becomes Rue St-Jacques, cross the street to Rue Galande and look back at the spiers of the St-Séverin church. Then go back to the small church in front of you:
6. St-Julien-le-Pauvre
There has been a chapel on this site since the 6th century, but the current church building dates from the 12th century. It belongs to the followers of the Greek Melchite Church, one of the branches of the Byzantine Church. The Church of Saint-Julien-le-Pouvray is famous for its classical music concerts. If you are interested in classical music, you can check the concert schedule on the poster near the door. The church garden offers the best view of Notre Dame. The oldest tree in Paris is also located here - an acacia, which was brought from Guyana in 1680 (it is surrounded by a fence and supported by supports).
Walk along Rue Galande and turn left down Rue du Fouarre to:
7. La Fourmi Ailee
At number 8 on Rue du Fouarre there is a cozy restaurant-teahouse La Fourmi Ailée. The restaurant's ceiling is painted with clouds and books line the walls. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and you can have tea here throughout the day. It serves traditional French food with a surprisingly large number of vegetarian options. Open daily from 12 to midnight.
When you leave the cafe, walk back along Rue du Fouarre, then turn onto Rue Danté. At the intersection turn right onto Boulevard St Germain. Then turn left and walk along Rue de Cluny until Place Paul Painlevé.
8. Musée de Cluny
Even if you're not particularly interested in medieval history and the origins of Paris, it's still worth visiting the famous Cluny Museum to see the allegorical Our Lady and the Unicorn tapestry and remains of ancient Roman baths.
- Entrance: 8 € (with audio guide), under 18 – free.
- Opening hours: daily, except Tuesdays 9:15 - 17:45. Last entry 17:15.
- Closed: Tuesdays, January 1, May 1, December 25.
- Address: Musée de Cluny - Musée national du Moyen Âge 6 place Paul Painlevé 75005 Paris
- Metro: Cluny-La Sorbonne / Saint-Michel / Odéon
- Buses: 21 - 27 - 38 - 63 - 85 - 86 - 87
- RER: Line C Saint-Michel / Line B Cluny - La Sorbonne
- Parking: Rue de l’Ecole de Médecine, rue Soufflot and Parc Saint-Michel (entrance place Saint-André-des-Arts)
Once the museum is behind you, cross the square towards Rue des Écoles, where you will see the main entrance to the Sorbonne. Don't forget to look behind you to admire the view of the Musée de Cluny from afar.
9. Sorbonne
One of the most famous academic institutions in the world, the Sorbonne was founded in 1253 by Robert de Sorbon, confessor of Saint-Louis, as a theological college. Over the next century, the Soborna became one of the most prestigious universities in Western Europe, attracting professors such as Thomas Aquinas and Roger Bacon. Among the students of the Sorbonne were Dante, Calvin and Longfellow. After the student uprising of May 1968, when the Sorbonne became a stronghold of the rebels, the University of Paris was divided into several faculties located in different parts of Paris. This central building of the Sorbonne in the Latin Quarter dates back to the early 1900s. If you look at the building from Rue St-Jacques, you can see the names of the various academic disciplines written above the windows.
From Rue des Écoles, turn right onto Rue St-Jacques. When you reach Rue Soufflot, turn left. At the end of the street there will be a square - Place du Panthéon:
10. Pantheon
Situated on the hilltop of Mont St-Geneviève, this former temple has now been converted into a non-religious mausoleum. Such outstanding figures as Victor Hugo, Emile Zola, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Voltaire and Curie found their final refuge here.
Facing the Pantheon, walk along the left side of the building until you reach Place Ste-Geneviève. Directly in front of you will be:
11. St-Étienne-du-Mont
This church contains a very important shrine dedicated to Saint Genevieve, one of the two patron saints of Paris. In 451, Attila threatened to capture Paris. The elders of the city advised the people to flee, but a young girl named Genevieve persuaded them to stay and fight. By a miraculous coincidence, Attila changed his mind about going to Paris, and Genevieve was named the savior of the city.
This church also preserves the only screen in Paris separating the altar and the nave. The church itself was built between 1492 and 1626, becoming an interesting mixture of Gothic and Renaissance.
To get to the Cardinal Lemoine metro station, walk past the church along Rue Clovis and turn left onto Rue du Cardinal Lemoine.
Every year, Paris like a magnet attracts millions of tourists from all over the world, leaving which they promise to return to again plunge into the unforgettable atmosphere of the ancient and romantic city.
“So many-sided and so contradictory,” travelers say about Paris and they are not lying. For this city is a symbiosis of diametrically opposed views and aspirations.
- Montmartre has always been a center of creativity and free from conventions imposed by society, including in carnal pleasures;
- Avenue Saint-Germain attracts wealthy Parisians and amazes with its luxury;
- La Defense personifies the business sphere of modern society and, surrounded by ancient palaces, looks like an island of modernity and progress;
- but it is the Latin Quarter that is recognized by seasoned travelers as the most cheerful, bohemian and historically interesting district of Paris.
View of the Eiffel Tower from the observation deck of Notre Dame Cathedral
Latin Quarter in Paris
Covering the 5th and 6th arrondissements of Paris, the famous quarter is not only a symbol of bohemian and riotous life. First of all, the quarter owes its name to the famous Sorbonne University, whose students and professors spoke Latin in ancient times. This is how the name “Latin” became popular among the people for the university quarter, where life comes to a standstill for only a few hours, and even then, before dawn.
Latin Quarter of Paris
Sights of the Latin Quarter
The attractions of the Latin Quarter are just beginning at the Sorbonne University.
Sorbonne University
Walking along Kluj Street, tourists will come to the Pantheon, which was conceived as the Cathedral of St. Genevieve, however, became the tomb of the great French sons: Alexandre Dumas (the elder), Voltaire and Victor Hugo, Emile Zola and the Curies and other equally eminent fellow tribesmen.
Along Rue Huchette is the Theater of the Absurd, which for half a century has been delighting audiences with Ionesco’s play “The Bald Actress.”
On La Harpe Street, numerous guides will certainly remind unwary tourists of the scene from Alexandre Dumas’s book “The Three Musketeers”, in which Lord Buckingham was hiding in one of the houses of the Latin Quarter. The building described by the author in the novel has long been demolished, but the guides will certainly show you the place where it was located.
Lively life on the streets of the Latin Quarter
At the intersection of two boulevards: Saint-Michel and Saint-Germain, in the Medieval garden is the Cluny Museum, also known as the Museum of the Middle Ages. 23,000 exhibits make up the museum's collection. From tapestries, stained glass and paintings to the heads of Jewish kings and elements of medieval life.
Tourists will also be pleased with the Luxembourg Gardens - one of the many and favorite vacation spots of the citizens and guests of Paris.
Worth knowing! To admire the majestic Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, inextricably linked with the novel by Victor Hugo, you need to walk from the Latin Quarter along Rue Saint-Jacques in the direction of the Seine, and turn onto the Quai de Montaignebleau, then pass by René Viviani Square to the Ile de la Cité.
What is interesting about the Latin Quarter for tourists?
Shopping in the Latin Quarter
The famous quarter pleases with an abundance of shops, boutiques and shops. Those, in turn, are ready to satisfy the needs of tourists for souvenirs for every taste, which travelers will take with them to distant countries, and looking at them, they will remember and share the impressions they brought from Paris for a long time.
On weekends, you should definitely visit the fair, which takes place on the square near the Saint-Severin church. Excellent cheeses, amber honey, the best wines, baked goods and other sweets are brought here from all over France.
Because vendors allow customers to sample their products, the tasting fair is more like a buffet.
Shops and boutiques that can be found at every step will delight travelers with a large assortment of goods designed for different wallet thicknesses. And if you're lucky, you can find real masterpieces for a modest amount of money. Clothes and shoes, cosmetics and perfumes, a variety of jewelry replace each other in small shops and boutiques, interspersed with flower shops.
Shopping in the Latin Quarter
Just like in the old days, there are many bookstores in the Latin Quarter. And the most famous of them - the second-hand bookshop "Shakespeare & Co" is located at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie (Buchrie Street). To find it, just walk along the Seine River along the Montbelot embankment. A visit to the legendary second-hand bookstore will be a memorable event for a book lover.
Advice from an experienced tourist! You should definitely visit this establishment. Shakespeare and Company has 13 beds and is used by an estimated 40,000 people, as the bookstore stays open until late at night. On Sundays, traditional tea parties are held here, combined with poetry evenings and meetings with interesting authors. Regulars of the Shakespeare & Co bookstore included Hemingway and Fitzgerald, Antheil, Pounce and Man Ray. Any book banned in the UK or USA can probably be found on the shelves of this store.
Bistros, cafes and restaurants
The Latin Quarter can easily be called a gastronomic paradise for gourmets who appreciate delicious cuisine, which is not at all expensive and is affordable for any student.
The streets of the quarter are full of all kinds of bistros, cafes and family restaurants, whose menu is designed for a wide audience. An order of two courses will cost a hungry traveler only 10-20 euros*. With a glass of wine this amount will increase by 5 euros*. As a rule, the “menu del jour” (menu of the day) includes an appetizer, a first or second course to choose from, and dessert.
Gastronomic paradise of the Latin Quarter
Tourists are delighted not only by the quality and range of dishes offered, but also by the service. Small cafes and bistros are located one after another. The owner stands at the door of each one and invites onlookers and tourists into his establishment.
The menu of catering outlets located on the streets of the Latin Quarter is varied. Near the Church of Saint-Severin, emigrants from Greece have settled down and prepare “Gyros” - a fast food dish similar to shawarma and other popular dishes of Mediterranean cuisine. Here, visitors will not only have a hearty snack, but also enjoy spirited ethnic music.
Opposite the Luxembourg Gardens, along the Boulevard Saint-Michel, the jazz club Le Petit Journal is very popular. Starting at 9 am, 6 days a week, except Sundays, the kings of jazz perform here with popular incendiary compositions.
Nightlife in the Latin Quarter
Worth knowing! Dinner at Le Petit Journal is reserved for 20:00 to enjoy fine French cuisine and jazz.
You should definitely try the homemade food at Le Cercle Luxembourg restaurant, located a little further on at 1 Rue Gay-Lussac.
In the vicinity of the quarter there are countless different pancake shops, tea houses, bakeries and coffee shops, stalls with Belgian waffles and cakes for those with a sweet tooth, ice cream parlours, Mexican and Chinese outlets with quick, piping hot food. A number of catering establishments also include traditional McDonald's fast food restaurants.
Cafes and restaurants differ from each other in the themes of their dishes. Steak lovers are recommended to visit one of the establishments of the extensive Gipopotamus chain.
Seafood lovers will taste fresh mussels at Leon. Here, mussels are served with a variety of sauces: white wine, pesto, tomato sauce, fried in batter, or with a portion of French salad.
You should definitely visit 13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie in the old cafe “Prokop”, which was visited by Marat, Robespierre and Danton, writers Balzac and Hugo, thinker and philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau. The cafe is open daily, the price range of dishes on the menu is from 8 to 38 euros*.
Latin Quarter on the map of Paris
How to get to the Latin Quarter
You can get to the Latin Quarter by both ground and underground transport.
Fast and cheap - this is the metro. After switching to line number 10, get there and get off at one of the stations: Maubert - Mutualité, Cluny - La Sorbonne, Odéon (lines 4 and 10), Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame (line 4 and RER on B and C).
By ground transport: taxi, or buses, 13 routes of which pass through the Latin Quarter, shuttling between the historical monuments of Paris.
Metro station on line no. 10 "Cluny - Sorbonne"
- It's faster and cheaper to travel around Paris by subway. It’s even more economical if you buy metro tickets in blocks of 10. This set costs 14.5 euros. That is, the cost of one ticket costs a city visitor 1.45 euros, which is cheaper than the cost of a single ticket of 1.9 euros. Tickets are sold from vending machines or RATP kiosks at each station.
- Tourists who party late into the night should know that a night bus runs around Paris.
- Street toilets in Paris are free. However, handling it is tantamount to controlling a space station. You need to read the instructions on the Internet in advance so as not to get into an awkward situation. Trusted fast food establishments like McDonald’s, which you meet along the way every now and then, can help you out in this matter.
- In order to avoid standing in lines for tickets to visit a particular attraction, you should order entrance tickets online on trusted sites.
- And bonus Wi-fi! You can connect to it for free in the Paris metro and in almost all cafes and hotels in the city.
The Latin Quarter is so diverse and interesting that it is worth dedicating a whole day to getting to know it. At the same time, the famous quarter will remain completely unknown, which will force tourists to return to it again.
* Prices are current as of September 2018.
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