Latin Quarter Paris: an Intellectual Neighborhood Guide

The Latin Quarter of Paris is one of the most charming neighborhoods in the left bank of Paris. I have to admit it took me some time to visit the Latin Quarter, but once I did, I immediately fell in love and booked a 6-week stay there last fall. It is mostly contained within the 5th arrondissement of Paris, but some parts of the 6th are also referred to as the Latin Quarter.

The Latin Quarter is known as a student quarter because it is home to some of the oldest scholarly institutions in Paris like the elite La Sorbonne university. In fact, the Latin Quarter got its name from the Latin language, the only common language spoken among the many students from various corners of Europe who attended school there in the Middle Ages.

Today, the Latin Quarter is a nice break from the extremely popular tourist attractions of central Paris, though it’s not so far that you feel like you’re missing out. It’s the perfect balance between local Paris and tourist Paris! From the Roman ruins, to the charming bookstores to the botanical gardens and student cafés, the Latin Quarter is not to be missed.

Latin Quarter Travel Guide

If you’re heading to the Latin Quarter and wondering what to do, then keep reading our guide to the Latin Quarter!

The Best Hotels in the Latin Quarter, Paris

I recommend the following hotels for your stay in the Latin Quarter:

Getting To and From the Latin Quarter, Paris

If you’re staying elsewhere and just want to visit the 5th, then the best way to get there is by metro! The Latin Quarter is mainly served by metro lines 10 and RER B but you can access different areas from the following metro stops:

• RER B: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, Luxembourg
• RER C: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame
• Line 10: Cluny – La Sorbonne, Maubert – Mutualité, Cardinal Lemoine, Place Monge
• Line 7: Place Monge

Things to Do in the Latin Quarter, Paris

There are so many things to do and see in the Latin Quarter! Here are a few must-see sights and major attractions in the 5th arrondissement of Paris!

Place Saint-Michel

The Place Saint Michel is a great starting point for exploring the Latin Quarter. It was completed in 1855 and features a beautiful fountain known as Fontaine Saint-Michel designed by architect Gabriel Davioud. It depicts the Archangel Saint Michael and the devil, flanked by two dragons spouting water.

Panthéon

The most famous monument in the Latin Quarter is no doubt the Panthéon, a mausoleum holding the remains of distinguished French citizens.

Saint-Étienne-du-Mont Church

You may recognize the steps of this beautifully ornate 15th century church, as the ones featured in the 2011 film Midnight in Paris.

La Sorbonne

Even if you aren’t enrolled, you should definitely visit the beautiful square in front of the Sorbonne university. If you have the time, book a tour to learn about this historic institution.

Rue Mouffetard

Don’t miss a walk down the Rue Mouffetard during your visit to the Latin Quarter. Filled with restaurants, boutiques, and even an outdoor market, this is one market street not to be missed!

Jardin du Luxembourg

Not far from the Latin Quarter is the beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg, a sprawling park that is one of the most romantic in all of Paris.

Arènes de Lutèce

The Arènes de Lutèce are the remains of a destroyed Roman amphitheater and provide a quiet refuge away from the hustle and bustle of the Latin Quarter.

Jardin des Plantes

The stunning botanical garden of Paris is located in the 5th! Enjoy the expansive green grounds for a relaxing day among nature in Paris.

See an Arthouse Film

The Latin Quarter is packed with arthouse cinemas such as Le Champo that show independent films to the public for a small fee. If you’re a film buff, this could be an interesting thing to do in the Latin Quarter!

Square René-Viviani

You definitely need to explore the cute Square René-Viviani Park. This tiny square is home to the oldest tree in Paris, which supposedly dates back to 1650!

Museums in the Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter has its fair share of cultural museums where you can learn about science and natural history in Paris. Here are a few recommendations:

Musée de Cluny

The Cluny Museum, also called the National Museum of the Middle Ages, is a museum where you can learn about medieval times through artifacts and remnants from the period. Head inside this fortress-like museum to see its famous Unicorn Tapestry for yourself.

Muséum national d’histoire naturelle

The National Museum of Natural History of Paris has been open since 1640! You will be amazed at its Botanical Gardens, while the Evolution Gallery will teach you about the development of Earth’s animals through fossils and skeletons.

Musée Curie

The Curie Museum is a museum devoted to radiology research. The museum is located inside Marie Curie’s former laboratory and was established after her death in 1934.

Where to Eat in the Latin Quarter, Paris

Here are the best cafés, lunch spots, dinner restaurants, and patisseries you’ll love in the Latin quarter of Paris!

Coffee

These are some of the best cafés in the Latin Quarter for coffee:

• Circus Bakery
• Shakespeare and Company – The most famous English-language bookstore in Paris now serves coffee and pastries!
• DOSE – Coffee Dealer • MOUFFETARD
• JOZI Café
• Strada Café

Lunch & Dinner

The Latin Quarter has amazing restaurants you must try! Here are a few recommendations.

• La Petite Périgourdine
• Louis Vins

Pastries

• Odette Paris
• Carl Marletti
• Pastry Sébastien Degardin

Where to Go Out in the Latin Quarter, Paris

You can find a ton of bars and restaurants just by walking around the Latin Quarter, but here are my favorite places to go out in the 5th arrondissement to get you started:

• Comptoir du Panthéon – Get a glass of wine on this lovely terrace with a stunning view of the Panthéon!
• Place de la Contrescarpe – Place de la Contrescarpe is a lively square that you’ll love drinking wine in!

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Those are my best tips for visiting the Latin Quarter of Paris! What are your favorite travel tips for the 5th?