Along with the Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Montmartre, the Latin quarter is surely one of the most popular destinations for tourists from all over the French capital! It's in this historic quarter of the 5th and 6th arrondissements, on the left bank of the Seine, that you can find one of the most famous universities in France, the Sorbonne. You can visit its 17th-century chapel, where the Cardinal Richelieu's tomb lies. This incredible proliferation of art and culture, with university establishments, grandes écoles, old bookshops and art galleries, is what gives the place such a special atmosphere. Here, residents, students and tourists rub shoulders all year round in a bustling environment!
After a relaxing break or spot of shopping in one of the many cafes, restaurants and shops on the Boulevard Saint-Michel, you can set off to explore the beautiful sites in the Latin quarter, and there's no shortage of them! At every stop along the way, you can discover aspects of Paris' history, from Antiquity to the contemporary era, via the Middle Ages. Why not start with the Saint-Séverin district, which is certainly one of the most picturesque and tourist-friendly areas in this part of the left bank! The medieval character and typical charm of Rues Galande, de la Huchette, de la Harpe and de la Parcheminerie will take you back in time. You'll also find many shops and restaurants, as well as Paris' narrowest street, Rue du Chat-qui-Pêche. In this area you'll also see the beautiful Church of St Severinus, with its double ambulatory and superb old stained glass windows. A little further along are the Church of St Julian the Poor (Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre) and its charming square, with amazing views of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, a marvellous haven of peace.
As you wander around the Latin quarter, you'll also find some of Paris' major heritage sites, like the famous Panthéon dedicated to the memory of the nation's great people, the Gallo-Roman thermal baths and the sumptuous Cluny Medieval Museum, the Roman arenas of Lutetia, the monumental fountain on the famous Place Saint-Michel and the Garden of Plants (Jardin des Plantes), a very agreeable park.
At night, the Latin quarter gets even livelier with its arthouse cinemas, theatres, concert venues, famous Paradis Latin cabaret and legendary jazz club, Le Caveau de la Huchette.
Before you leave, don't forget to drop by the picturesque Rue Mouffetard, where you can stroll along the many shops and restaurants or sip a drink on one of the cafe terraces on the very pleasant Place de la Contrescarpe...
