The Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter represents the essence of intellectual Paris, a place to unwind amidst the rarefied atmosphere of the 5th and 6th arrondissements.

TravelCurious Tip

Try shopping as the Parisians do along Rue Mouffetard for some of the best selections of cheeses, fresh breads, and charcuterie.

Bohemian like you

The area gets its name from the Latin language, which was once widely spoken in and around the University. The district is known for its intellectual atmosphere; students fill every café and it’s common to walk down the street and overhear a snippet of Camus, Sartre or Beckett.

The Latin Quarter is bisected by the Boulevard St. Germain and the Boulevard St. Michel. Hundreds of crooked alleys lead off them full of bistros and restaurants. You could wander through here for hours going from café to café, but the Cluny Museum on Boulevard St. Michel is also well worth visiting.


Medieval feel

Set inside ancient Roman baths, the Cluny displays artifacts and artwork from Medieval Europe - it is an underrated destination, often less visited than the other museums. Inside you will find the original heads knocked from the statues at Notre Dame Cathedral, stained glass, jewellery, early paintings, stonework, and even a medieval garden.

There are good used bookstores and art stalls to browse through on Boulevard St. Michel. The Sorbonne, just a few blocks away, is worth a little detour, or stop at the pleasant Place de la Sorbonne square.

West of the Boulevard St. Michel are the Luxembourg Gardens, perhaps the most beautiful green area of Paris. At the north end stands the Palais du Luxembourg, built in the 17th century for Marie de Médicis, mother of King Louis XIII of France. Today, this is where Parisians sit and read the paper around the fountain, watching their children sail toy boats.

Nearby Attractions

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St Julien le Pauvre
Built in 1165 at the same time as Notre-Dame, this is the oldest and most charming of churches in Paris.
La Sorbonne
Founded in 1253 to give impoverished students the opportunity to study theology, this is one of the world's most famous universities.
Place St-Michel Fountain
One of the city's most well-known meeting places, the statue depicts the archangel Michael vanquishing the Devil.
Rue du Chat qui Peche
Considered the narrowest street in Paris with only 1.80mts wide for the whole of its 29mts.
Thermes de Cluny
Gallo-Roman thermal bath's ruins lying in the heart of Paris' 5th arrondissement.
Church of Saint Severin
It is one of the oldest churches that remains standing on the Left Bank of the Latin Quarter, and it continues in use as a place of worship.

Related Tours

Paris Je T'aime: Private Half-Day Highlights Walking Tour
During this fabulous four-hour walking tour of Paris, you will explore the most interesting and diverse central neighbourhoods the French capital has to offer. See the sights at your own pace and adapt your tour with your guide who will be happy to offer suggestions based on your preferences. 

On your private half-day highlights tour, you will:

  • Visit the historical heart of Paris,  Île de la Cité;
  • Walk by the Sainte-Chapelle  and the Conciergerie, the former Parisian prison;
  • Explore the wonderful haunts of the Latin Quarter, just a short walk away;
  • Learn about Paris' home of intellectual thought and see where the May '68 revolution unfolded;
  • Visit the Tuileries Gardens,  the Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Élysées;
  • Walk around the surroundings of the symbolic Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral;
  • End your walking tour at the stunning Pont Alexander III bridge.

Explore Île de la Cité, one of the two remaining natural islands in the Seine River, considered the historic heart of Paris. 

The medieval city of Paris was refounded here with the magnificent Sainte-Chapelle and the former prison, the Conciergerie. While on Île de la Cité, you will have time to walk around the hauntingly beautiful Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral.

The Latin Quarter along the Left Bank was so named because, until the French Revolution, university students in the area spoke only Latin to their professors. 

You will visit this famed neighbourhood to immerse yourself in the Parisian atmosphere of yesteryear, whilst exploring the medieval streets and meandering through fantastic shops like Shakespeare and Company bookshop, Place Saint-Michel, and its gorgeous fountain.

As the tour continues, you will learn little-known facts about the French Revolution. You will be exploring the beautiful Tuileries Gardens and the Place de la Concorde, the site at which Louis XVI was beheaded during the French Revolution. Whilst here, do not forget to look out for the magnificent Champs-Élysées, the most famous shopping avenue in the world. 

Lastly, you will stop off at the Pont Alexander III, the most beautiful bridge in Paris, where you can enjoy a splendid view of the Eiffel Tower and beyond the majestic Seine. J’aime Paris.
The Latin Quarter: Paris' Left Bank Private Half-Day Tour
The Latin Quarter is one of Paris' most quirky and interesting neighbourhoods located on the left bank of the Seine River, around the Sorbonne. It is an ambient juxtaposition of medieval backstreets, churches and grand Haussmman-style boulevards, which were built in the 19th century as part of Paris’ modernisation, the area takes its name from medieval times when the majority of local residents were clergy or students who spoke Latin. 

On your private half-day tour, you will:

  • Explore the Latin Quarter with your private professional guide;
  • Experience the artistic haunts of Sartre, Hemingway, and Camus;
  • Get off the beaten track at Paris’ best-hidden squares and parks;
  • Walk Paris' narrowest street and see the city's oldest church;
  • See the famed Paris Panthéon and one of the most beautiful parks in the world - the Luxembourg Gardens.
The Latin Quarter was the scene of the student uprising in May ’68, even though its medieval facade strikes a strong contrast to its liberal, intellectual and artistic side. On Boulevard St-Michel and Boulevard St Germain, you will find many cafes where the likes of Camus, Orwell, and Hemingway passed hours discussing philosophy and literature. 

The area is also rich with interesting book shops, most notably the Shakespeare and Company - a legendary meeting place and boarding house for many aspiring writers.

Your tour guide will direct you through the neighbourhood’s best cultural haunts: experience the wonders of medieval backstreets that are adorned with theatres and jazz clubs, unchanged since their post-war beginnings, and see the narrowest street in Paris. Visit the city’s oldest church in St Julien le Pauvre and see one of the most famous academic institutions in the world - La Sorbonne. 

Next stop off at the Panthéon, a mausoleum where many distinguished French figures such as Voltaire, Braille, and Rousseau were laid to rest. Then wander through the grounds of the stunning Luxembourg Gardens and Palace, the perfect place to people watch, enjoy nature, and feel like a true Parisian.
Île de la Cité, Latin Quarter & Seine River Cruise: Private Tour
Embark on a private introductory tour of Paris and explore the Île de la Cité and the Latin Quarter, two iconic Parisian neighbourhoods and enjoy a Seine Cruise for amazing views of the city from the water.

On your private tour, you will:

  • Hear the founding stories of Paris and France - from the fall of Rome to the rise of the French kings, where it all happened on the Île de la Cité;
  • Explore the rich medieval history of Paris and the beautiful Gothic architecture on the island and through the Latin Quarter;
  • Learn the history and epic survival story of the iconic Notre Dame cathedral - the world's most famous Gothic cathedral;
  • Stroll around the Conciergerie, the medieval castle of the French kings;
  • Hear how King Louis IX built the Sainte Chapelle, purchased the Crown of Thorns, and became a saint;
  • Learn how the royal castle became a royal prison during the bloody French Revolution;
  • See where the revolutionary trials took place outside the Palais du Justice;
  • Explore the vibrant neighbourhood of the Latin Quarter - famed for its quirky streetsthriving nightlife, and gothic churches;
  • Hear about the history of the area from the founding of the Sorbonne, the second oldest university in Europe to the student riots;
  • Walk into Shakespeare and Co the bookshop and learn about the Lost Generation in Paris: Gertrude Stein, Orwell, Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald;
  • End your tour with a one-hour panoramic River Cruise on the Seine, with great views of the Louvre and Eiffel Tower.

This is a fascinating introduction and orientation tour of Paris. The Île de la Cité in the middle of the Seine is where the story of Paris, and the history of France truly begins. 

Begin the walking portion of your tour at the statue of Henry IV on the Pont Neuf - the oldest bridge in Paris, that crosses onto the  Île de la Cité and discover the history of the French Kings as you walk around their medieval castle, the Conciergerie - and learn how it became their brutal prison during the dark days of the Revolution. 

Learn all about the French Revolution and its most infamous execution machine, the Guillotine as you stand outside the gates of the Palais du Justice, the courts where all the trials took place. 

Admire the Gothic front of Notre Dame - and learn about its incredible 900-year history - as well as its survival during the fire of 2019, before walking off the island, into the Latin Quarter, an historical and vibrant area famed for its gothic churches, the Sorbonne university, and its fun nightlife, with a plethora of jazz bars and eateries.

Visit historical bookshops, once frequented by the likes of Hemingway and Orwell, and explore an area that is renowned for being the starting point of the May 68' Revolution as well as the home of French intellectual thought.

Next, take in the amazing sights of Paris on a return cruise down the River Seine. See the famous landmarks of Paris from the river like the Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, and the Eiffel Tower to name just a few! Your one-hour cruise ends back at the Pont Neuf.

Important: This tour includes a 2-hour private guided walking tour followed by a 1-hour river cruise with onboard commentary on your own. Your tour guide will walk you to the cruise docking point where they will part ways with you. You can choose to take the cruise at the end of the tour or later during your stay.
Paris by Night: Private Walking Tour including Seine River Cruise
Experience the magic of the City of Lights with an evening walk through the most romantic areas of Paris: the medieval Île de la Cité and the Latin Quarter. Take a relaxing and scenic cruise ride along the River Seine with fabulous photo opportunities of famous Parisian landmarks including the Eiffel Tower lit up at night. 

On your private tour you will: 

  • Visit two of the city's most beautiful and romantic neighbourhoods;
  • Explore the famous sites on Île de la Cité where French history began;
  • See the Revolutionary Palais du Justice and the Conciergerie Palace former home of the French Kings; 
  • Hear about the terrifying trial and final days of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette;
  • Admire the magnificent Gothic facade of Notre Dame - still standing after the terrible fire of 2019;
  • Wander through the trendy Latin Quarter - made famous by the 'Lost Generation' of Gertrude Stein and Ernest Hemingway;
  • Learn about the famous bookshop Shakespeare & Co; 
  • See the Sorbonne University and peer inside some of the oldest Gothic churches in Paris like Saint Severin;
  • End your guided tour back on Ile de La Cite, where your guide will give you your Seine Cruise tickets;
  • Travel down the Seine by river cruise;  
  • See the Eiffel Tower lit up at night, or choose any other time you like with your open tickets.

Enjoy a magical tour of central medieval Paris lit up at night! Begin by the statue of Good King Henry on the Pont Neuf and follow your expert private guide around the Île de la Cité. 

This island, in the middle of the Seine, holds the founding history of Paris and France itself: it is where a Celtic tribe called the Parisi first settled, and later Clovis King of the Franks won after the fall of Rome. Learn the history of the French Kings and Queens as you gaze across to the Louvre Palace, beautifully lit at night, and walk through Place Dauphine. 

Admire some Napoleonic decorations to the Palais du Justice, and hear about some of his greatest achievements, and epic losses. As you walk around this stunning beautifully lighted medieval castle, you'll learn that it was once the home of the French Kings - and later became their prison during the Revolution. Hear about the trials, both fair and foul, and decide for yourself if Marie Antoinette was as guilty as she is painted. 

Admire the exquisite Gothic facade of Notre Dame - always stunningly lit up at night and hear of its extraordinary history -and survival. 

Walk around the trendy, artsy and vibrant Latin Quarter - famous for its plethora of Gothic churches, the Sorbonne University - which gives it its name as Latin was the language of Academia in the middle ages! Pass by famous the Jazz clubs on Rue de la Huchette, and the bars and cafes and bookshops - like Shakespeare and Co - that were frequented by members of the Lost Generation like Hemingway, Orwell and Gertrude Stein.  

Finally, return to the Pont Neuf where your guide will leave you to enjoy a romantic evening river cruise along the Seine. This is a wonderful way to see the great monuments of Paris lit up - including the Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay, and of course the piece de resistance: the Eiffel Tower! 

Important: This tour includes a 2-hour private guided walking tour followed by a 1-hour river cruise with onboard commentary on your own. Your tour guide will walk you to the cruise docking point where they will part ways with you. You can choose to take the cruise at the end of the tour or later during your stay.
The Best of Paris in a Day: Private Full-Day Highlights Tour
Experience the best of Paris in a day on this full-day tour of its most iconic neighbourhoods and monuments, including a fully guided tour of the magnificent Louvre Museum. 

On your private tour, you will: 

  • Explore the quaint Bohemian artists' district of Montmartre;
  • Wander around the lovely and historic neighbourhood of Le Marais;
  • Explore the fascinating and beautiful Latin Quarter;
  • Walk around Notre Dame de Paris and the Palais du Justice on the île de la Cité;
  • Visit the Louvre Museum with admission tickets included and see the major highlights of the museum;
  • End your tour inside the Louvre to explore on your own if you so wish, or your guide can escort you to the exit. 
Enjoy a full-day privately guided tour of the cultural highlights of Paris – from Montmartre to Notre Dame, the Latin Quarter to the Louvre. 

Beginning at the top of the hill in Montmartre, you will explore this quaint and cobbled neighbourhood made famous by the Impressionist artists and of course the Moulin Rouge. Soak up the Bohemian atmosphere of Place du Tertre, filled with working artists and lined with bars. 

Walk past Renoir’s studio and Van Gogh’s apartment, and see the iconic Bateaux Lavoir where Picasso stayed and the Moulin de la Galette – the star of Renoir’s iconic masterpiece.

Ride the Funicular to the mighty Basilica Sacre Coeur – learn about its controversy and enjoy some gorgeous views across the skyline of Paris.

Head to Le Marais, famous for its Jewish history and the delicious falafels to be found on the iconic Rue des Rosiers. Step into the mesmerizing Place des Voges where Victor Hugo lived. 

Cross the river to explore the fascinating Latin Quarter – home to Sorbonne University, whose students spoke and read Latin in the Middle Ages. Learn about the writers who lived here like Hemingway, and the luminaries buried in the Pantheon. 

After lunch head, onto the Ile de la Cite to see Notre Dame de Paris – still standing after the fire that ravaged it in 2019, and walk around the Palais de Justice and Conciergerie as you hear all about the French Revolution and the fate of King Louis and Queen Marie Antoinette. 

Finally, enjoy wandering over the river towards the Louvre. Enjoy a fully guided tour of the museum with its 300 rooms – including the must-see masterpieces of the Mona Lisa, The Winged Victory of Samothrace, Venus de Milo and the Coronation of Napoleon.
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