Visit Latin quarter

What to visit in the Latin Quarter of Paris ?

The Latin Quarter of Paris is one of the oldest in the capital. A stroll through this district will take you to discover its gardens, monuments, museums and Roman remains. On the left bank of the Seine, the Latin Quarter owes its name to the large number of schools that were set up there and that once offered Latin courses. Whether you are a Parisian or a visitor to the City of Light, take a tour of the Latin Quarter in the 5th arrondissement of Paris.

Must sees in the Latin Quarter

By opting for a guided tour in Paris, you will set out to discover the emblematic districts of the City of Light. Your visit of the Latin Quarter of Paris will lead you from flowery square to monuments, from square to religious monuments and from charming streets to museums to discover the historical heritage of Paris. Discover the exceptional sites not to be missed:

• The Fontaine Saint Michel 

At the corner of Boulevard Saint Michel and Rue Saint André des Arts, the Place Saint Michel is a must-see in the Latin Quarter. It stands out in the landscape thanks to its monumental fountain representing the Archangel Michael overcoming evil. Throughout the year, the square hosts concerts and dance performances. 

• The Rue de la Huchette

A picturesque pedestrian street, the Rue de la Huchette is ideal for a stroll between the cafés, restaurants and shops that line it. It is also on this street that you can see the Théâtre de la Huchette where Eugène Ionesco’s most famous plays were performed. Continuing your walk, you can also stroll along the rue Saint André des Arts or the rue Mouffetard. 

• The Church of Saint Séverin

Dating back to the 15th century, the church of Saint Séverin has a gothic architecture. Inside, discover the twisted columns and the incredible stained glass windows that decorate it. The church houses the oldest bell in Paris. On your way out, you can easily reach the quai de Seine and the Petit Pont.   

• The Cluny Museum

The Cluny Museum, a museum of the medieval world housed in the Hôtel de Cluny, contains genuine relics from this period: the tapestry of The Lady with the Unicorn, the stained-glass window of The Chess Players, etc. You can also discover ancient baths from the Roman period. 

• The Sorbonne

Walking through the streets of the Latin Quarter, you can admire the Sorbonne University. Built in 1253 as a theological college, it was topped by a dome and an adjoining church over the centuries. Today, the Sorbonne is one of the capital’s main universities and is admired for its impressive architecture. 

• The Panthéon 

You can also go to the Panthéon, on the Sainte-Geneviève mountain opposite the Luxembourg Garden, where personalities who have marked the history of France such as Victor Hugo, Pierre and Marie Curie or Voltaire rest in peace. Visit the monument for its mural frescoes, its Foucault pendulum and its necropolis of the Great Men. 

• The Grande Mosque of Paris

Admire the Great Mosque of Paris with its 33-metre high minaret. Its patio, inspired by that of the Alhambra in Granada, welcomes visitors with a tea room and hammam. If you wish to discover the interior, you can be accompanied by a guide who will explain all the subtleties of the architecture.

• The Jardin des plantes

Take a relaxing break at the Jardin des Plantes de Paris, which covers almost 24 hectares, near the Lutetia Arena. Enjoy a walk among the trees and flowers that make up the garden created in 1635 by Louis XIII. You can also visit the Grandes Serres, which is home to lush vegetation. 

• The National Museum of Natural History

In the heart of the Jardin des Plantes, enter the National Museum of Natural History which offers a rich collection to be discovered in the different galleries: the Grand Gallery of Evolution, the Gallery of Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy, the Gallery of Mineralogy and Geology.