Latin Quarter night by Unknown Arthur/Wikimedia Commons

Loving Paris: 20 Best Things to do in the Latin Quarter in Paris


 

The Latin Quarter takes you back to the medieval city of Paris, this astonishing neighborhood has retained much of its ancient feel. It is known for its many bars making your nightlife memorable, restaurants to enjoy lovely French cuisines, and boutique shops where you can shop till you drop the finest fashion in Paris. The streets are filled with cobblestones as you ramble around you get to enjoy the amazing monuments at the Quarter. Famous for its many museums and the oldest University Sorbonne the streets of the Quarter are buzzing with Parisians and tourists who come to enjoy the lovely neighborhood. Located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris almost in the center of the city on the Left Bank of the Seine. The Latin Quarter is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Paris dating back to Gallo Roman Era in France.

Where to stay in the remarkable neighborhood Latin Quarter

Hotel Central Saint Germain it is 300 meters from Cluny Sorbonne Metro Station, it offers a 24-hour reception and air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi access. It is a ten-minute walk to the great Pantheon; it is close to many cafes and bars where one can enjoy the luxury of the Latin Quarter.

The best restaurant to have a good meal

Le Mechoui du Prince is a family-run restaurant that has been serving quality Moroccan food in the Latin Quarter for nearly fifty years now. This restaurant has a variety of food cuisines where one can enjoy a good meal, the menu offers traditional Moroccan cuisines. The restaurant offers a selection of North African wines.

How to get to the exquisite Latin Quarter

You can use the Train: L.N   RER: B    Metro: 10   Bus: 47,63,72,75,89

Well, these are the best things to do in Latin Quarter

1. Enjoy a walking tour of the Latin Quarter

Latin Quarter. Paris, France by Oliver Romo Miranda/Wikimedia Commons

Whether you book a private tour or self-tour you are guaranteed to enjoy the beautiful neighborhood, sightseeing the awesome boutiques, restaurants, and bars. The Quarter remains the most lively, friendly feel village, graced with beautiful fountains and trees, as well as a clutch of outstanding historic buildings and monuments. One can take a self-guided walk to meander the streets of the Latin Quarter at your own pace and immerse yourself in all that is Paris, both past and present. When taking this tour make sure to wear comfortable shoes to walk, if you are planning to enjoy the marvelous Monuments of the Latin Quarter make sure to get the Pris Pass.

Practical Information

Book a tour with us: Paris: Latin Quarter wine and food tasting tour 

2. Purchase a second-hand book at the San Francisco bookshop

San Francisco Book Company by Mitch Altman/Wikimedia Commons

The San Francisco bookshop is a must-visit for those who are looking to purchase second-hand English books at a reasonable price. The bookshop is accessed over just one level but has plenty of books to peruse nonetheless. Outside, there are plenty of thrillers and other fiction books at bargain prices, while the interior boasts a more catered and exclusive selection of tomes. Lucky for you one can pay with a credit card so make sure to visit this remarkable bookstore.

3. Make sure to make a stopover at the Pantheon

Pantheon wider centered by Jean-Pierre Lavoie /Wikimedia Commons

The astonishing beautiful monument known as the landmark in the Latin Quarter, the Pantheon the building is a fixture on the Paris skyline. The Pantheon explains the history of France, with spectacular architecture, a lot of French personalities with impressive histories are buried here. Built under the order of Louis XV from 1758- 1790, the Pantheon was designed by architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot. The Pantheon is a neo-classical building decorated with some of the most beautiful paintings of the 12th century. The Pantheon is a memorable monument you need to wear an appropriate outfit. It is closed on 1st January, 25th December, and 1st May, it is open from 10 am to 6.30 pm.

4. Stroll on the oldest street Rue Mouffetard

Rue Mouffetard in Paris by Gerd Eichmann/ Wikimedia Commons

The street is lively with the daily market with fresh products, there is a lot of variety of shops that will blow your mind away. The street is filled with many restaurants that will leave you confused about which one to enter. The street is buzzing every day, the busiest times in Rue Mouffetard are Saturday and Sunday mornings. The market and shops are closed on Sunday afternoon and Monday and re-open on Tuesday morning. Do not be afraid to chat with the market’s vendors, as you may be rewarded with complimentary samples.

5. Appreciate the astonishing beauty of Saint Etienne Du Mont Church

Église Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, Paris, France by Dietmar Rabich/Wikimedia Commons

Take time and visit the most impressive Catholic church constructed centuries ago built in the dazzling Gothic and Renaissance style. The sanctuary in the church was built to accommodate the growth of the neighboring abbey of St. Genevieve and the parish of St. Etienne. It houses the shrine of Sainte-Genevieve, Paris’ Patron Saint, and the remains of French writers Racine and Pascal. One of the most beautiful features that attract most visitors is the Rood Screen, it is a double-stair arch that separates the choir, where the monks or canons sat, from the body of the church where the parishioners sat. This Church is a must-see for all.

6. Take a stroll at the Square Rene Viviani

The beautiful square holds one of the most favorite Christmas markets, the Square is an irregular polygon in shape, bounded by the Rue Galande and church buildings to the south. The Square gives one of the better views of the cathedral Notre Dame. The square is named in honor of Rene Viviani, the first Minister of Labor of France during 1906-1910. The square was originally a Merovingian cemetery, and a fountain by Georges Jeanclos was installed in 1995. It is a charming and intimate garden, within walking distance of Notre Dame Cathedral and the beloved Shakespeare and Co. bookstore.

  A walk in the Latin Quarter in Paris

7. Discover the Eglise Saint Serverin

Sion Eglise St-Théodule by Unknown Arthur/Wikimedia Commons

Considered one of the finest churches in Paris the Eglise Sant Serverin is a must-visit, this church was erected on the site of the oratory where the hermit Severin lived and was buried. One of the church’s striking features is the carved columns in the double ambulatory. The church contains one of the oldest bells in Paris, it has seven modern stained-glass windows depicting the seven sacraments, designed by Jean Rene Bazaine in 1970. There is a small public walled garden encompassed by a Gothic-covered gallery that has replaced the cemetery. On the first Saturday of each month, there are free guided tours which are great for visitors.

8. Discover the Arenes de Lutece

Paris V arenes de Lutèces by Unknown Arthur/Wikimedia Commons

Built-in the first century AD, when Paris was actually named Lutetia the Arenes de Lutece once held gladiator combats, entertaining crowds of up to 15,000 people. The Arenes te visited today in the Place Emile Male in the Latin Quarter are the remains of what must once have been an awe-inspiring monument. There is not much left of the amphitheater only the walls are two meters tall and the entrance tunnel remains. Today students from the nearby high schools and colleges often meet up on the steps to eat lunch and chat. On the weekends, Parisians are known to gather here to play petanque, as the sand makes the perfect pitch. And family-friendly events are also held in the center of the ancient arena, so don’t be surprised if you find bouncy houses among the ruins.

9. A must-see the most beautiful Saint Michel fountain

Fontaine Saint-Michel Paris by Pline/Wikimedia Commons

The fountain was built during Haussmann’s renovation of Paris in the 1860s when the Latin Quarter district was deemed insalubrious and redeveloped. This beautiful fountain is listed as a Monument Historique by the French Ministry of culture since the 1920s. The final fountain design bears a facade divided into four horizontal levels. Corinthian columns frame the central niche. This fountain attracts thousands of visitors and students who pass by as they admire the extraordinary fountain. The fountain was designed by the architect Gabriel Davioud and takes the form of an antique triumphal arch.

10. Visit the laboratory at the Musee Curie

Musée Curie, Paris by Guilhem wilko/ Wikimedia Commons

The museum is dedicated to Marie Curie, a woman of science, the Musee Curie the highlight museum is the scientist’s office and laboratory which have been preserved as they were and where her work and research tools are now on display. The museum also includes archives, photographs, and documentation on the Curie family. It is housed in one of the oldest buildings in the Institute Curie, if you love science this museum is a must-visit when you are in the Latin Quarter district. The Musee Curie’s heritage is extremely rich and diverse.

11. Explore the largest Mosque Grand Mosque in Paris

Grande Mosquée de Paris Entrée salon de Thé by Cédric Sicot/ Wikimedia Commons

The history of the largest mosque starts from the Nazi occupation of World War II and their efforts to rescue Jews. The Grand Mosque’s architectural inspirations come from a variety of origins. The Mosque was presented as a way of thanking the Muslims who had fought for France during the First World War. The mosque has a lovely Andalusian-style Garden with water features that attract a large group of tourists. It plays an important role in local culture even to this day and maintains a public relations campaign to raise awareness and visibility of Islamic culture in Europe.

Best Cafes in the Latin Quarter in Paris

12. Nature lovers make sure to visit Jardin Plantes

Trees in the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, France by Unknown Arthur/Wikimedia Commons

Visit the botanical garden built in the 17th century and known for its ancient flower gardens, exotic vegetation greenhouses, a tiny zoo, and a handful of small scientific museums. Dedicated to the preservation of wildlife and rainforest flora, it contains over 1000 animals across its 5.5-hectare territory. The garden is kid-friendly on so many levels, from the Art Deco hot house to the enormous network of hollowed-out bushes, where Parisian tots love to hide. The garden is free for all and anyone can visit and enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna in the garden.

13. Make sure to visit the exquisite Eglise Saint Sulpice

Make sure to tour one of the most beautiful churches in Paris Eglise Saint Sulpice, the history of the church is unknown. The astonishing architecture of the church consists of marble columns, with a rococo cupola above. The statue of the Virgin inside the chapel, a piece of Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, is highlighted by an ingenious play of light. Saint-Sulpice is the second largest church in Paris, Saint-Sulpice is significant in the history of the Blessed Sacrament Congregation. This religious building in the center of Paris has seen many celebrities pass by during weddings or funeral ceremonies. Victor Hugo celebrated his union with Adele Foucher.

14.Tour the treasures Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle de Paris

Muséum national d’histoire naturelle – Paris by Unknown Arthur/Wikimedia Commons

The National Museum of Natural History in Paris has been an important center of scientific research. The Museum has plenty of exhibitions aimed at getting kids of all ages excited about natural history. In the Children’s Gallery, interactive games, stuffed animals, surprise creepy crawlies, and a virtual magnifying glass teach families about plants and animals. Created in 1793, the National Museum of Natural History became a site of significant scientific research in the 19th century. Do not miss out on visiting this astonishing museum.

15. Read a book at the Abbey bookshop

Paris is full of awesome bookstores, this astonishing bookstore offers you second-hand English books. It is a friendly bookstore located in the Latin quarter, as you walk down the cobblestone streets of the lovely Latin Quarter do not miss buying a book at this amazing bookstore. Keep an eye out for the cockleshell relief above the door that marks this spot as part of the Pilgrim’s Way. This shell, a symbol of Saint James, once lined the path of the faithful, all the way to Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain. It is the first Canadian bookstore, A friendly Canadian flag hangs proudly above the door, and outside, wooden crates, cardboard boxes, and straw baskets filled with books of all covers and sizes invite passers-by to digress from their walk and pop in for a look.

16. Visit one of the Prestigious University Sorbonne University

This is one of the most important medieval universities founded by Robert de Sorbon, chaplain and confessor of Louis IX. The university opened its door in the 13th century, Louis the 18th decided to restore the buildings of the Sorbonne to their original purpose: education. The Sorbonne has enjoyed an excellent international reputation since its construction in the 13th century and is still considered to be in the upper echelons of learning institutions dedicated to culture, science, and art. Many tourists come from all over the world to admire its façade architecture and to enjoy seeing the oldest university in Europe.

17. Enjoy exploring antiques and sculptures at the Musee de Cluny

The exhibitions contain an enormous variety of antiques, including tapestries, ivory, and sculptures. For now, the museum is closed and undergoing renovations, when you are touring this museum, you will enjoy the Gallo baths which are a must-see. The Cluny houses medieval arts, sculptures, and tapestries. Apart from the Baths, another amusing piece of art is the famous tapestry known as The Woman and the Unicorn, a huge masterpiece depicting what many believe is a woman enjoying the 5 senses and the 6th one is hinted at. This museum is an absolute Gem and a must-see when in Paris.

18. Enjoy  the oldest Cabaret in Europe Paradis Latin

The Paradis Latin cabaret at rue du Cardinal-Lemoine in Paris by Unknown Arthur/Wikimedia Commons

Book your ticket and enjoy the nightlife at the Latin Quarter at one of the oldest Cabaret in Paris Paradis Latin. Make sure to dress up with your best dress, and enjoy its new revue L’Oiseau Paradis known as Bird of Paradise, staged by the great choreographer Kamel Ouali. This breathtaking show is the creation of a once-in-a-lifetime talent, as you arrive through the famous Paradis Latin front doors, the show-before-the-show begins as actors in the lobby invite you to begin your experience. Open every day except Tuesday. Dinner served at 8 Pm.

19. Read a book at the most famous  bookstore in the world Shakespeare and Company

Shakespeare and Company, arguably the most famous independent bookstore in the world, occupies a prime piece of real estate facing the Seine in Paris. The bookstore was opened and operated by American ex-pat Sylvia Beach. This bookstore allows you to lose yourself in the pages of the books as you read and enjoy the tales. It sells new and used books to readers all over the world, Shakespeare and Company have sections dedicated to the writers who frequented the original store, to the City of Paris, to the classics, and the latest releases. The shop is always full, probably because there’s something for everyone here, be it tourists who want that legendary bookshop experience.

20. Enjoy walking around the Grand Gallery of Evolution

The gallery is huge and there are plenty of animals to see animals of the savannah marine animals and mammals birds insects dragonflies beetles there are also written explanations and mini rooms where you can sit with the Explanatory short videos. This beautiful museum does not only attract adults but also children and they will enjoy being here. This museum focuses on the evolution of the animal and plant world. The first floor focuses on marine animal species. Land life is the focus on the second floor, with a large arrangement of African mammals. The third floor focuses on the influence of humans on life on Earth, including a room with stuffed specimens of various extinct species.

 10 lovely things to see in the Latin Quarter in Paris