These lively Left Bank districts are the favourite haunt of Parisian youth.

Start at the crossroads of boulevard St-Germain and boulevard St-Michel.

Soak in the Left Bank atmosphere as you walk up the 'Boul Mich', a nickname used by generations of students. The small cafés on place de la Sorbonne are packed with students.

Take the next street on the left to reach the Church of St-Etienne-du-Mont.

It is well worth going inside to admire the Gothic chancel, Renaissance nave and magnificent rood screen.

Behind the church, follow rue Descartes to the right.

Beyond the charming place de la Contrescarpe lies the rue Mouffetard, known as 'la Mouffe', with its untidy shops and picturesque signs.

Go through the Passage des Postes (No 104) and turn right into rue Lhomond which leads back to boulevard St-Michel.

Stroll through the Jardin du Luxembourg past the beautiful Fontaine de Médicis. Come out by the west gate.

Walk down rue Bonaparte past place St-Sulpice and its superb fountain to boulevard St-Germain.

Near by are the picturesque rue de Furstenberg, rue Cardinale, rue de l'Echaudé and rue de Buci, with its lively market.

Rue St-André-des-Arts leads to the square of the same name with its quaint Fontaine Wallace. The walk ends here.