Latin Quarter (Quartier Latin)

The Basics

One of the oldest districts in Paris and home to ancient Roman ruins, the Latin Quarter has long fostered a reputation for creativity, intellectual daring, and radical politics. Its name comes from the fact that students here once spoke in Latin; founded in the 13th century, the storied Sorbonne University is still the beating heart of the neighborhood.

The area, which stretches across parts of the fifth and sixth arrondissements, is also home to a heavy concentration of destination-worthy attractions. Visitors frequent the Musée de Cluny (which is dedicated to medieval art and holds the world-famous Lady and the Unicorn tapestries), snap photos of the Panthéon, and stroll the Jardin du Luxembourg. As for culture, no Latin Quarter visit is complete without browsing the shelves at the storied Shakespeare & Company bookstore, strolling past the bouquinistes (booksellers) along the banks of the Seine, or taking in a live jazz performance. Numerous walking tours, bike tours, hop-on hop-off bus itineraries, and Seine river cruises provide other ways to soak up the area’s one-of-a-kind ambiance.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Latin Quarter is a must for all first-time visitors to Paris, especially literary buffs.

• The area is known for its beautiful churches; Saint-Séverin and Saint-Étienne-du-Mont are both worth a visit.

• See another side of Latin Quarter life when you venture to the Grand Mosquée de Paris. Its café serves delicious fresh mint tea.

• Numerous cafés, restaurants, bars, and clubs abound for all your dining and nightlife needs.

How to Get There

There is some debate over the exact boundaries of the neighborhood. Roughly, the Latin Quarter is bounded by Boulevard Saint-Michel to the west, Boulevard du Port-Royal and Boulevard Saint-Marcel to the south and east, and the Seine to the north. The area is served by numerous Métro lines and buses; Saint-Michel station is a good starting point.

When to Get There

No matter the time of year, the Latin Quarter is teeming with a buzzing mix of students, locals, and visitors. As with the rest of Paris, it is at its quietest in August. The area is still host to impassioned demonstrations and protests; keep up-to-date with the news if you wish to avoid large crowds. May Day (May 1st) is a particularly popular time for such events.

Best Neighborhood Eats

Ignore the quarter’s chain eateries and tourist traps. For a delicious, casual meal and an authentically Parisian experience, head to Rue Mouffetard. Its open-air street market is home to cheese vendors, bakers, fruit sellers, and other purveyors of marvelously tempting treats.

Ways to explore

Given its accessible Left Bank location, the Latin Quarter is easy to visit as part of a general Paris sightseeing tour. Or, view it from the Seine on a river cruise, glide by on a Paris bike tour, or enjoy a speedier way to sightsee on a tuk-tuk or e-scooter adventure.

If you want an up-close look, it’s worth booking a neighborhood-specific walking tour. Latin Quarter food tours cover a wide range of French delicacies, while guided history tours are great if you want to spot major monuments and follow in the footsteps of early 20th-century writers and artists.

Accessibility

Some tours of the Latin Quarter are accessible to wheelchair users.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sun protection, umbrella, camera, your appetite

What to wear

Wear a stylish and weather-appropriate outfit for sightseeing—don’t forget the walking shoes.

Not allowed

While the rules vary by tour, most don’t allow smoking, pets, or alcohol.

Amenities

Public transit, green spaces, shops, dining options

Address

The Latin Quarter is located between Paris’ 5th and 6th arrondissements, on the Left Bank. Public transit offers the easiest way to get there, though the area can also be reached by taxi, bike, or even river ferry.

Driving

Owing to congested streets, traffic restrictions, and parking limitations, driving to the Latin Quarter isn’t recommended. Use public transit, taxis, or tours with included transportation instead.

Public transportation

The 4, 7, and 10 Métro lines stop at a number of stations across the neighborhood. Other options include the RER B and C commuter trains, buses, and even Batobus hop-on, hop-off river boats.

Best times to visit

To make the most of the Latin Quarter, visit in the afternoon to explore its cafés and cultural gems. Or, stop by in the evening to experience its jazz clubs, cabarets, and other nightlife venues.

Best days to visit

The Latin Quarter is very busy on the weekends, and some of its attractions are closed on Sundays and Mondays. Consider going midweek to see the sights.

Best months to visit

The Latin Quarter is busiest during the summer high season, when a number of festivals and cultural events are held. If you want to beat the crowds, aim for the spring or autumn shoulder seasons.

Special events

In June, the Latin Quarter hosts the Quartier du Livre literary festival. It also takes part in citywide festivals like Nuit Blanche (when cultural venues stay open late) and Fête de la Musique, both also held in June.