Paris’ Latin Quarter
Paris’ Latin Quarter, or 5th Arrondissement, is located on the left bank of the River Seine. The famous neighborhood has many cafes, bookshops, and restaurants. I have visited the Latin Quarter many times throughout my visits to Paris, and in this post, I want to share some of my favorite spots to visit. Some of the areas I will mention in the post are on the fringes of other neighborhoods, but they should be added to your itinerary when walking through this part of Paris.
Shakespeare and Company
Having a cup of coffee at Shakespeare and Company is a good way to start your journey through the neighborhood. You can order a coffee and then visit their bookstore as well. The famous English-language bookstore opened its doors in 1951 and now also has a cafe.
37 Rue de la Bucherie, 75005 Paris, France | +33 1 43 25 40 93
https://shakespeareandcompany.com/
The Cluny Museum
If you’re a fan of medieval Europe, then the Cluny Museum is the place for you. The museum is one of the oldest buildings in Paris and houses one of the finest collections of medieval art. The museum lays over the remnants of a 3rd-century Gallo-Roman bath. One item to view in the museum is the Lady and the Unicorn tapestry.
28 Rue du Sommerard, 75005 | +33 1 53 73 78 00
https://www.musee-moyenage.fr/
The Pantheon
As you continue your journey through the Latin Quarter, visit the Pantheon, built by the architect Soufflot. Soufflot wanted to outdo the Pantheon in Rome and St. Paul’s in London. King Louis XV of France ordered the construction in 1758 in honor of Saint Genevieve, Paris’ patron saint.
Pl. du Pantheon, 75005 Paris, France | +33 1 44 32 18 00
https://www.paris-pantheon.fr/
Saint-Etienne-du-Mont Church
Near the Pantheon is the Saint-Etienne-du-Mont Church. The church dates to the year 1222 and is well worth a visit.
Place Sainte-Genevieve, 75005 Paris, France | +33 1 43 54 11 79
Luxembourg Garden
The Luxembourg Garden is not in the Latin Quarter yet; it is within walking distance from the Pantheon. I suggest you add the gardens to your walking itinerary. The gardens were created in 1612 by Queen Marie de Medici, and she also added the Luxembourg Palace. Currently, the property is managed and owned by the French Senate, which meets in the Palace to run France’s government.
http://www.senat.fr/visite/jardin/index.html
World Travelers Today’s Video on Paris’ Latin Quarter
Rue Saint-Andre de-Arts & Commerce Alley
Rue Saint-Andre des-Arts and Commerce Alley are both in the 6th arrondissement but on the border of the Latin Quarter. This street is famous for its booksellers, pubs, and restaurants. Connected to the Rue Saint-Andre des-Arts is Cour du Commerce Saint-Andre. This passage takes you back a few centuries, and you can experience what Paris looked like before Emperor Napoleon III modernized the city in 1852.
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