Paris Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter in Paris , or Quartier Latin , is one of the most popular visits in the city.

Located south of the Île de la Cité, and around the Sorbonne, it has been and continues to be one of the busiest and liveliest areas of the French capital.

It owes its name to the students who lived here in the Middle Ages, since until the 18th century the university only spoke Latin .

University district of Paris

The Latin Quarter in Paris is closely linked to the history of the students, who have had a great influence on the life of the city. It was one of the key sites during the May 68 Revolution, when student movements and protests led to the largest general strike in French history.

hippie movement of the time had a great influence on the Parisian student groups, who demanded a society with less inequality, less consumerism and authoritarianism. The massive protests, joined by industrial workers, unions and the French Communist Party, ended when de Gaulle announced snap elections.

What to see in the Latin Quarter of Paris?

In the center of the Latin Quarter is the Place Saint Michel , with a bronze statue of Saint Michael fighting the Devil. From the square radiate narrow streets full of charm and full of restaurants and cafes with their terraces with a relaxed atmosphere and more affordable prices compared to the rest of central Paris.

A five-minute walk from Saint Michel Square you will find the Cluny Museum of the Middle Ages, with one of the most outstanding medieval collections in the world. Thanks to the student tradition of the Latin Quarter, several cinemas and theaters are located here, a lively nightlife in Paris and a great cultural offer. There are music rooms and bookstores, the most famous for its history and its appearance in cult movies: Shakespeare And Company

Around Rue de la Harpe, you will find shops, restaurants and a lot of movement of visitors and locals.

Near this area you can visit buildings of architectural interest such as the Pantheon in Pari, the Sorbonne University, the Luxembourg Palace and Gardens and the Odeon Theater. Interesting places to see in Paris.

One of the best free tours in Paris covers many of the picturesque places in the Latin Quarter, such as Rue du Chat Qui Pêche (the narrowest street in Paris), as well as many stories, curiosities and anecdotes.

It is a highly recommended neighborhood to stay in Paris. If you are looking to bet on the safest, we recommend you take a look at this list of 5 excellent hotels in the heart of the Latin Quarter in Paris.