As Paris’s historic center of learning, scholarship, and artistic achievement, the Latin Quarter’s mystique is well-deserved. The winding cobbled streets of the Latin Quarter remind us of what the city of Paris looked like in the Middle Ages when the original scholars of the Sorbonne roamed the streets speaking Latin.
The famous Latin Quarter is located on the left bank of the Seine River in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. It’s home to charming architecture and renowned learning centers such as the Sorbonne and the Collège de France, as well as bookstores, independent cinemas, and cute cafes.
Top Things to Do in the Latin Quarter, Paris
If you plan to visit this neighborhood during your next trip to Paris, here is a list of the best things to do in the Latin Quarter to gain a deeper understanding of its rich, unparalleled history.
1. La Tour d’Argent
La Tour d’Argent (English: The Silver Tower) is a historic restaurant in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, France. It is located at 15 Quai de la Tournelle. It was awarded one star by the Michelin Guide.
The “Silver Tower” in the restaurant’s name was built in 1582. The Terrail family has owned the restaurant since 1912, and they were awarded three Michelin stars for 63 consecutive years from 1933 to 1996. The restaurant still retains a Michelin star today.
La Tour d’Argent is famous for its duck, which is first roasted and then pressed in an authentic steel duck press. The juice is used to create unforgettable sauces. Incidentally, when the flag flies over La Tour d’Argent, it means that members of the Terrail family are present.
2. Take a Latin Quarter Walking Tour
This professionally guided walking tour of the Latin Quarter is an excellent introduction to this community. Visit the area’s main landmarks and hear about the history of one of Paris’ oldest neighborhoods and the artistic genius it inspired. If you want to organize a tour for you and your tribe, this private Latin Quarter walking tour also has great reviews.
3. Explore the St-Michel District and Seine-Side Quays
The area surrounding Saint-Michel Metro Station is the most convenient gateway to the Latin Quarter. To start exploring the neighborhood, take a stroll along Quai St-Michel on the left bank of the Seine. Admire Piazza San Michele and continue your river walk along Montebello Marina, continuing east from the square.
Places to explore around Saint-Michel: Rue Saint-André des Arts, with its antique dealers, rare bookstores and cute cafés; Rue Hautefeuille with its MK2 Hautefeuille art cinema, Saint-Michel The Gibert Jeune and Gibert Joseph bookstores in and around Seal Square have bright yellow-orange signs.
It’s generally best to avoid spending too much time in tourist trap areas such as Rue de la Harpe, which is filled with overpriced and mediocre restaurants.
4. The Pantheon
Are you ready to admire the stunning Pantheon in Paris? This iconic landmark is a must-see for any visitor who wants to explore Paris’ rich history and culture. The Pantheon is a monument in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, France. It stands on the top of Mount Saint-Geneviève in the Latin Quarter, in the center of the Pantheon Square.
Originally built as a church in 1758, it was converted during the French Revolution into a shrine honoring the “heroes of France.” The exterior is modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, and the interior is worth a detour to explore. This is where Foucault first displayed his famous pendulum. A great way to see and learn about the Pantheon is to join a private walking tour.
5. Visit the Jardin des Plantes and the National Museum of Natural History
The Jardin des Plantes is a royal botanical garden in Paris, originally established in the 17th century under King Louis XIII to grow medicinal plants. With over 10,000 species, including a tropical greenhouse and rose, winter, and alpine gardens – it’s a fascinating place.
The French royal botanist preserved medicinal plants here, and France brought new plant specimens (such as the coffee plant) from around the world for study.
The gardens cover more than 60 acres and contain some of the best real estate in Paris. Situated on the left bank of the Seine, it houses the National Museum of Natural History, which includes a library, greenhouses, galleries, and the second-oldest public zoo in the world.
6. Visit the Musée de Cluny – National Museum of Middle Ages
This humble, little-known museum and former medieval residence is dedicated to the art, culture, and daily life of the Middle Ages. The Clooney Museum recently reopened after years of renovation work.
The star attraction here is undoubtedly “La Dame a la Licorne” (The Lady and the Unicorn), a series of mysterious, luminous Bayeux tapestries from the 15th century that enchant all who come to see them with their mysterious and dazzling tapestries.
There are other interesting artefacts from everyday life in the Middle Ages, there is an aromatic garden outside in a style similar to that of the Middle Ages, and the basement level displays the stunning remains of one of the Roman thermal baths of Paris.
7. French Apéritif at Place de la Contrescarpe
Place de la Contrescarpe is one of the liveliest corners of Paris’ Latin Quarter. It is located along Rue Mouffetard, near the intersection of Rue Lacépède and Rue du Cardinal-Lemoine.
Place de la Contrescarpe is arguably one of Hemingway’s favorite places in Paris. In fact, throughout the 1920s, the American writer lived at 74, rue Cardinal Lemoy, not far from the square.
Several surrounding bars and restaurants offer affordable meals to locals and tourists alike. They’re also a great place to enjoy a French aperitif and people-watch.
8. Contemplate Ancient History at the Arènes de Lutèce
The Arena de Lourdes is the oldest historical monument in Paris and the third-largest Roman arena in France. Under the Roman Empire, Paris was then known as “Lotecia” and was part of French Gaul.
The Arènes de Lutèce is a 1st-century AD Roman amphitheater hidden in the streetscape of the Latin Quarter. It is one of the only two remaining visible buildings in the city from the time when Rome ruled this part of Europe. while Paris was but a small settlement called Lutetia or Lutece.
Together with the thermal bath buildings of Cluny, it is the most important intact Gallo-Roman site in the French capital.
9. Walk the Jardin du Luxembourg
This stunning formal park and gardens, which connects the Latin Quarter with the formerly artsy Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, has it all: sublime statues and fountains; alleys lined with deciduous trees that turn soft in the fall reds and oranges, and lawns perfect for summer picnics.
The entire region is also rich in literary and artistic history. Avant-garde writer and patron Gertrude Stein and her partner Alice B. Toklas lived behind the park on Rue de Fleurus, where Alexandre Dumas ) and Richard Wright also frequented the area.
10. Visit the Paradis Latin in Paris
The Latin Quarter is famous for its bars and cabarets and is home to Paradis Latin, the oldest cabaret in Paris. It was founded by Napoleon in 1802 (or so they say) and then updated and redesigned in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel.
The perfect combination of musical comedy, gorgeous French cancan, and modern dance ensures a wonderful evening in the most Parisian cabaret. Expect an unforgettable soiree in Paris that you can combine with dinner or a glass of champagne.
Enter a luxurious world of color and beauty; nothing is more Parisian than the Paradiso Latin Cabaret! The show features gravity-defying sets and aerial attractions, skilled dance combined with exquisite seduction, and a stunning grand finale.