Paris Latin Quarter, located on the left bank of the Seine just two steps from the Notre Dame Cathedral, is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating districts of the city, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and charm that is sure to captivate any visitor. Its narrow, winding streets lined with charming restaurants, cafes, bookstores and quirky boutiques selling everything from antiques to vintage clothing will get you enchanted within seconds. Join us and discover both the hidden gems as well as the most notable landmarks of this district, much-loved by visitors and Parisians alike!
Paris Latin Quarter has forever been the intellectual, religious and cultural heart of Paris and has inspired countless writers, musicians and artists over the years (including Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Pablo Picasso and Modigliani among others). Its history can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it became a home to the University of Paris – La Sorbonne, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities. With its founding, the Latin Quarter became one of the most important intellectual centres of Europe. The district’s name is derived from Latin, which was once the language spoken by scholars and students. Among La Sorbonne students were such personalities as Thomas Aquinas, Dante Alighieri, Pierre and Marie Curie, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, René Descartes… The list is countless.
In the 18th century the Latin Quarter became a hotbed for the writers, philosophers and thinkers following the ideas of Enlightenment such as Voltaire and Diderot who began to develop a more rational thinking based on the search for the rights of human beings. Their disputes and way of thinking influenced the outbreak of the French Revolution during which the neighbourhood played a significant role and was a place where many revolutionary leaders and activists met.
From the 19th century, the Latin Quarter underwent significant changes as the city expanded and modernised, eventually becoming the bohemian centre of Paris in the 20th century. Today, the Latin Quarter is a vibrant and diverse district that continues to attract scholars, artists, and visitors from all corners of the world. Its rich history, unique architecture, and vibrant cultural scene make it one of the most fascinating and beloved neighbourhoods in all of Paris.
During our tour of the Latin Quarter we will see a wide range of attractions from important city landmarks up to small hidden gems, all of which are showcasing the district’s rich history and unique character. We will show you some of the oldest city churches like Saint Severin and Saint Julien Le Pauvre and walk you through the oldest and narrowest streets where Paris preserved its ancient mediaeval layout. Along the way, we will pass many museums, including the Musée de Cluny and the Musée National du Moyen Âge, which house some of the world’s most important collections of mediaeval art and artefacts. We will also see the oldest passage of Paris, where the oldest café of Paris is located, which during the French Revolution became a place where philosophers and revolutionaries met and where the idea of the guillotine was created. We will see the greatest highlights of the neighbourhood: the Pantheon, a stunning neoclassical structure, started as a church dedicated to the patron saint of Paris, Saint Genevieve to be later transformed into a resting place of great figures of the nation such as Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Rousseau, and Pierre and Marie Curie. We will visit La Sorbonne, the oldest theatre of Paris: the Odeon and the Luxembourg Gardens – the most beautiful and largest garden in Paris, that’s perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic. We will see the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore, which has been a gathering place for writers and artists for over a century and discover where Pablo Picasso painted one of the most important works of art of the 20th century, The Guernica. Last but not least we will show you a hidden work of art of Dali in one of the streets of the Latin Quarter.
Join us on a journey through the district’s rich history, from its mediaeval roots as a centre of learning to its role in the French Revolution and beyond. Whether you’re interested in history, art and culture or simply soaking up the unique atmosphere of Paris, our tour of the Latin Quarter is sure to be a highlight of your trip!
During this 2 hours 15 minutes tour you will see and discover:
- Legendary Bookstore Shakespeare and Co
- Saint Severin Church
- Ancient Roman Ruins
- La Sorbonne University
- Saint-Étienne du Mont Church
- Pantheon
- Luxembourg Gardens
- Odeon Theatre
- Passage Saint Andre Des Arts (oldest passage with the oldest café in Paris)
- Saint Michel Fontaine.
