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The Latin Quarter
History
The Latin Quarter in Paris is named for its historical association with the Latin language that dates back into the Middle AGes. The Sorbonne is the epicenter of the modern-day neighborhood, and was established in1257, when the official language of learning as Latin. Thus, the neighborhood was named for the language spoken in the street during the Middle Ages.
The Sorbonne still stands, and the Latin Quarter’s reputation as a student neighborhood is here to stay. In the 20th century, the neighborhood was the site of many significant resistance movements. The square at Place St. Michel hosted one of the largest demonstrations against Nazi occupation during WWII, making it a symbol of the French resistance movement. And more notably, the square was the center of the famous social riots in 1968, led by left-wing student groups protesting Western capitalism. These riots are legendary in France, as they led to the downfall of President Charles De Gaulle.
Atmosphere
Things have calmed down significantly since the turbulent 20th century, and the Latin Quarter today is known as a cheap and laidback neighborhood haunt for students and budget travelers. You’ll find the streets lined with bistros and cafes with cheaper deals than most other neighborhoods in Paris, as well as groups of smoking, Parisian students on the lookout for a cheap coffee between classes. And with plenty of green space around the university and the Luxembourg Gardens, the Latin Quarter is the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing and relax in the grass.
Major Sights
The Latin Quarter is located in the 5th and parts of the 6th Arrondissement, on the left bank of the River Seine, making a trip to the neighborhood a very central starting point for exploring the surrounding tourist sights.
Departing from the St. Michel metro stop, a walk up Rue de la Bucherie on the left bank of the Seine will bring you to the famous Shakespeare and Company Bookstore. Turning onto Rue Saint-Jaques and walking away from the river, you’ll find the Cluny Museum just past Rue Saint Germain, with one of the most outstanding collections of European Medieval artwork in the world. Continuing down Rue Saint-Jacques will bring you to the Sorbonne campus, and continuing down the street will bring you to the famous Pantheon, where great thinkers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Victor Hugo are buried.
If you’re in the mood to keep walking, cut across the Curie Institute campus on your left to visit the famous Rue Mouffetard markets, or follow the signs to your right to relax in the Luxembourg Gardens.
Restaurants
Be wary of menu deals that seem too good to be true. Many cheap bistros cater to starving students and sacrifice quality when trying to lure in students and unsuspecting travelers. But with a sharp eye, you’ll find many delicious restaurants in the neighborhood. A bistro called Polidor at 41 Rue Monsieur le Prince is one of the oldest in Paris, established in 1845. They offer a set menu of three-course Parisian bistro faire like beef burgundy and salmon escalope as well as an impressive wine menu.
Near the Sorbonne, and popular enough to require reservations on Friday and Saturday night, Brasserie Balzar at 49 rue des Ecoles is another Latin Quarter favorite. A little more expensive but worth the money, they offer up classic Parisian food in a chic environment. Shrimp tartar, leg of lamb, and smoked salmon are on the menu.
Getting There and Around
The best way to reach the Latin Quarter is via the Paris Metro. Metro line 10 runs directly through the heart of the neighborhood, and getting off at the Maubert Mutualite, Cluny La Sorbonne, or St. Michel stops will leave you well situated to explore the surrounding tourist sights.
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