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Sorbonne and Latin Quarter in Paris

With a laid back bohemian feel and a constantly growing student population, the Latin Quarter of Paris and the area surrounding the Sorbonne has, quite rightly, become one od Paris’ most visited areas.

The Sorbonne itself is part of the University of Paris and has long been regarded as one of the most elite educational institutes in Europe. The Latin Quarter gained its name from a time when only the most highly educated of students studied in the area and lessons were taught in Latin. These days there is still a very dense student population living in and around the Latin Quarter. With them they have brought lively bistros, countless coffee shops, book shops, and of course many cheap eateries to keep studious types well fed.

Attractions around the Sorbonne and Latin Quarter

The Sorbonne is an attraction in itself. Although it is first and foremost a place of learning, and not a tourist attraction, it is possible to visit its grand old building, or take a peek inside the library. As long as you don’t look too suspect, no one will object to you wandering in from the street and taking a look around the grounds or popping into the library.

Tip: If you have any form of student ID make sure to carry it with you. If someone does stop you, flash your idea and make out that you are visiting from somewhere else.

Scholarly Sightseeing

The whole Latin Quarter is a rather scholarly place. There are almost a dozen other schools and colleges in the area. Although the schools themselves might not make a great visit, it is worth noting where they are as each school has its own culture and nearby bars are always packed with students from each respective school. These are the places to look out for; Ecole Normale Superieure, Ecole des Mines du Paris, the Schola Cantorum, and the Jussieu campus.

Getting Around the Sorbonne and Latin Quarter

When divided into sections, Paris is a very easy city to see on foot. Many would say that the only way to see Paris is on foot; it is the only way to get the most out the tiny streets and darling cafes that are scattered everywhere. One of the most delightful things about the Sorbonne and Latin Quarter is the obvious love for all things foodie that has developed in the area. It is like someone has gathered up all the finest bits of pan-European cuisine and turned them into an outdoor feast.

If you’d rather have an itinerary for seeing the Sorbonne and Latin Quarter, consider following a walking tour, but any regular visitor to Paris will tell you that the only way to truly feel the soul of this city is to get a little bit lost.

Eating and Drinking in the Latin Quarter

Finding somewhere to eat or drink in the Latin Quarter or around the Sorbonne is a doddle. Even finding somewhere fantastic to eat is pretty east and usually quite affordable. The only difficulty you’ll find when dining in the Latin Quarter is choosing where exactly to eat or getting a table at the place that takes your fancy.

If you like to have a plan are just looking for somewhere special to dine there are some places that are definitely worth checking out. Try Au Coin des Gourmets for Paris’ finest Cambodian cuisine, La Truffiere for fine French food in a 17th century cellar, or L’Atelier Maitre Albert for Michelin star goodness.

The Real Sorbonne and Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter has always been one of Paris’ most intellectual and artistic districts. People who have lived, dined, drank, and possible begged on these streets include Ernest Hemingway, Jean-Paul Sartre, James Thurber, and Descartes as well as countless other philosophers, artists, musicians, scientists, authors, linguists, theorists, and great thinkers of modern history.

The Green Fairy

After a ban during the 20^th Century, French laws changed in 2010 to allow premises to start serving Absinthe again. Step into the shoes of past and present great thinkers and settle back with a shot of green fairy, brown sugar, and a spoon.

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Sorbonne and Latin Quarter in Paris