The Latin Quarter of Paris is an area in the 5th and 6th arrondissements of Paris. It is situated on the left bank of the Seine, around the Sorbonne.
Known for its student life, lively atmosphere, and bistros, the Latin Quarter is home to a number of higher education establishments besides the Sorbonne University itself, such as the École Normale Supérieure, the École des Mines de Paris, Panthéon-Assas University, the Schola Cantorum, and the Jussieu university campus.
This is also a rare area in Paris that can show you the appearance of the Middle Ages, which is very popular with both locals and tourists. There are many good places and activities in the Latin quarter, here are Our top 10 good locations among them.
Originally, it was supposed to be a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve (the patron saint of Paris). Since the French Revolution, it is the main burial ground, honoring the memory of the heroes of France and then many celebrities, like Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, Dumas, and so on.
Its architecture is an early example of Neoclassicism (inspiration from the art and culture of classical antiquity) featuring columns on the face of the building, an imitation of the Roman Pantheon.
Address: Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris
The church Saint-Etienne du Mont is a very unique mixture of Flamboyant Gothic style and Renaissance style. Do not hesitate to visit the interior of the church, which is majestic. The rood screen of finely carved stone is particularly remarkable, as well as the organ case sculpted in 1631 (the oldest in Paris).
On the other side of the church (Rue de la Montagne Sainte Geneviève), pay attention to the street, and to the little staircase that leads to the lateral entrance of the church. It's actually one of the most iconic spots of the movie Midnight in Paris (Woody Allen), where Gil (Owen Wilson) waits for the car that brings him to the 1920s when the clock strikes midnight.
Address: Place Sainte-Geneviève, 75005 Paris
Place de l’Estrapade in a picturesque square, hundred meters only from the famous Pantheon. This glamorous Parisian square was actually a place for public executions and tortures during the 17th century. There you can also find Emily’s apartment, her boulangerie, and Gabriel’s restaurant if you are a fan of the Emily in Paris series.
At the boulangerie (Boulangerie Moderne), thanks to the famous series, they created the New York rolls, which becomes very popular.
You can check out more articles about this series by clicking here.
Address: Place de l'Estrapade, 75005 Paris
In the heart of the Latin Quarter, the Monge flea market has been running since 1921!
Like a traditional market, you can find fruits and vegetables along with seafood and meat. If you have a chance, you can also find vintage items at affordable prices.
Besides the market, you can also visit Monge Parapharmacy famous for its diverse drugstore cosmetic products at affordable prices, high-end cosmetic and perfume stores, and Burdin perfume on the opposite side. You can use O'Bon Paris coupons to have a discount there.
Address: Place Monge, 75005 Paris
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The Paris Mosque or The Great Mosque of Paris, is located in the 5th arrondissement and is one of the largest mosques in France.
In April, the wisteria flower, the main flower grown here bloomed. If you have the opportunity to visit Paris in the spring, you can visit here and enjoy the romantic scenery.
You can visit their exotic restaurant and try their infamous mint tea paired with some sweet little desserts.
Address: 2 bis Place du Puits de l'Ermite
Jardin des Plantes is the main botanical garden in France. It is one of seven departments of the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle.
The grounds of the Jardin des Plantes include four galleries of the Museum: Grande Galerie de l'Évolution, the Mineralogy Museum, the Paleontology Museum, and the Entomology Museum. In addition to the gardens there is also a small zoo, Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes, founded in 1795 by Bernardin de Saint-Pierre from animals of the royal menagerie at Versailles.
Address: 2 Rue Buffon, 75005 Paris
Among the most charming gourmet addresses, Odette, a pastry house specializing in French cream puffs (choux à la crème) is must try. Not only the beautiful, cute look but the taste is really good, not too sweet.
The picturesque house dating from the 17th century very famous on social media, was where Odette presented itself to the world. The location is also a plus, facing the Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre church, one of the former in the capital, and the Square René Viviani-Montebello.
Address: 77 Rue Galande, 75005 Paris
Very famous place in Paris, and it’s also a dream of many people around the world of shopping at Shakespeare and Company in Paris. There you can find new and used English books from the classics to the latest releases. Based in Paris but named Shakespeare and Company in 1964 to mark the actor’s 400th birthday.
Standing opposite Notre Dame, with a big cherry tree outside, pictures of the facade in spring are always a good mark on the social network.
After buying some choux at Odette, you can come to buy some books and take a break at Shakespeare and Company coffee shop. Perfect combo for tea time!
Address: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris
Having UNESCO status, the green book boxes along the Seine River are always a good idea in Paris. Walking along the river bank, you will not be able to ignore the attractiveness of the old bookstores. Not flashy, sophisticated but you still see the nostalgic beauty, of the old book pages, the small antique items, the posters, and also the relaxing sellers.
Address: Quai de la Tournelle, 75005 Paris
You can be confused that why we put this place on the list. But yes, we are sure about this choice!
Institut du Monde Arabe has not only incredible futuristic architecture but also a great view of Paris especially the Seine River and Notre Dame. Located right on the river in the Latin Quarter, you can imagine the spectacular view upstairs, on the 9th floor.
After sending your bags through the security x-ray, you can ask for the glass elevators and go up. Once upstairs you can make your way outside. The view is free but they have a terrace café which must be amazing when the weather is nice.
Address: 1 Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, 75005 Paris
So the panorama view of the Seine, Notre Dame, and bridges ends our list. We hope that you can enjoy these places and know more about this proud historic quarter of Paris!
Author & Photo: O'bon Paris Team