Guide To The Latin Quarter , Paris
The Latin Quarter of Paris is one of the most popular in the city . It is located in District V of the city, in an area of easy access and very well connected. It is also important to note that the Latin quarter has an important nightlife, so if you travel with the intention of partying in Paris , this is an area that you should take into account.
The Latin Quarter begins next to the Sorbonne University in a wide perimeter that ends next to the banks of the Seine River. Without a doubt, it is one of the areas of Paris that you should first visit.
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Brief history of the Latin Quarter
The name of the neighborhood is given to it because it houses the famous Sorbonne university , which became absolutely popular during the 13th century because it was one of the only ones in the world where Latin was taught. Another theory indicates that its name is even older, from a time when residents communicated in Latin. Who really knows what its true origin will be. Be that as it may, it is one of the Parisian corners that you should not miss .
Since the Middle Ages, students from all over the world have chosen this area of Paris to stay and study, and these young people were undoubtedly some of those who actively collaborated with the growth of France as a cultural and intellectual nation.
It is important to point out that this was one of the areas in which the May 1968 Revolution was experienced most intensely , since those who rose up against the national and international political situation were students who lived and studied in this neighborhood.
However, the true tourist popularity of the neighborhood could be cited at the beginning of the 19th century, when writers from all over the world gathered in its bars and corners to discuss literature.
What to visit in the Latin Quarter?
Speaking of American writers, at number 37 rue de la Bûcherie you will find a place very popular with the Beat Generation.
However, this neighborhood is so diverse that it attracts tourists from all walks of life. And among the fascinating things to visit there is the Musée National du Moyen-âge which has an impressive medieval garden that is amazing for all visitors. Among the striking things about this place is that it has a small garden that is cultivated according to the agricultural tools and knowledge of the 2nd century.
Also, in the Latin Quarter you will find the narrowest street in Paris, which joins the Saint Michel quay with rue Huchette. It is also in this neighborhood where the prestigious and beautiful Shakespeare & Company bookstore is located , which is not only one of the oldest and most beautiful but also offers the possibility for travelers to work in it in exchange for accommodation.
You can also visit the two churches of Roman architecture in Paris: the church of Saint Severin and that of Saint Julien le Pauvre. If you are passionate about architecture, you should definitely not miss out on visiting either of them.
The Pantéon (a building that honors the memory of important figures in French history), the Arab Institute (where you can see jewels of this culture), the Sorbonne (one of the most prestigious European universities), the National Museum of The Middle Ages of Paris (in which you can take a very interesting journey through the history of the 15th century) and the Luxembourg Gardens (next to the Palace of the same name), are other places that you should not miss in this neighborhood .
It is worth mentioning that a large number of events and opportunities for leisure and culture take place in this neighborhood , so visiting Paris and not getting to know it can be silly. Intellectuals, scientists and artists have been nourished by the atmosphere of this neighborhood which is, without a doubt, the most lively and colorful in all of Paris.
Location
You can visit the Latin Quarter to the south of the city, in the V district.