Since the Middle Ages, the great universities of the Sorbonne, as well as other prestigious colleges like Louis le Grand, Henri IV, taught class in latin. As a result of this intellectual breeding ground, its streets are full of sumptuous libraries, as well as second-hand and antique bookshops. Also, there are a number of ‘neighbourhood’ cinemas, dedicated to showing heritage or ‘arthouse’ films.
The Latin Quarter shows you its wealth, thanks to its many monuments and a wide variety of cultural activities. The Latin Quarter of Paris is the ideal place for a day out with friends !
Morning in the Latin Quarter…
To get the day off on a good start first have breakfast ! You can strop on the banks of the Seine at Lacroix Pâtissier (from 10am). Located on the quayside, you can enjoy the view of Notre-Dame cathedral as you dip your croissant in the coffee.
At 11 Quai de Montebello.
Afterward, you can walk along the quays of the Seine, watching for the opening of the bouquinistes’ book boxes. Which is a Parisian curiosity dated back to the 16th century. Turn off at the Fontaine St Michel (where you can admire a superb sculptural ensemble depicting Saint Michel striking down the Demon). Then, head back up to the Museum of Cluny, Museum of the Medieval World, which houses, among other wonders, the Lady and the Unicorn tapestry. The site itself, built on the Gallo-Roman Lutetia thermal baths dating from the 1st or 2nd century, is magnificent.
At 28 rue du Sommerard
Then, how about a stroll back to the restaurant? Walk past the magnificent Place de la Sorbonne, a venerable university founded in 1250, up the hill to the Panthéon, the burial place of the great men of the French nation (which can also be visited at https://www.paris-pantheon.fr/ ), then past the Church of St Etienne du Mont. You will then be standing on the ruins of the old medieval town, where you may catch a glimpse of the ramparts. Walk down the lively rue Mouffetard, one of the oldest streets in Paris, now filled with student bars.
Next, you can treat yourself to an exotic lunch in the exceptional setting of the Paris Mosque. Enjoy a couscous or tajine, accompanied by a few cinnamon oranges for dessert… And who knows, maybe you’ll be tempted by a hammam treatment (at a very affordable price)?
At 39, Rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire
The afternoon in the Latin Quarter…
Then, on your way home, drop into one of the district’s famous bookshops:
- L’Amour du noir at 11 rue du Cardinal Lemoine, specialising in thrillers, with a huge stock of popular old novels, as well as film magazines;
- Librairie Shakespeare et Company, at 37 rue de la Bûcherie since 1967, in a charming half-timbered house not far from the banks of the Seine; it is dedicated to English-language literature and has welcomed all the heroes of the Beat Generation (Allen Ginsberg, William Burroughs, Gregory Corso) and singer Jim Morrisson;
- Aapoum Bapoum, those who can’t get enough of comics and mangas, new or second-hand;
And above all the second-hand bookshops on Boulevard St Michel, where you’ll find treasures for a pittance:
- Gibert Joseph, an age-old institution, a haunt for bibliophiles of all kinds;
- Boulinier, even cheaper than Gibert, where books are on sale for €1 or €2;
Finally, head to rue Champollion. You can dine at Le Reflet, a student hangout renowned for its friendly prices and generous portions. It’s often very busy and noisy, and seats are a bit scarce. But if you can find a seat, you’ll have a great time in this bar with its walls covered in cinema posters.
A fun evening…
Even better, why not follow up with a screening at one of the three legendary local cinemas, still set in their original surroundings? Dedicated to heritage cinema, they showcase films in their original language with French subtitles.
- Le Champo, a tribute to the film-maker Jacques Tati, has two screens;
- Le Reflet Médicis, with three screens;
- La Filmothèque du Quartier Latin, with two screens;
To end the day, if you still have the energy to go out, the bar at La Lucha Libre is waiting for you. Its menu of Mexican cocktails is less famous than its wrestling ring, hidden away in the basement. After enjoying an invigorating plate of insects (!), you can take on your friends for €5.
At 10 Rue de la Montagne Ste Genevieve
Have a great time!
For more ideas in Paris you can check Family outing in the 11th arrondissement or a day out in the Marais !
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