The Latin Quarter is the oldest district in the French capital. At its heart stands the Sorbonne, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in France.

Located in the 5^th arrondissement of Paris, the Latin Quarter is just 15 minutes on foot from our hotel and attracts visitors from around the world. Its name comes from the intensive usage of Latin in the lessons held at the medieval schools and universities in the area. At the heart of this emblematic area straddling Boulevard Saint-Michel, you’ll find yourself at the beginning of Paris’ long history. The Arènes de Lutèce and the Thermes de Cluny (at the Musée de Cluny) are the only visible remnants of Lutetia, the Roman city which is now Paris. In the Middle Ages, the Latin Quarter, built on the ruins of Lutetia, became the birthplace of the University of Paris when Robert de Sorbon, with the aid of Louis IX, founded the college that would become the Sorbonne. For those interested in this period, the Musée de Cluny (20 mins from the hotel) showcases all the splendour of medieval art.
 

There’s so much to see and do in the Latin Quarter. Visit the Sorbonne and its square lined with traditional Parisian cafés, or the Pantheon, where some of the greatest figures in French history are interred (including Pierre and Marie Curie, Victor Hugo, Jean Jaurès, Jean Moulin, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Voltaire and Emile Zola). Then visit the Saint-Séverin church, or wander the Rues de Saint-André-des-Arts, de la Huchette, de la Harpe and Mouffetard (Rue de la Huchette being famed for its jazz club). There’s also Place de la Contrescarpe, which is brimming with eateries, as well as the Théâtre de l’Odéon and the lovely Jardin du Luxembourg bordering Saint-Germain-des-Prés.