What to do in the Latin Quarter?

To discover the picturesque atmosphere of Paris, the Latin Quarter is a must. Take advantage of your stay at the Hôtel de l'Espérance to discover this corner of the left bank of the capital, renowned for its dynamism and its artistic and intellectual richness.

 

The Latin Quarter: the must-see addresses

To visit the Latin Quarter , you could very well wander the streets, discovering monuments and places. But, to help you not miss anything, here are some good addresses.

The Saint-Michel fountain

Start your walk at Place Saint-Michel , at the corner of Rue Saint-André-des-Arts and Boulevard Saint-Michel. Here you will find the imposing fountain of Saint Michael , which depicts Michael overcoming evil. The archangel is surrounded by a large triumphal arch and pink marble columns. Looking around you will understand that the fountain evokes the architecture of the buildings surrounding the square.

And, with a little luck, you will come across one of the many impromptu concerts often organized at the foot of the fountain.

The Arab World Institute

On the banks of the Seine, in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, the Institut du Monde Arabe is easily identifiable, thanks to its imposing metal facade, nicely decorated with moucharabieh. Designed by the architect Jean Nouvel, this building is intended to host temporary exhibitions, conferences and shows honoring Arab civilisation.

Good to know: from the terrace of the Institute, the view of the Ile de la Cité, the Seine and Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is breathtaking.

The pantheon

Continue your walk up the Boulevard Saint-Michel, until you reach the Sainte-Geneviève mountain . By taking rue Soufflot, you will arrive at the foot of the majestic Panthéon de Paris . This historic monument houses the graves of great figures who have marked the history of France, such as Victor Hugo, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Pierre and Marie Curie, Alexandre Dumas, Joséphine Baker, Émile Zola, Jean Jaurès, Jean Moulin, André Malraux ...

But this building in the 5th arrondissement of Paris also has huge mural frescoes, the necropolis of Great Men, and Foucault's pendulum, which you can observe as you explore.

The Great Mosque of Paris

Facing the Jardin des Plantes, the Great Mosque of Paris is accessible from rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire. With its 33-meter minaret, you will see it from afar, and will be attracted by the discreet beauty of its architecture.

Upon entering, you are immersed in a calm and soothing atmosphere, while the guided tour will take you to the heart of this religious building. Then take the time to savor a treat in the tea room, or treat yourself to a treatment in the hammam.

Garden plants

Cross rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire, and go to the famous Jardin des Plantes . This 24-hectare green space is inspired by French gardens, and hides within it large greenhouses, where the different biodiversities of the world are reproduced, from the flora of the deserts to the flora of the jungle.

Along the paths, you will discover a plant labyrinth, a rose garden and an alpine garden, but you can also take the time to visit one of the oldest zoos in the world: the menagerie of the Jardin des Plantes . In this green setting, 600 animals of 150 different species evolve before your eyes.

The Natural History Museum

Take advantage of being in the Jardin des Plantes to head towards the various buildings of the Natural History Museum. In one of them, the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution retraces the history of biodiversity in the world, with a display of more than 7,000 stuffed animal specimens. You can continue the visit with the Gallery of Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy.

Do not leave the premises without having visited the Mineralogy and Geology Gallery , where meteorites, giant crystals weighing several tons and the jewels of the Kings of France are on display.

Huchette street

Rue de la Huchette is one of the best known axes of the Latin Quarter of Paris. It is however not very imposing, and the restaurants which are there are not necessarily part of the best Parisian addresses, but this old street of more than 800 years shelters especially the famous theater of Huchette, and the vault of the Huchette, one of the oldest jazz clubs in Paris.

Moreover, rue de la Huchette is at the crossroads of the narrowest street in Paris, rue du Chat qui Pêche.

Good to know: if you are looking for a good restaurant in Paris 5, go to the very famous rue Mouffetard .

The Luxembourg Garden

Created on the initiative of Marie de Médicis, in the 17th century, the Luxembourg garden is next to the Luxembourg palace. Stretched over more than 23 hectares, this Parisian green space is the ideal place to stroll or rest, discovering the pretty flowerbeds and sumptuous sculptures.

The garden is considered the most beautiful garden in Paris, thanks in particular to the beauty of its orchids and its fruit trees.

The Cluny Museum

Built in the 15th century, the Cluny Museum was once a hotel, but today it is a masterpiece of medieval France. Take Rue Saint-Jacques to reach the Middle Ages building which houses many medieval works, including the hanging of the Lady and the Unicorn.

In the museum, we also discover the ancient baths, built in Roman times, between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. The baths of Cluny are moreover the best preserved monumental ancient Roman remains in North Europe.

Sorbonne University

On the boulevard Saint-Michel , the Sorbonne is both one of the most renowned universities in France, but also a historical monument that is worth the detour. Built during the 17th century by Jacques Lemercier, and at the request of Richelieu, the Sorbonne was initially intended for poor students, before being integrated into the University of Paris .

The catacombs of Paris

After this long journey, if you still have energy and curiosity, go to the undergrounds of Paris. The catacombs of Paris are the largest ossuary in the capital, and house the millions of bones transferred from various Parisian cemeteries, and in particular the cemetery of the Innocents. During a macabre walk, stroll through these old quarries, surrounded by skulls, femurs, or even vertebrae.

 

The Hotel de l'Espérance, in the heart of the 5th arrondissement of Paris

To take full advantage of the historical and cultural riches of the Latin Quarter, the Hotel de l'Espérance welcomes you in a warm setting and a friendly atmosphere . The hotel rooms, decorated on the theme of the seventies , combine modernity and comfort to make your stay in Paris a dream.

You will then have the choice of staying in a business room, a standard room, a deluxe room or a triple family room, and will enjoy all the facilities necessary for your well-being.

After a breakfast, a tea time or a wine tasting, you will easily reach the major tourist sites of Paris, thanks to the proximity of public transport. Everything is there to allow you to experience an unforgettable stay in the Latin Quarter of Paris.

 

Do you like the relaxed and warm atmosphere of the Latin Quarter? Take the time to stay in Paris to discover more about this part of the capital, its history and its riches. Book your room now at the Hotel de l'Espérance to take full advantage of the experience.