Points of interest:
The Panthéon, built between 1758 and 1790 by the architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot, is dedicated to Sainte-Geneviève, considered to be the patron saint of the city of Paris. During the French Revolution, it was transformed into a secular mausoleum to honour the nation's great figures. The neoclassical monument, with its large dome and architecture inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, houses the tombs of emblematic men and women such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo and Simone de Beauvoir. It symbolizes Republican ideals and is an important memorial site for France.
The Panthéon can be visited all year round and is free for people with disabilities and the person accompanying them, on presentation of proof of identity. Visitor resources are available, as are guided tours for all types of disability, by prior arrangement.
Itinerary:
The church Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, built between 1492 and 1626, is a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles. It features an ornate facade, a rood screen in stone and a flamboyant chevet. The church houses the remains of prominent figures like the playwright Jean Racine and has been a place of worship and a protected historical site since 1862. It reflects the architectural and cultural richness of Paris during the Renaissance.
Itinerary :
The Place de la Contrescarpe takes its name from the medieval fortifications that surrounded the city, the term ‘contrescarpe’ referring to the outer embankment of the defensive ditch. In the 18th century, with the demolition of the ramparts, the square became a lively urban centre, integrated into the Quartier Latin. It grew in notoriety in the 20th century due to the literary figures who frequented it like Ernest Hemingway, who mentioned it in his book A Moveable Feast. Today, it still retains its historic charm with cafes and a lively atmosphere.
Itinerary:
Built in the 1st century AD, the Arènes de Lutèce is a Roman amphitheatre intended for public shows, in particular combats between gladiators, and theatre performances. During the Roman Empire, Lutetia - the ancient name for Paris – was a prosperous city, and the amphitheatre welcomed up to 3,500 spectators, making it one of the biggest centres for entertainment in the city. It is evidence of Lutetia's importance as a regional centre under the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the amphitheatre was partially destroyed and used as a stone quarry, then as a storage and gardening area during the Middle Ages. After being discovered and then restored in the 19th century, it is today a protected historic site.
A few minutes’ walk away, the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle houses collections of zoology, paleontology, and botany retracing the evolution of life on Earth. It is accessible to all types of disability and offers specific guided tours upon prior reservation. Entry is free for all people with disabilities and the person accompanying them, on presentation of proof of identity.
Itinerary:
Founded in 1257 by the Abbey of Clairvaux, this college was originally an educational establishment designed to teach young monks of the Cistercian order. Designed in Gothic style, the building is notable for its elegant architecture and vast interior spaces, such as the large, vaulted hall, used for study and lectures. The Collège des Bernardins became an important centre for theology and philosophy in the Middle Ages, attracting scholars and students from all over Europe. During the French Revolution, it was requisitioned and turned into a warehouse and prison, which caused severe damage. Today, the Collège des Bernardins is a cultural and intellectual centre, offering spaces for conferences, exhibitions, and events. The college is accessible to people with disabilities. Guided tours are available on prior reservation.
Itinerary:
Founded in 1843, the Musée de Cluny - Musée national du Moyen Âge houses a collection of medieval objects, ranging from sculptures and paintings to illuminated manuscripts and tapestries, including the mysterious ’Lady with the Unicorn. These works offer a glimpse of life and art in medieval times. The museum is remarkable for its Roman baths, and archaeological remains integrated into the building - a major historical heritage site.
The museum offers guided tours for hearing and visually impaired visitors, subject to prior booking. On presentation of proof of identity, people with disabilities are entitled to special rates for visits to the museum.
Itinerary:
The Fontaine Saint-Michel was built in the 19th century by the architect Gabriel Davioud to honour the archangel Michael - patron saint of the town - and to meet the surrounding district's requirements for water. The fountain is decorated with sculptures, including a central statue of Saint Michael striking down the devil, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The other sculptures represent allegorical figures of virtues and vices, adding a narrative dimension to the work. Originally, the fountain played a functional role in providing drinking water for the city's inhabitants, but it soon became an iconic Paris landmark, reflecting urban renewal under the Second Empire. Students and regular visitors to the Quartier Latin and Saint-Germain-des-Prés regularly meet up at the fountain in place Saint-Michel next to the majestic fountain!
Itinerary:
Before this last stage of the walk, don’t hesitate to explore the Luxembourg Gardens, the free exhibitions of photos on the surrounding park railings the [Musée du Luxembourg](https://parisjetaime.com/eng/culture/musee-du-luxembourg-p3573"musée du Luxembourg") and its two major annual exhibitions. The Palais du Luxembourg- the seat of the Sénat – can be visited during European Heritage Days
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The Quartier Latin is home to cultural and architectural treasures such as the Panthéon and the Institut du monde arabe as well as celebrated restaurants like the Tour d'Argent with its panoramic view of Notre-Dame and the Seine. Kids and grown-ups enjoy the Jardin des plantes, its zoo and the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution. And in the evening, it is direction Paradis Latin for a typically Parisian cabaret evening!
Originally referred to as the Latin country, the term ‘Quartier Latin’ was first used in the late 18th century. The notion of ‘Latin country’ has its origins in the fact that the Latin language was used extensively throughout the Left Bank of Paris, known as the University.
Several stations serve the district. Here are the main ones:
The Quartier Latin is situated on the Rive gauche of Paris, in the 5th and 6th arrondissements. It is generally accepted that the La Sorbonne university is its historic centre
Discover our other walks in and around the Quartier Latin:
More accessible walks? Discover our accessible walks in our file.
