Quartier Latin

Lonely Planet review

Known as the Quartier Latin because students and professors communicated in Latin here until the Revolution, the 5e arrondissement has been the centre of Parisian higher education since the Middle Ages. It still has a large population of students and academics, which gives it a lively, sparky vibe.

The Latin Quarter was the centre of the Roman town of Letitia over 1800 years ago. The only surviving remains of the town are Gallo-Roman baths near the Hôtel de Cluny and the Arènes de Lutèce theatre, unearthed in 1869. The imposing Panthéon dominates the highest point on the Left Bank and gives super views over central and eastern Paris. Across the way is the beautiful 16th-century Église St-Étienne du Mont, home to the tomb of Ste-Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris. The best way to experience the area is on foot, making sure you leave plenty of time for rests.