The Latin Quarter of Paris is my favorite area of Paris, both for the ambience and for what you can see. Here’s a little tour of some of the sights of the Latin Quarter, from its place on the left bank of the Seine, just across the river from Notre Dame. It has its share of sidewalk cafes and historic architecture. If you’re in Paris, be sure to include time to explore the Latin Quarter.
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The Sorbonne University
The name of this area of Paris came about because the Sorbonne University opened its doors here in the 12th century. Latin was spoken at universities in those days, so Latin was the language heard on the streets of what now is the 5th arrondissement of Paris.
Shakespeare and Company Bookstore
Another well known bookish and fun place in the Latin Quarter is the Shakespeare and Company Bookstore. What a fascinating place to browse!
Read more about the Shakespeare and Company Bookstore.
One excellent way to explore Paris is with a walking tour. I highly recommend Take Walks Paris!
The Cluny Museum
The Cluny Museum in the Latin Quarter is a small treasure of collections from medieval times. The architecture of the museum may catch your eye as you walk by. Be sure to stop in if you can. The most famous of the art inside is the tapestry of the Lady and the Unicorn. 
The Paris Pantheon
If you wander around the Latin Quarter for long, you are sure to find the Pantheon. This large building, originally a church, it is now a tribute to the history of Paris and the burial place of famous writers and artists such as Victor Hugo and Voltaire. 
Read more about the Paris Pantheon.
Odette Cafe
The charm of the Latin Quarter is exemplified in the tiny cream puff cafe, Odette’s. Don’t you want to grab a luscious cream puff and a coffee and sit here awhile?
The Parisian Streets
Some of the streets in the Latin Quarter are in the Haussmann style you find all over central Paris. 
This area was settled long ago by the Romans. You can still find remnants of this time, such as the winding, narrow streets. 
As day turns to evening, the Latin Quarter shows off its Parisian appeal. Have a seat at a cafe and order dinner with a glass of wine. That’s a perfect way to end your walk through the Latin Quarter.
Where to stay
Paris offers hundreds of hotels. It’s sometimes overwhelming to start looking for a place to stay. Here are a few suggestions for lovely hotels near some of the sites mentioned. With the excellent Paris Metro system, you will be able to arrive wherever you like with just a little planning.
Near the Invalides: The Hotel de Varenne is exquisitely decorated and includes an inviting patio. You can walk from here to the Invalides as well as the Rodin Museum. (7th arrondissement)
Book your stay at the elegant Hotel de Varenne around the corner from the Rodin Museum.
Near the Pantheon: Hotel des Grand Hommes and (right next door) the Hotel les Dames du Pantheon. Both of these elegant hotels are across the street from the Pantheon. From my balcony room at the Grand Hommes I watched the sun rise on the iconic Pantheon. (5th arrondissement)
Book your stay at the Hotel des Grand Hommes and enjoy a view of the stately Pantheon out your window.
A Latin Quarter gem: Hotel Serotel Lutece is a lovely hotel in the heart of the Latin Quarter You can also walk from here to the Pantheon, Notre Dame, and Sainte-Chapelle. Not only is this a comfortable, attractive hotel, but I also found the staff here to be extra helpful with directions and information. (5th arrondissement)
Book your stay at the cozy Hotel Serotel Lutece in a walkable neighborhood near metro stations, shops, and restaurants.
Central to wherever you want to go: Hotel Moliere, themed on the French poet, is a delightful hotel near the Louvre. It is surprisingly affordable for this pricey area. You can walk or take the Metro to any sites you would like to visit. (1st arrondissement)
Book your stay at Hotel Moliere near the Louvre and the lovely Tuileries Garden.
Explore more of Paris with a walking tour!
Consider a side trip to the D-Day Beaches and Normandy
History comes alive when you visit the D-Day Beaches in Normandy. Just a two-hour train ride or drive from Paris, the Normandy beaches offer battle sites and museums. Pay respects at the many somber cemeteries. Stay in charming Bayeux. Normandy makes a great side trip if you are going to Paris.
Book the elegant Hotel Churchill in Bayeux, the perfect base for exploring the D-Day Beaches.
Places to visit include Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, and Gold, Juno, and Sword Beaches. If you have time, include all 5 D-Day Beaches in your itinerary for an amazing overview of June 6, 1944 and Operation Overlord.
Book your European train tickets with Trainline for easy and reliable service.
Renting a car in Europe? I can recommend renting with Auto Europe.
FOR MORE OF PARIS, HEAD TO THESE POSTS!
Tips for Your First Trip to Paris
Reasons to Visit the Eiffel Tower
Climbing Up Into the Eiffel Tower
Exploring the Rodin Museum
5 Reasons to Visit Luxembourg Gardens
Paris Gardens to Enjoy
The D’Orsay Museum in Paris
Ageless Beauty at Sainte-Chapelle
Paris WWII Sites for History Lovers
A Few Hours in Paris
48 Comments
So much to see! Great colors!
Paris has so many charming corners! Thank you for sharing your favourite! Latin Quarter was also one of my frequent picks when I used to live in Paris! But since we are going back with the kids I prefer my old neighbourhood – 16eme. Wrote about extensively in here in case you take any kiddies anytime soon 😉 https://zenbabytravel.com/2017/05/31/la-vie-en-rose-3-5-days-in-paris-with-kids/ #MondayEscapes
Sharon, your posts about Paris make me want to go there again! The architecture, the cafés, book shop, colors…everything looks so adorable!
#MondayEscapes
Hello Sharon!
Very good this your description of the Latin Quarter.
I love your discretion and your attention to detail. The door fittings are fantastic. Who would say, that in the Latin Quarter there are “hippos”?
Thank you for sharing with us.
Manuel
I’m heading to Paris over the Easter weekend. I’m so taking on board your tips for the Latin Quarter, I love the bookshops #mondayescapes
How lovely! Great photos.
Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2018/03/the-beautiful-biltmore-estate.html
Another fabulous adventure with you Sharon! Lovely post and beautiful photography.
I don’t think I’ve ever explored the Latin Quarter. It looks beautiful. Did you stop in and get a pastry during your time in the Latin Quarter?
I’ve spent so much time in the latin quarter – The Pantheon is one of my favourite places in all of Paris. They used to let you up on the roof – on the dome. Not sure if they still do that…just fabulous. And the tribute to Jean Moulin in the basement makes me cry, every time
Beautiful shots.
Oh, your photos make me want to jump on a plane and go back to Paris right now. I’ve only visited once, it is so far from Australia, but I yearn to wander those streets and stop at those cafes and photography Parisian life. Thank you so much for taking me back there. Happy travels and have a fabulous week. I am joining you today from Our World Tuesday.
It just oozes romance … I want to sit at a sidewalk café and sip coffee and read a book and watch the world go by … dressed as only Parisians do! Thanks for sharing these dreamy pictures with us!
What a joy to browse through your photos. You have captured the essence of Paris brilliantly in this post.
Fantastic photos. I really want to visit and probably stay in this area whenever I finally get to Paris.
Than you for this wonderful tour. I wish I had had time when we were in Paris to visit the places you took us today! Thank you!
I have been to Paris twice and had no idea there is this amazing bookstore! Great close-up shots of the museum doors and the pastries look delicious. #citytripping
beautiful photos! #citytripping
Sharon this has been a delightful walk. So much to see and enjoy on your tour. I was very impressed by the Pantheon. For some reason I thought it would have been a shambles inside. And who can resist a cream puff outdoors. Oh and the doors with all that intricate hardware? So much to enjoy in this post. Thank you!
Actually not sure if I’ve explored this part of Paris. I’ve just strolled around, not thought too much about where 🙂 #wanderfulwednesday
What a beautiful part of the city to explore! Haven’t been to Paris for quite a few years now, might be time for a return visit! #WanderfulWednesday
It’s been far too long since I visited Paris, I must go back soon. Your pictures are gorgeous! 🙂 #mondayescapes
So adorable! I absolutely love the Latin Quarter in Paris – the charm, the cafes, and the beautiful colors! You captured it so perfectly 🙂
The Latin Quarter looks like a beautiful part of Paris. I’ve never heard of it before. #wanderfulwednesday
So fun! I love how you take pictures of everything like me! Have a great weekend!
What a lovely post – always such a gorgeous area to wander around, so much history and I love the sound of that cafe. You’ve really captures just what It’s like. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
I love the Latin Quarter’s colors, architecture and the relaxed atmosphere, you captured it well.
I’ve never been to Paris except for Disneyland but I’d love to take a stroll around this area – it really looks so adorable!
I’m in love! How utterly stunning. I love Paris but haven’t been for years now. The Latin Quarter is firmly on my list of places for a wander. Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes
What amazing photos! I haven’t been to Paris for years, I’ve forgotten how lovely it is. #FarawayFiles
Such beautiful photos. I love Paris. I will be going back to Paris soon. Your post reminded me of Paris. Thank you so much.
I used to love wandering around the Left Bank when I lived in Paris. It’s especially good for walking around and lingering in little corners. I love all the literary history of the area too. It’s quintessential Paris to me, far more so than sights like the Eiffel Tower. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles PS I think you might have forgotten to add on the badge 🙂
Your post took me straight to Paris! When I visited (a long time ago), I wasn’t able to visit the Latin Quarter. It was a whirlwind stay trying to hit the top sights. A return to the city is due. This time I want to spend my time walking around charming neighborhoods and eating good food. #feetdotravel
The winding narrow streets are fascinating, and so photogenic! Great photos and thanks for the tour.
Gorgeous photos! Now I feel like I need to go to Paris and visit the Latin Quarter. Thanks for the tour and thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
It’s been a long time since I’ve been to one of my favorite cities. Looking at your photos makes me want to go there right now. Beautiful!
Ooh I think I would love to stay in the Latin Quarter! Last time I stayed like 20 min outside of Paris city center! Was hell to get in via train! Plus, I want to check out that Shakespeare bookstore! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
I loved looking at this post! It reminded me of our family vacation to Paris. The Shakespeare and Company bookstore was one of my favorite places to visit. So quaint and thousands of books. We bought a book there and had it stamped with the company logo! #TheWeeklyPostcard
The Latin Quarter is such a great place to walk around. We haven’t stayed there but had one of our best meals in one of the charming cafes in the area. This brings back great Parisian memories.
I love all the details! So Paris, so enchanting!
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I love the latin quarter of Paris and it was nice to go back there through your post. Great photos, that gives the vibe of the quarter. #feetdotravel
Such beautiful photos! I haven’t been to Paris in years and I just LOVED the old world architecture. Pinned.
It was a long time ago that I visited Paris and wasn’t aware of this lovely area! Its just so pretty, I love the buildings. Pinned for when I return, this shouldn’t be missed #feetdotravel
This is a side of Paris I have never seen before. It’s so pretty and your photos really do it justice
We did not get to spend nearly enough time in the Latin Quarter, so we love this post! It is such a special neighborhood, and quickly became one of our favorites. Plus, so close to so many other great landmarks and neighborhoods. Great photos – thanks for sharing!
I’ve actually read in Shakespeare and Company in a recent issue of Lonely Planet traveller and it looks like an amazing place to while away a couple of hours. I like that you managed to explore the area in depth and really get under the skin of this part of the city! I need to do something like this more next time I am in Paris!
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I love the old architecture, and that bookstore is amazing! Thank you for sharing the beauty 🙂