21 Ideas of Visits and Things to Do in the Latin Quarter (Paris)

Looking for ideas for things to do in the Latin Quarter? I’ve put together a list of all kinds of activities to discover and enjoy the unique setting of this historic district.

First, here are the places mentioned located on a map:

 

Panthéon

Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris

Pantheon

An emblematic monument in the Latin Quarter, the Panthéon is a burial place for illustrious French personalities.

It houses the tombs of Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, and Marie Curie, among others.

With its neoclassical façade and interior decorated with Corinthian columns, frescoes, and sculptures, it’s an impressive setting in which to discover the history of France’s great figures.

Its colonnade also offers a breathtaking view of Paris.

We love: 

  • The solemn atmosphere
  • The impressive architecture and view of Paris from the colonnade

Information and Reservations

 

Musée de Cluny

28 rue du Sommerard, 75005 Paris

 

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The Musée de Cluny is dedicated to medieval art and history. It houses a vast collection of objects ranging from the Gallo-Roman era to the Renaissance.

Among the highlights of the collection are the famous Lady and the Unicorn tapestries, considered masterpieces of medieval art.

The building itself is an architectural treasure trove, with its towers, turrets, and picturesque medieval garden.

It offers an immersion into the atmosphere of medieval times, allowing visitors to discover the art, crafts, daily life, and beliefs of this fascinating period of history.

We love:

  • The collections, which take us back in time
  • The medieval architecture

Information and Reservations 

 

Shakespeare and Company

37 rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris

Shakespeare and Company is an iconic bookshop located in the Latin Quarter.

Founded in 1951, it has become an essential meeting place for literature lovers, writers, and travelers from all over the world.

As well as selling books, Shakespeare and Company regularly organizes literary events such as readings, debates, and author signings.

The bookshop has become a veritable cultural institution in Paris, attracting literary enthusiasts from all over the world.

We love:

  • The unique atmosphere of this old-fashioned bookshop
  • The lovely literary finds

Information 

 

Jardin des Plantes

57 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris

Jardin des plantes

The Jardin des Plantes is a botanical garden founded in 1626 and is one of the oldest in the world.

The garden offers a green oasis in the heart of the city, with a wide variety of landscaped areas, greenhouses, and themed gardens. More than 10,000 species of plants, some of them rare and exotic, can be found here.

It features magnificent tree-lined avenues, verdant lawns, and picturesque ponds. Visitors can stroll, picnic, and enjoy the tranquility of this verdant space.

We love:

  • The garden’s relaxing, friendly atmosphere
  • The variety of plants that arouses curiosity

Information 

 

Grande Galerie de l’évolution – Jardin des Plantes

36 rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire, 75005 Paris

 

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The Grande Galerie de l’Évolution is a museum dedicated to the diversity of life on Earth and the evolution of species.

The gallery itself is an impressive space, with majestic architecture and huge display cases.

It houses a vast collection of naturalized animals from different parts of the world. Specimens ranging from the smallest insects to the largest mammals are displayed in reconstructed scenes, recreating their natural habitats.

The Grande galerie de l’évolution also aims to raise public awareness of the importance of nature conservation and the need to preserve biodiversity.

We love:

  • The impressive collections of stuffed animals
  • The immense galleries that make you feel so small

Information and Reservations

 

La Ménagerie – Zoo of the Jardin des Plantes

57 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris

 

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Founded in 1794, La Ménagerie is one of the world’s oldest zoos, and home to a diverse range of animals, from reptiles to mammals.

The enclosures and habitats are designed to recreate the animals’ natural environments, enabling an educational and respectful approach to nature.

La Ménagerie also runs breeding and reintroduction programs for fragile species, helping to preserve biodiversity.

We love:

  • The wide variety of animal species
  • Animal-friendly enclosures and habitats

Information and Reservations 

 

Arènes de Lutèce

49 rue Monge, 75005 Paris

 

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The arènes de Lutèce were once a Roman amphitheater where public spectacles such as gladiator fights and theatrical performances took place. They could accommodate up to 15,000 people.

Although the arenas were abandoned and forgotten for centuries, they have now been restored and are open to the public, offering a fascinating insight into Roman history in Paris.

We love:

  • The ancient charm of the place
  • A glimpse of Ancient Rome in the heart of Paris

Information

 

Luxembourg Garden

Jardin du Luxembourg, 75006 Paris

Jardin du luxembourg

One of the capital’s largest parks, the Jardin du Luxembourg is renowned for its charm and serenity.

It offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with vast lawns, shady walkways, colorful flower beds, and superb fountains.

At the heart of the garden is the Palais du Luxembourg, home to the French Senate. The palace is surrounded by a magnificent formal garden, with parterres of pruned boxwood and statues of historical figures.

We love:

  • Its large, pleasant and relaxing green spaces
  • Statues decorating the garden

Information

 

Odéon Théâtre de l’Europe

Place de l’Odéon, 75006 Paris

 

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Founded in 1782, the Odéon theater is one of the oldest in Paris.

It is renowned for its varied programming, including classical, contemporary, experimental, and international plays.

It is particularly renowned for its commitment to European theater, fostering exchanges and collaborations between artists from different countries.

We love:

  • The magnificent architecture
  • Its varied performances

Information and Reservations 

 

Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral

6 parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris

Notre Dame

Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of Paris’ most emblematic monuments.

Located on the Île de la Cité, in the heart of the city, this Gothic cathedral is an architectural masterpiece and an important symbol of French history and culture.

Notre-Dame Cathedral is famous for its imposing façade, with its two emblematic towers and spectacular rose windows. The cathedral’s interior is equally impressive, with its soaring vaults, colorful stained glass windows, and sacred ambiance.

We love:

  • The beauty of this iconic cathedral
  • The solemn atmosphere

Information 

 

Fontaine Saint-Michel

Place Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris

A popular meeting point in the Latin Quarter, the Fontaine Saint-Michel features a neo-Gothic and neo-Renaissance style, dedicated to the Archangel Michael.

Also adorned with numerous sculptures and reliefs depicting mythological and allegorical characters, such as mermaids, tritons, and personifications of the arts and sciences, the fountain is a jewel of 19th-century art.

We love:

  • the statue’s virtuoso detailing
  • The charm it brings to the neighborhood

Information

 

Covered Market of Saint-Germain

4-6 rue Lobineau, 75006 Paris

 

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The Saint-Germain covered market is a popular spot for gourmets and lovers of fresh, quality produce.

It offers a wide variety of stalls where you can find fresh fruit and vegetables, bakery products, charcuterie, cheese, seafood, meats, spices, wines, and many other culinary specialties.

The market is housed in a renovated historic building, offering a charming and ideal setting for shopping, discovering local produce, and savoring the atmosphere typical of Parisian markets.

It’s a must-see destination for food lovers and those keen to discover authentic local flavors.

We love:

  • The wide variety of products on offer
  • The charming and typical setting of this Parisian market

Information

 

Arab World Institute

1 rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, 75005 Paris

Founded in 1980, the Institut du Monde Arabe’s mission is to promote and disseminate Arab culture through a variety of artistic and intellectual forms.

The institute houses a library, media library, exhibition halls, conference rooms, and spaces dedicated to music, cinema, and dance.

It offers a rich and varied program, including exhibitions, shows, concerts, conferences, and film screenings highlighting the diversity and richness of Arab culture.

We love:

  • The journey to the Arab world
  • The many cultural events taking place there

Information and Reservations 

 

F1 and Rally Driving Simulator

110 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris

pilote simulator

Looking for a thrill? This F1 driving simulator will make you feel like a real driver, thanks to cutting-edge technology that’s guaranteed to send shivers down your spine!

We love:

  • The thrills
  • Real-life simulation

Information and Reservations (website in French)

 

Escape Game: Mysteries of the Latin Quarter

6 Place Saint-Michel, 75006 Paris

Escape game

What could be better than discovering the Latin Quarter while having fun?

With this open-air team escape game, wander the streets of this emblematic district and piece together the clues you need to track down your missing guide.

We love:

  • A fun way to visit the Latin Quarter
  • Explore the streets with friends and family

Information and Reservations (website in French)

 

Treasure hunt: Rallye challenge Latin quarter

Quai de la tournelle, 75005 Paris

treasure hunt

Armed with a map and a list of riddles to solve, set off on an orienteering race coupled with a photo rally! Find the right markers to photograph and score the most points with your team before time runs out.

It’s the perfect experience to have fun as a group while taking the most beautiful photos of the neighborhood’s spots.

We love:

  • A different way to discover the Latin Quarter
  • The great memories you’ll make with the photo rally.

Information and Reservations (website in French)

 

La chasse aux sorcières – Guided Tour

Église Saint-Etienne-du-Mont, 1 rue Saint-Etienne-du-Mont, 75005 Paris

guided tour

Discover the powerful women who lived in the streets of the Panthéon district and left their mark on their era!

Politicians, queens, Parisian writers, you’ll discover many inspiring women on this guided tour of one of Paris’s most beautiful neighborhoods.

We love:

  • Discovering female historical figures
  • The passionate guide’s commentary

Information and Reservations (website in French)

 

Private Guided Tour of The Latin Quarter 

74 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris

guided tour

Don’t know where to turn with so many places to visit?

Thanks to this guided tour in the company of Quentin, a history buff, you’ll be able to visit the most emblematic places in the area, like the Pantheon, as well as lesser-known spots like the Collège des Bernardins.

We love:

  • Visit the highlights of the Latin Quarter in one day
  • The comments of a passionate guide

Information and Reservations (website in French)

 

Le Procope

13 rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris

 

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Une publication partagée par Le Procope (@restaurantprocope1686)

Founded in 1686, Le Procope is the oldest café-restaurant in Paris.

Located in a historic building in the Latin Quarter, it has played host to many famous writers and intellectuals, including Voltaire and Rousseau.

Enjoy classic French cuisine in a setting reminiscent of the Age of Enlightenment.

We love:

  • The unique atmosphere of Paris’ oldest café-restaurant
  • Refined French cuisine

Information and Reservations 

 

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    La Rôtisserie d’Argent

    19 Quai de la Tournelle, 75005 Paris

    Nestling on the banks of the Seine, La Rôtisserie d’Argent is a renowned restaurant with a breathtaking view of Notre-Dame Cathedral.

    It’s famous for its blood duck and exceptional wine cellar, boasting over 450,000 bottles.

    This historic venue was founded in 1582 and has welcomed many dignitaries and celebrities over the centuries.

    We love:

    • The breathtaking view of Notre-Dame
    • Its unusual blood duck and well-stocked wine cellar

    Information and Reservations 

     

    La Jacobine

    59-61 rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006 Paris

     

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    Une publication partagée par 최지성 (@_js__92)

    This picturesque restaurant is housed in a former 17th-century bakery.

    It offers traditional French cuisine with a touch of originality.

    Enjoy dishes such as onion soup au gratin, Burgundy snails, or duck confit in a charming, rustic atmosphere right in the heart of Paris.

    We love:

    • The original menu
    • Charming, rustic ambiance in the heart of Paris

    Information