The Latin Quarter Paris: A Guide to the 5th Arrondissement , Paris, France

The Latin Quarter in Paris is one of those places that looks exactly how you imagine it; or rather, it looks just like you imagine Paris to be! And that is because it is one of the oldest districts in the capital city.

Tucked along the Left Bank of the Seine, the 5th arrondissement is one of those rare neighborhoods where history, intellect, and everyday Parisian life exist in perfect harmony. And while it is one of the most historic districts, it remains lively, youthful, and endlessly walkable.

As the student area of Paris, it is filled with medieval streets, bookshops, lived-in cafés, quiet gardens, and bustling markets, as well as, of course, students and centuries-old universities!

So without further ado, our guide to the Latin Quarter, takes you through the highlights of the 5th arrondissement of Paris, plus insider tips to help you experience the Latin Quarter like a local.

If you’re interested in learning more about The City of Light, you can discover more areas of the city in my Paris guides.

Interestingly, the name of the neighbourhood comes from the fact that Latin was once the language spoken by the scholars studying at the nearby university. And this cosy, intimate feel still remains along the streets that curve unexpectedly, giving the area a very strong village vibe. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).