Are you looking for a Latin Quarter self-guided walking tour? Located south of the Seine in the 5th arrondissement, the Latin Quarter is one of the oldest and most charming neighborhoods in Paris! Known for its prestigious universities and high schools, as well as the Panthéon perched atop Sainte Geneviève hill, it has many other secrets in store for you!
So let me take you on a Latin Quarter self-guided walking tour through the famous yet little-known ancient quarter to discover some hidden monuments, lively streets, and a few must-see sights! We’ll travel back in time to ancient times as we walk, and even take a trip to the Orient…
Here is my Latin Quarter self-guided walking tour itinerary, including my favorite places to stop for a bite to eat and a detailed map that you can download to your phone to follow in the footsteps of La Marinière…
Enjoy your walk!
To continue exploring Paris, check out my travel guides:
3 Days in Paris Itinerary by a French Girl
Stroll through the Butte aux Cailles, with street art and flower gardens
The 9 Best Photo Spots in Paris
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR THIS LATIN QUARTER SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR
Latin Quarter self-guided walking tour map
Map of Latin Quarter self-guided walking tour:
You can also display this map and follow the route on your phone using the Cirkwi app. Just search for “Quartier Latin” and you’ll find my walk called “Balade à la découverte du Quartier Latin” (Walking tour of the Latin Quarter).
Direct link to the walk on Cirkwi
How to get to the Latin Quarter?
The Latin Quarter self-guided walking tour starts at Quai de la Tournelle (Pont Marie or Sully Morland metro stations on line 7 or Maubert on line 10). It ends at the Saint Michel Notre Dame metro station (metro line 4 and RER lines B and C).
How long does this Latin Quarter self-guided walking tour take?
Allow around 2 hours for this walk in the Latin Quarter, not including visits (Panthéon, Grande Mosquée, etc.).
Where to stay for this Latin Quarter self-guided walking tour?
The Hôtel de Suez, located a stone’s throw from the Panthéon, in the heart of the Latin Quarter, offers excellent value for money (€120 per night).
Ideally located on the Seine next to the Jardin des Plantes, the Hôtel OFF Paris Seine is unusual to say the least, as it is a former catamaran converted into a floating hotel! The decor is superb, the comfort is there, and there is even a swimming pool (€180 per night)!
Finally, the Hôtel du Jeu de Paume is located directly on the Île Saint Louis in an old house with all its charm intact. The rooms perfectly blend contemporary decor and the history of the place (€240 per night).
Find you accommodation in the Latin quarter!
3 recommended accommodation for you in Paris
HÔTEL OFF PARIS SEINE
- Sleep on the Seine !
- With a pool
- From €150
HÔTEL DES ARTS MONTMARTRE
- Rated 9,6/10
- Quiet and with a view !
- From €180
HÔTEL JOSÉPHINE BONAPARTE
- In the heart of Paris
- In an old convent
- From €300
My top picks for your Latin Quarter self-guided walking tour
– Restaurants: Polidor (41 rue Monsieur le Prince – a stone’s throw from Place de la Sorbonne) for inexpensive bistro cuisine in a superb rustic setting. Another option: Les Petits Pois (3 rue Linné) next to the Arènes de Lutèce, for modern, fresh, and delicious dishes!
– Bakery: La Boulangerie Moderne (16 Rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques), a stone’s throw from the Panthéon (on the way)
– Pastry shop: Pâtisserie Carl Marletti – 51 rue Censier: one of the best pastry chefs in Paris! And you can even enjoy your pastry in the shade of Square Saint Médard! (on the way)
– Tea room: Tea room at the Grand Mosque of Paris (on the way)
– Ice cream parlor: Le Glacier de Notre Dame de Paris – 20 rue Domat, next to Square Viviani at the end of the walk
– Bookshop: Shakespeare and Company: a Notre Dame neighborhood institution, in English, at the end of the walk
– Green breaks: Arènes de Lutèce, Square Saint Médard, Square Samuel Paty, Square René Viviani (all along the way, at regular intervals)
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MONUMENTS OF MY LATIN QUARTER SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR
Collège des Bernardins
Our Latin Quarter self-guided walking tour begins on the banks of the Seine, at Quai de la Tournelle! At your feet is one of Paris’ ports, surrounded by the very chic Île Saint Louis… But I invite you to head in the other direction, towards Rue de Poissy!
You will soon come across the Collège des Bernardins on your right, one of the hidden gems of the Latin Quarter! Founded in 1245, it is the Cistercian jewel of Paris! Thousands of European monks came here to study in the Middle Ages, and today it still hosts training courses and debates.
Don’t hesitate to step inside, as its elegant and impressive nave is well worth a visit! However, the other rooms are only accessible on guided tours.
Practical information: Collège des Bernardins – practical information
At the end of Rue de Poissy, turn left, then right, then left again to reach Rue Monge.
Arènes de Lutèce
In the middle of Rue Monge, on your left, at number 49, you will see an entrance arch. This is where you will enter the oldest monument in Paris: the Arènes de Lutèce! (The Obelisk of the Concorde is older, but it was not “born” in Paris).
These arenas, which few Parisians know about, are in fact a Gallo-Roman amphitheater built in the 2nd century! And as I mentioned in my article on Paris monuments that hold records, it could once hold up to 10,000 people who came to watch gladiator fights, water jousting, comedies, and more. Today, the arena forms a small, unusual ancient island in the middle of elegant Parisian buildings!
Take the opportunity to step back in time before leaving the arena on the other side, on Rue de Navarre. At the end of the street, turn left and then right onto Rue des Quatrefages.
Practical information: Arènes de Lutèce – practical information
Grande mosquée de Paris
Another unexpected monument awaits you here: the Grand Mosque of Paris! Built in the 1920s, it will transport you straight to the Orient with its warm colors and patterns. The tour allows you to discover the beautiful prayer hall, the central patio, and the charming garden, all under the watchful eye of the 33-meter-high minaret.
The garden, filled with exotic plants, is just as exotic!
The Grand Mosque also has a very pleasant tea room if you fancy a break! Practical information: Grand Mosque of Paris – practical information
Rue Mouffetard
After visiting the Grand Mosque, turn right onto Rue Daubenton to reach Rue Monge and Square Saint Médard.
This charming square marks the start of the famous Rue Mouffetard! It is one of the oldest streets in Paris and also one of the most picturesque, with its food shops and restaurants! You’ll find everything you need here, and you’ll probably want to stock up as you walk down the street…
Don’t miss the street art on the walls of the street. You can also take a break in the charming, circular Place de la Contrescarpe before continuing straight ahead on Rue Descartes.
THE STUDENT DISTRICT OF MY LATIN QUARTER SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR
You’ve arrived in the district of prestigious high schools and equally famous universities. On your left is the Lycée Henri IV, next to the Panthéon!
Panthéon
When you reach the back of the Panthéon, I recommend stopping at Place Sainte Geneviève and stepping inside the Saint Etienne du Mont church! Its façade is stunning, but its interior is just as impressive. It houses the capital’s last rood screen, which is truly beautiful!
You can then head to the Panthéon. An iconic monument of the capital, it is obviously a must-see on any stroll through the Latin Quarter!
Inside, there is a majestic nave, as well as a crypt where the nation’s illustrious men and women are laid to rest. Finally, you can admire the panorama of the rooftops and monuments of Paris from its dome: the view is breathtaking!
Practical information: Panthéon – practical information
Book your ticket for the Panthéon!
When you are facing the Panthéon, you can take Rue Clotaire on the right and reach Place de l’Estrapade, made famous by the Netflix series Emily in Paris!
Alternatively, head towards the Lycée Louis-Le-Grand on Place du Panthéon to reach Rue Cujas and the Sorbonne University.
La Sorbonne
You will walk around the majestic Sorbonne University building before turning right onto Rue de la Sorbonne. The charming square of the same name faces the prestigious École des Chartes.
Founded in the 13th century, the Sorbonne has retained all its prestige and importance, as it now welcomes 50,000 students! You’ll therefore come across many of them in the neighborhood!
At the end of the street, cross Square Samuel Paty to reach Rue de Cluny. The Musée de Cluny et du Moyen-Âge is right next door (and is well worth a visit if you’re interested in the Middle Ages!).
Next, head towards Rue Saint Jacques, before turning right onto Rue Galande.
LATIN QUARTER SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR ON THE SEINE SIDE
Around Notre Dame de Paris
You are now just a stone’s throw from the Seine and Notre Dame de Paris! But don’t let the majesty of the cathedral overwhelm you too quickly. First, enter the Square Viviani…
This is where you’ll find the oldest tree in Paris! This black locust tree is over 400 years old! It was planted by one of King Henry IV’s botanists in 1601… The square is also a charming place to read with a view of the cathedral.
And if you like reading, I recommend visiting the Shakespeare and Company bookshop on Rue de la Bûcherie, right next to the square. The interior is narrow but definitely worth a visit! Don’t hesitate to take a look upstairs, even if you’re not particularly interested in English literature: the rooms are as picturesque as they are intimate!
Quartier Saint Michel
Next, head to the Quai Saint Michel before turning left onto Rue du Chat qui Pêche.
As well as having a charming name, it is the narrowest street in Paris! Poorly lit due to its width of only 1.8 meters, it is typical of this older part of the Latin Quarter. Populated by inns since the Middle Ages, it was once a notorious neighborhood. It must be said that its narrow, dark streets give you an idea of how dangerous they could have been…
Then turn right onto Rue de la Huchette! Today, it is still lined with small restaurants, but more for the visual pleasure of tourists than for the pleasures of the palate.
Instead, I invite you to go and see performances of Ionesco’s The Lesson and The Bald Soprano, which have been running for over 60 years at the Théâtre de la Huchette! They are now playing their 20,000th performance!
At the end of Rue de la Huchette, you will arrive at Place Saint Michel, marking the end of this Latin Quarter self-guided walking tour! I hope you enjoyed it and that it helped you (re)discover Paris in a new light!
And if you’re looking for more ideas for walks in Paris, check out my travel guides:
3 Days in Paris Itinerary by a French Girl
Stroll through the Butte aux Cailles, with street art and flower gardens
The 9 Best Photo Spots in Paris