Latin quarter
Area - promenade
| 75006 Paris |
| Subway : | Mabillon (ligne 10) Maubert Mutualité, (ligne 10), Odéon (lignes 4 et 10), Saint-Germain-des-Prés (ligne 4), Saint-Michel (lignes 4 et 10) |
| Bus : | RER C (Saint Michel) RER B (Luxembourg) |
Description
Located in the area situated between the Panthéon, Rue Soufflot, the Mouffetard area and the Luxembourg Gardens, the Latin quarter is well-known for its historically-charged streets down which it is very pleasant to stroll. The area is the haunt of both tourists and Parisians, as there are lots of cafés, restaurants, cinemas and bookshops in the area. Within this area are many interesting monuments, roads and boulevards, such as the magnificent Panthéon which dominates the entire area, as well as the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève, the Sorbonne, the Sainte-Geneviève library, the Saint Michel fountain and boulevard Saint Michel, the Saint-Séverin quarter, the Lutèce Roman arena, the Luxembourg Gardens and several lively open-air markets.
Historical background:
Antiquity: During antiquity, the Romans gradually colonised along the left bank of the Seine where the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève now stands. Among other things, the Romans built thermal baths, a forum, a theatre, an amphitheatre, and an aqueduct, the remains of which can still be seen at the Cluny Museum located on the site of the old Roman thermal baths.
Middle Ages: The University of Paris was first established on the left bank during the 12th century, and since then the area continues to be a university centre.
In 1253, Robert de Sorbon opened a college for the poor which, over time, acquired an international reputation: the Sorbonne.
18th century: The area came to be known as the Latin Quarter, as latin was an official language up until 1793.
20th century: The university tradition is maintained in the area, and the Latin Quarter was at the centre of the May 1968 student riots.