Located on the Left Bank of the Seine, the Saint-Michel neighborhood is famous for its prestigious universities like the Sorbonne, its museums, its performance venues and other landmarks such as the Panthéon or the Palais du Luxembourg. Saint-Michel is also known as the Latin Quarter, since it was once the center of the Roman city of Lutetia, of which the arena and Gallo-Roman baths remain fine reminders.
Highlights
Place Saint-Michel
A visit to the neighborhood can begin with Place Saint-Michel and its fountain depicting Saint Michael battling a demon. From here you can also enjoy a view of Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Louvre.
The riverside booksellers
Numerous secondhand booksellers set up their stalls along the quays near the Saint-Michel neighborhood, giving the area a charming atmosphere.
The National Museum of the Middle Ages
Just next to the Sorbonne is the Hôtel de Cluny and its Museum of the Middle Ages. Among other treasures, you can admire the "Lady and the Unicorn" tapestry.
The Arènes de Lutèce
These Gallo-Roman arenas offer a lovely Parisian break amid calm and greenery. The amphitheater is the best-preserved monument from the Roman era in Paris.
The Théâtre de l'Odéon
Built in a neo-classical style, the Théâtre de l'Odéon is a fine example of Enlightenment-era architecture. It was also one of the sites of the May '68 student uprising. You can end your evening here with a show or a play.
The Jardin du Luxembourg
The Jardin du Luxembourg is a haven of greenery right in the heart of Paris. Here you'll find the Palais du Luxembourg, home to the Senate; the Petit Luxembourg, the residence of the Senate's president; and the Musée du Luxembourg, which hosts high-quality temporary exhibitions.
The Sorbonne
The Sorbonne is one of many prestigious schools in the Latin Quarter. The Sorbonne library building is worth a detour. Among the other prestigious schools in the Saint-Michel neighborhood are the Institut de France, the École des Beaux-Arts, the Collège de France and the Lycée Henri IV.
The Panthéon
The Panthéon is, above all, a place honoring figures who have shaped French history. Among the great figures buried in its crypt are Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Marie Curie. Its architecture and decoration are also well worth a visit.
Infos pratiques
Tips
Don't hesitate to look up to appreciate the charm of the Latin Quarter's small streets.
How to get there
The Latin Quarter is quite spread out. Each of the sites listed above has a metro station nearby. To start your visit at Place Saint-Michel, you can take: metro line 4 to the "Saint-Michel" station; RER B or C to the "Saint-Michel" station; or buses 21, 24, 27, 38, 85, 96.
Opening hours
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