5 things to do in the Latin Quarter of Paris
The Latin Quarter is still one of Paris’ lesser known gems, but is one of the best areas in the city. Here are 5 things to do that makes the Latin Quarter worth adding to your Paris itinerary!
I’ve visited Paris 4 times now, but it wasn’t until my most recent trip that I came upon the Latin Quarter located in the 5th arrondissement, which is, without a doubt, my new favorite area of Paris.
This area just offers so much in terms of things to do, sights to see, restaurants to dine at (and cafes, of course), gardens, beautiful streets to walk along and it’s also right next to the Siene river. I mean, what more can you ask for? It is also a relatively quiet area, despite being the home of the Notre Dame, and a lovely place to spend a weekend in one of the many boutique hotels that line this charming town.
Without further ado, let’s get into 5 things you absolutely cannot miss in the Latin Quarter, Paris!
1. Restaurants & Cafes
Odette Paris
Looking for the best pastries in Pars? Look no further than Odette. This cafe brings your Pinterest board to life. A hidden gem with a view of Notre Dame, this 3-story bakery and cafe will have you doting over their unassuming pastries, which come in 9 delectable flavors.
Though Odette offers a modest selection, don’t underestimate their legendary ‘choux de le creme’ or cream puffs – you’ll struggle to find any that can compare anywhere else! The puffs are light and airy, while also being rich in flavor. Enjoy an authentic hot chocolate, tea, coffee, or a glass of champagne as you delight in the view overlooking the Notre Dame from the 2nd or 3rd floor, and the beautiful Paris!
?77 Rue Galande, 75005 Paris, France
Aux Vieux Paris
Another Pinterest restaurant! For the girlies who are here for the aesthetics… this one’s for you. Located on a small tucked away street lies the beautiful and authentic French restaurant, Aux Vieux Paris d’Arcole. When you think about restaurants filled with Parisian locals who have just finished work and are talking over the day with friends and a glass of wine, this is the restaurant that should come to mind.
It really is just as (if not more) beautiful as the pictures convey. We did not have the pleasure of trying their food/dinner menu, but did enjoy a delicious glass of white wine on their outside patio (only 7€ /glass!) Make sure you add this one to your list of places to visit, if nothing else!
?24 Rue Chanoinesse, 75004 Paris, France
Union Square
This is one of the first restaurants you’ll stroll upon when you enter the streets of the Latin Quarter, located on the intersection of Rue St. Séverin and Rue de la Harpe.
There are so many restaurants to choose from in this area, but Union Square is usually a good choice if you’re looking for more comfort food, as well as some healthy options; basically it’s American food (hence the name as well ?) so think- burgers, steaks, draft beers and signature cocktails. The food was amazing, and I’d particularly recommend ordering the salmon!
?17 Rue Saint-Séverin, 75005 Paris, France
La Crème de Paris Notre-Dame
This restaurant/cafe in the Latin Quarter is definitely worth checking out during your visit to the Notre-Dame. An old-fashioned restaurant serving ice creams, pancakes, crepes, waffles (galettes), and gluten-free items, this is the perfect place to visit after you’ve worked up an appetite discovering the Notre-Dame and walking around the old town.
I recommend trying the galettes or waffles, and if you arrive earlier in the day, order the crepes since they make them fresh.
?1 Quai Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris, France
2. The Abbey Bookshop
Hear me out on this one… skip Shakespeare and Co and head to The Abbey Bookshop instead. There are many bookstores in Paris, but this beautiful quaint bookstore lies in one of the alleyways of the Latin Quarter (Rue de la Parcheminerie) and is one of the only shops on this small alleyway.
This beautiful bookshop packs literature from floor to ceiling, creating a cozy, cave-like space. An incredible basement overflows with even more books to explore and discover! Between the carved doors, cave-like passages, and picturesque façade, this unique bookshop will bring you back to historic times, giving you all the medieval feels.
The owner is from Toronto, Canada, and this bookshop has become a cultural epicenter for Canadians, Anglophones, and Anglophiles from all over the world. If you’re looking for your English bookshop in Paris, this is the place to visit.
?29 Rue de la Parcheminerie, 75005 Paris, France
Check out my video of The Abbey Bookshop that got over 1M VIEWS!
3. Stay in a Boutique Hotel
There are so many beautiful boutique hotels to choose from in and around the Latin Quarter, but here are 2 top picks based on location, affordability, and aesthetics. For a more in-depth overview on where to stay in the Latin Quarter, look out for my next blog post.
#1. Hôtel Parc Saint-Séverin – Esprit de France
Perched right next to the Seine river, this beautiful hotel is located near the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Palais de la Cité, and the Panthéon. Aside from its advantageous location, the selling point may actually be the views over the rooftops of Paris, and even the Eiffel Tower, which give s the Parc Saint-Séverin its undeniable charm.
Each room is carefully crafted and well-thought out with soundproofed walls, free wifi, a flat-screen TV and elegant decor, with some rooms even boasting a balcony which overlooks the beautiful city. There is a buffet breakfast offered every morning as well as 24 hour service.
For beautiful pictures of this boutique hotel, check out the following link: https://boutiquehotel.me/hotel/54162
?22 Rue de la Parcheminerie, 75005 Paris, France
#2. Relais Saint Jacques
Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, this gorgeous boutique hotel boasts 22 rooms, each unique with their own theme and color scheme. If you’re lucky to book enough in advance, you can even opt for a room which overlooks the Pantheon.
There is free Wifi access throughout the hotel, and a warm buffet breakfast is served each morning in the downstairs restaurant. You can even enjoy more relaxation at the salon & reading corner, or unwind after a long day exploring at the fashionable bar.
Want to see those incredible rooms I was talking about? Check out Relais Saint Jacques here: https://boutiquehotel.me/hotel/53299/photos/
?3 Rue de l’Abbé de l’Épée, 75005 Paris, France
4. Notre Dame
Why should you visit Notre Dame Paris? Situated in the historic center of Paris on the Île de la Cité, an island in the middle of the River Seine, Notre Dame Cathedral has stood for centuries in the oldest part of the city. It is perhaps the most famous cathedral in the world.
For a small fee, visitors can climb the cathedral’s towers and take in stunning panoramic views of Paris. The best time to visit is at sunset, when the evening light bathes the city in a gorgeous glow ?
If you visit Notre Dame in the spring, make sure to see the cherry blossoms in the nearby Square Jean XXIII gardens, which many consider the most beautiful in Paris!
?6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
*please note*- Due to the devastating fire of 2019 at the cathedral, Notre Dame is closed for visitation until December 2024
If you’re looking for a cathedral you can actually tour at the moment, Sasha from Off the Beaten Travel recommends Saint-Chapelle Cathedral, which is only an 8-minute walk away from Notre-Dame! Oh, and he’s also got some other fantastic Paris hidden gems & recommendations worth checking out.
5. Latin Quarter Discovery Tour
If you have at least 2 days in the Latin Quarter, I’d definitely recommend doing A Latin Quarter Discover tour, which is a guided walking tour that explores this historic neighborhood in Paris. The tour guides visitors to discover the lively, bohemian character of this iconic Parisian neighborhood and takes them to top sights such as the Sorbonne, Pantheon, Luxembourg Gardens, and St. Michel Fountain.
Most latin quarter tours takes around 2-3 hours, and range anywhere from €20-€30 per person if you’re doing a small group tour between 10-15 people. If you’d like a more intimate tour, they will be a bit more expensive. I highly recommend this one if you’re looking for a more personalized tour! https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/832575
There you have it! A list of the best things to do in the the Latin Quarter of Paris. Have you been to the Latin Quarter or any of these places before? If not, which ones of the above to you intend on visiting? If you have more questions or want more details on planning your trip to Paris (even itineraries!) leave a comment below and let’s plan the perfect Paris trip for you ♡
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