Things to do in the Latin Quarter

On top of Sainte-Geneviève Mount, near the Luxembourg Gardens, stands the Panthéon, towering above the Latin Quarter. This jewel of neoclassical architecture shelters within its crypt some of Paris’ most distinguished citizens, from Voltaire and Victor Hugo to Marie Curie, Simone Veil and Josephine Baker. Léon Foucault even demonstrated the Earth’s rotation here beneath its dome, if you please! And it isn’t unusual to see students sitting on the Panthéon steps eating lunch or revising.

The iconic Cluny Museum of Paris invites you to see one of the most extensive medieval collections in the world. With masterpieces such as The Lady and the Unicorn, the chapel, the Gallo-Roman baths and other historic remains, the experience is much more than a mere museum tour. Its more unusual treasures include 27 sculpted heads of the Kings of Judah, from Notre-Dame Cathedral. In total, there are more than 24,000 artworks here. That should keep you busy all afternoon!

I revolutionised physics and chemistry, paved the way for women in the field of research and received two Nobel prizes. Who am I? Marie Curie! Head for the former Radium Institute to visit the museum devoted to her life and works. You’ll learn about the discoveries she made, from radium to radiotherapy, and their impact on modern medicine. Her laboratory has been kept just as she left it. But rest assured, the site was entirely decontaminated in 1981. Don’t hesitate to pay a visit.

Located on Rue Monge, it’s easy to walk past without noticing it. And yet, behind what appears to be merely the entrance to an apartment block, hides a historic gem full of greenery, the Arenas of Lutetia. These Roman vestiges from the 1st or 2nd century were once an amphitheatre for gladiator combats and circus performances. Nowadays, students and families come to unwind in this peaceful place before resuming their exploration of the district.

At the Jardin des Plantes botanical gardens, you’ll see tulips and peonies, stroll through the tropical hothouses and admire species from across the world. This garden also conceals a fun fact or two: as you walk around, you may come across a stone table originating from a medieval castle, that was discovered with the help of a mare named Plaisanterie. Historically, this nature spot attracted illustrious figures, such as Louis XIV, who had a coffee bush planted here, and Henri Rousseau, known as ‘Le Douanier’, who took inspiration here for The Snake Charmer and some of his other works. For children, the Menagerie, one of the oldest zoos in the world, is also worth a visit.

Comic lovers, collectors and pop culture enthusiasts of all ages, take note: the Album Comics bookshop is just the place for you! Behind the colourful, retro-style exterior, you’ll plunge into the world of your favourite heroes: Superman, X-Men, Batman and many more. Get ready to stock up on the comic books of your childhood.

The green façade of Shakespeare and Company, the haunt of English literature lovers, stands out among the Haussmannian buildings. This legendary venue has hosted a number of famous writers who left their mark here, such as Hemingway. Upstairs, you may see the ‘tumbleweeds’ sitting on the famous red bench. These budding authors sleep here and share their texts in return for lending a helping hand in the bookshop. Why not you?

The first stop on your journey to the warmth of the Orient is the Grand Mosque of Paris. Famous for its tearooms and hammam, it is first and foremost a stunning architectural beauty. Wander between the colourful mosaics, columns, minaret and lush green gardens, for a bewitching experience in this refreshing haven located on the left bank.

Continue your immersion among the gems of Arab-Muslim culture. Created by a group of architects, the Arab World Institute offers a blend of art and expertise. With music, cinema, dance, fine arts, photography, workshops and language classes, the Institute keeps every form of eastern culture very much alive.

The Institute’s rare gem. On the 9th floor, check out the Dar Mima rooftop restaurant, designed by Jamel Debbouze to please his mum. Round off your visit with a meal of couscous, hummus, tagine or another classic of Moroccan cuisine. The icing on the cake: you can even see Notre-Dame Cathedral from up there.

Head for Mediterranean shores without leaving the vibrant atmosphere of Paris. Try the Baieta restaurant for a delicious meal cooked by Julia Sedefdjian, France’s youngest Michelin-starred chef. Do not miss this chance to try the bouillabaisse, revisited and renamed Bouillabaieta, her signature dish that makes a nod to her home town of Nice. One way ticket for the scorching southern sun.

Fancy a one way trip to London without leaving Paris? Head for the Bombardier, an English pub tucked away on Place du Panthéon. From the wooden façade and traditional beers to the fish & chips and match nights, this place oozes with British spirit. At weekends, they serve full English breakfast and the famous Sunday roast. Every Sunday evening, you can test your grey matter by joining in with their legendary quiz.

Enter the legend of Parisian jazz. At Caveau de la Huchette, the Latin Quarter has been swinging to the sound of saxophones and trumpets since 1946. No wonder this venue has featured in so many films! You may even have spotted it in La La Land. So, in the evening, walk down the spiralling stone steps and, after cocktails, just go with the flow for a truly timeless experience. Here’s a fun fact to share while you’re there: the Huchette Theatre, just next door, has staged the same play, The Bald Soprano, every evening since 1957!

Le Son de la Terre on the banks of the Seine is a musical haven with a party atmosphere, where you get to sing, dance and celebrate world cultures, all against the backdrop of the beautiful cathedral, Notre-Dame de Paris. From Wednesday to Sunday, brasses and drums take to both stages on this river barge. Feeling peckish between performances? Try their delicious seasonal cuisine with exotic notes.

Never mind the brass instruments, where’s your tutu? Time to visit the oldest cabaret in Paris, the Paradis Latin, founded by Napoleon and renovated by our beloved Monsieur Eiffel. Here, the French Cancan and acrobats have skirts twirling and heads turning. This aptly-named venue really is a sequin-spangled paradise. Ideal for anyone who fancies an alternative exploration of Paris, packed with colourful shows after dusk.