Built by the Romans and nourished by the French, the Latin Quarter has now become one of the most visited areas in Paris. It takes over the 5th Paris Arrondissement and is known as the home of the Sorbonne.
Today, the Paris Latin Quarter is a whimsical, cheerful walkable town made up of an immense network of curving cobblestone streets. There’s even a Pathéon in the heart of the quarter not too far away from Hemmingway’s famous apartment. You can spend days meandering around the Latin Quarter and soak in its delightful and vintage atmosphere for days.
If this is the first time you visit this fairytale area, check out my travel guide below and be inspired by my recommended itinerary and the best things to do.
8:00: Tour The Marché Monge In The Morning
This lively flea market is only open for half a day from 7 am until 2 pm and is known as one of the oldest traditional markets in the Latin Quarter established in 1921.
Over here, you can find a huge assortment of fresh fruits, blue cheese, frozen fish pickles, and farmers’ seasonal goodies.
Other than that, there are also clothing lines and accessories favored by both locals and visitors alike. The shopping possibilities here come in a roll-call so make sure you bring enough cash before setting out.
The scale of the market is small, and most of them are local residents. It is a good place to learn about the daily life of Parisians.
9:00: Pay A Brief Visit To Pharmacie Monge
French cosmetics have been globally recognized. Therefore, it would be a huge mistake if you miss out on Pharmacie Monge, a little paradise for anything cosmetics-related. It’s not too big and you should be able to complete your shopping spree in about 20 minutes.
9:30: Take A Bite At Carl Marletti Pâtissier
Made with love by an award-winning pastry chef, Carl Marletti has been a household name for dessert lovers in Europe for ages. This little bakery is on top of the bucket list that inspired my visit to Paris’s Latin Quarter.
The small navy blue bakery is just a few blocks away from the nearby Rue Mouffetard and the Arenes de Lutece. Each decadent treat is so light and heart-warming that surely makes your taste buds jump for joy. On top of that, Carl Marletti is also famous for its wide selection of picture-worthy bites.
10:00 – 12:00: Browse The Vendors At Rue Mouffetard And Have Lunch
Dubbed “the street of markets”, Rue Mouffetard was once a home sweet home of the world-renowned chef, Julia Child. Rue Mouffetard still retains its nostalgic charm as it was back in the 50s with bustling outdoor vendors lining up the broken cobblestoned paths.
Make sure to visit Rue Mouffetard during the morning or within the first half of the day at the latest as most vendors here are open around 9 am, closed for lunch, and return at 2 pm.
If you wrap up your morning trip at Rue Mouffetard around lunchtime, bring a tarp along and put it down under the shade at Square Saint Medard for a whimsical picnic.
Even better, you can buy some fruits and good eats like cured meats at some of the vendors there for the picnic lunch. Is there any better way to recharge in the middle of an old square looking out to the old 16th-century buildings?
13:30: Check Out Hemingway’s Apartment
As you’re fully energized after lunch, clean up the picnic and venture out for the afternoon trip.
The first spot after lunch is the famous apartment where Hemmingway and his wife settled down. The apartment is just a short turn away from Rue Mouffetard.
The old white building with the famous blue door is tucked away on the 3rd floor at 74 Rue Cardinale Lemoine. There is a little plaque on the side of the house to help you indicate where you’re at.
14:30: Be Amazed At The Panthéon
Similar but not identical, the Panthéon in Paris imposes a similar feeling to the one in Rome but those two places should not be mistaken. Tickets to the Panthéon of Latin Quarter are required for entry but will be exempt if you’ve obtained the Paris Museum Pass.
The marvelous building is located on top of the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève. The Panthéon was built to highlight the Romans’ new town that they developed 2000 years ago. It’s one of the must-see spots for first-timers to the Latin Quarter with awe-inspiring neoclassicism architecture. The marvelous frescos inside and the gorgeous dome in the center still stand the test of time.
15:30: Buy Some Books At Shakespeare And Company
Going strong since 1951, Shakespeare And Company is a well-received English bookstore nestled in the heart of the French quarter of Paris. The green bookstore with a signature red door sets foot on the Left Bank of the city and is chock full of books on various topics and content.
The indoor space is always flooded with the beautiful smell of paper. You can find anything here from classic novels to current bestsellers.
The Latin Quarter has more to offer than just an attraction for history buffs. It’s also ranked as one of the top places to stay in Paris. Plus, the town is worth visiting both day and night. There’re plenty of entertaining possibilities when the sun is out as well.