Latin Quarter Guided Walking Tour

Details

Don't blame us if after our walking tour of the Latin Quarter, you decide to follow in the footsteps of writers like Hemingway and Fitzgerald and move here! Join us as we explore this charming and vibrant neighborhood.

On this 2.5-hour private tour, we'll begin at Notre-Dame Cathedral before making our way through the lively streets of the Latin Quarter, uncovering the fascinating stories and history that have made this one of Paris's most beloved districts. You will enjoy a personalized and in-depth experience with one of our expert guides. From ancient Roman ruins to the prestigious Sorbonne University, the Latin Quarter is the neighborhood that best represents Paris's 2,000-year history. Alongside its grand monuments such as the imposing Panthéon, the final resting place of France's great thinkers you'll also discover iconic film locations, including those from Before Sunset and Midnight in Paris. Literary heritage is everywhere here, from the legendary Shakespeare & Co. bookstore to the tales of famous authors who once slept among its bookshelves. And who knows? By the end of the tour, perhaps you'll be inspired to write your own novel. Just remember to dedicate it to us!

Itinerary

• A 2.5-hour tour of the historic Latin Quarter with one of our expert guides. 
• Stops generally include but are not limited to:
• Île de la Cité — Begin your tour on Île de la Cité, the island where Paris was first founded. Once called Lutetia by its Roman settlers, this historic site is the birthplace from which the city expanded. (30 minutes)
•  Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris — See the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, the world's most beloved church and a masterpiece of medieval Gothic architecture. Newly restored after the 2019 fire, it remains one of Paris' most enduring symbols. (20 minutes - Admission Ticket Not Included)
• Fontaine Saint-Michel - Pass by the monumental Saint-Michel Fountain, commissioned by Haussmann under Napoleon III and inspired by a painting by Raphael. It depicts the Archangel Michael vanquishing the Devil — or perhaps Napoleon III vanquishing his enemies. (10 minutes)
• Shakespeare and Company — Next, we will head toward Shakespeare and Company, Paris' most beloved bookstore. Just minutes from Notre-Dame, this legendary shop provided refuge to literary figures of the Beat Generation in the 1950s and '60s. (10 minutes)
• Aglis Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre — Discover Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre, a Melkite Greek Catholic parish church and one of Paris's oldest religious buildings. Nestled in Square René Viviani, this spot offers spectacular views of the south side of Notre-Dame. (10 minutes)
• Église Saint-Séverin — Visit Saint-Séverin, the oldest and largest Gothic church on the Left Bank. Admire its stunning stained glass and medieval architecture. (10 minutes)
• Musée de Cluny — Also known as the National Museum of the Middle Ages, this museum is housed in a gorgeous abbey built upon and incorporating the remnants of third-century Gallo-Roman thermal baths, some of the oldest structures in the city. (10 minutes - Admission Ticket Not Included)
• La Sorbonne — This prestigious institution became the epicenter of knowledge in France. Closely linked to academia, royalty, and social movements, discover the rich and often provocative history of France's most famous university. (10 minutes)
• Panthéon— We will then make our way to the Panthéon, originally built as a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve, now serving as a secular mausoleum. This monumental structure houses the remains of notable French figures such as Voltaire and Rousseau. (15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included)
• Luxembourg Gardens — Explore the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens, situated on the border between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter. Inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence, they were created in 1612 at the initiative of Queen Marie de' Medici and span 25 hectares. (15 minutes)
• Saint-Étienne-du-Mont — If time permits, we will visit Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, a charming Baroque church that contains the shrine of Saint Genevieve, the tomb of Jean Racine, and remarkable architectural features. (10 minutes - Admission Ticket Free)
• Wall of Philip II Augustus — See the Wall of Philip II Augustus, the oldest surviving city wall in Paris. This stone fortification was ordered by the French king before his departure for the Third Crusade. (10 minutes)
• Place de la Contrescarpe — Our tour will stop at Place de la Contrescarpe, one of Paris' most charming squares, located just around the corner from the former homes of Hemingway, George Orwell, and James Joyce — to name a few! (10 minutes)