Travel Guide of 5th Arrondissement (Latin Quarter), Paris for: Hotel Le Notre Dame Rating: 3.5 Pearls

5th Arrondissement (Latin Quarter), Paris, France

5th Arrondissement (Latin Quarter) Summary

What It's Like

The 5th Arrondissement, also known as the Latin Quarter, is a bustling spot filled with locals, tourists, and students, situated on the city's Left Bank. The area is the educational center of Paris and has been since the Middle Ages when the famous Sorbonne university was built. Over the years the neighborhood has attracted intellectuals such as Ernest Hemingway (where in Paris hasn't?) and James Joyce, and though much of its quaint, literary charm has been corrupted by tourist trap restaurants and tacky souvenir shops, it is still a beautiful part of the city with many historically significant buildings.

The historic sights here date to various time periods: There is an ancient Roman theater, the Pantheon (an 18th-century mausoleum where historic figures such as Voltaire and Rousseau are buried), the Sorbonne, and the Museum of Natural History nestled in the Botanical Gardens. Bohemian movie theaters, wine shops, produce markets, and cafes also line the streets. Many cafes in the 5th Arrondissement, particularly those at Place St-Michel, can be subpar and inauthentic, but those who venture down side streets can often find delicious, and inexpensive, cafes and bistros.

Where To Stay

Like almost every other neighborhood in Paris, the 5th Arrondissement has numerous expensive hotels, but deals can be found in this area. Visitors may consider avoiding hotels in Place St-Michel and along Rue de la Huchette, two of the most touristy spots in the city. The southern area of the neighborhood is more residential, which can make for quieter, and more pleasant, hotel stays.