VISIT OF THE LATIN QUARTER
ORIGIN OF THE LATIN QUARTER
The Latin Quarter is one of the oldest centers of life in Paris.
This place has remained, over the centuries, a true intellectual center: colleges, libraries, grandes écoles and universities are still very present today.
Despite the great Haussmann works of the 19th century, the district has retained its small medieval streets, its lively atmosphere and its charm of yesteryear. It is this mix of history, culture and youth that makes the Latin Quarter one of the most emblematic and lively places in Paris.
LA GRANDE MOSQUEE DE PARIS
Inaugurated in 1926, the Great Mosque of Paris is the oldest mosque in France.
Built to pay tribute to the 70,000 Muslim soldiers who fought on France’s side during the First World War.
Places where the Jews took refuge during World War II: To avoid deportation, they pretended to be Muslims.
Even today, the Great Mosque is a place of spirituality, culture and serenity, much appreciated by visitors for its unique atmosphere.
LE JARDIN DES PLANTES
Created in 1635 by the doctor of King Louis XIII, the Jardin des Plantes was originally the 'Royal Garden of medicinal plants', intended to cultivate remedies used to treat the King.
Today, it is the heart of the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle.
It is here that the famous giraffe Zarafa arrived in 1827, the first giraffe in France, who traveled 880 km from Marseille... on foot, with custom shoes!
She became a true Parisian star, to the point that women did their hair "à la giraffe"
Girafe Zarafa
La coiffure "à la Girafe" !
LES ARENNE DE LUTECE
The Arènes de Lutèce are one of the few vestiges of the Gallo-Roman period in Paris.
This amphitheater had a dual function: it served both as a theater for performances and an arena for gladiator fights or confrontations with wild animals.
Today a surprising contrast: where lions roared, we now see children playing football and residents of the neighborhood playing pétanque.
A place where Antiquity and modern Parisian life meet.
Vestiges des Arènes de Lutèce en 1200
Lettre de Victor Hugo contestant la destruction des Arène de Lutèce
Redécouvertes des Arènes en 1900
RUE MOUFFETARD
Rue Mouffetard is one of the oldest streets in Paris, heir to an old Roman road that led to Italy.
The facade of No. 134, decorated with animals recalling its past as a delicatessen that has been classified as historical monuments.
"To the little Greek"
The brand is renowned for its generous crêpes , prepared à la minute, with fresh ingredients and often served in a 'gourmet XXL' format.
There are both traditional sweet pancakes and very hearty savory pancakes, often filled like real sandwiches (feta, ham, grilled vegetables, egg, chicken, etc.).
Crêperie très connue de Paris
PLACE DE LA CONTRESCARPE
Place de la Contrescarpe is located in the 5th arrondissement, at the top of rue Mouffetard. It is a small paved square, surrounded by cafes and terraces, which gives the impression of a preserved village in the middle of Paris.
In the 1920s, Place de la Contrescarpe and its neighboring streets were the real headquarters of the 'Lost Generation', a group of American artists and writers who came to seek a more bohemian life in Paris, and especially cheaper.
Among them, a young yet unknown writer: Ernest Hemingway.
Also a filming scene in 'Emily in Paris'
Scène où Emily sort de chez elle et découvre son quartier, juste après avoir emménagé à Paris (S-1)
Qui était Ernest Hemingway ?
He was a major American writer of the 20th century. He is famous for his simple, direct and very refined style, which deeply influenced modern literature.
Among his best-known works, we find 'Paris est une fête', a book in which he talks about living in Paris.
He even spent his days writing in the cafes, escaping the cold of his neighboring apartment. The place still retains this bohemian and literary atmosphere.
Hemingway remains today an emblematic figure, often associated with the image of the adventurous and intense writer, whose life marked minds as much as his books.
Ecrivain Ernest Hemingway
Livre "Paris est une fête"
Le panthéon
Originally, it was a church commissioned by Louis XV to pay tribute to Sainte-Geneviève because she had healed him of an illness. The work began in the mid-18th century, in a neoclassical style inspired by ancient temples.
But the history of the building changes with the French Revolution, the church becomes a secular temple intended to honor the 'Great Men' of the Nation, those who have marked history by their ideas, works, or actions. Since then, the Pantheon has become a place of national memory, a symbol of republican recognition.
In the crypt rest some of the greatest French figures: Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola and many others. Among them is Marie Curie.
She is the only woman to have been pantheonized for her own scientific merits.
His coffin is covered with lead, as his body remains slightly radioactive due to his research.
Intérieur du Panthéon
Louve de Romulus et Remus
According to the Roman legend:
Romulus and Remus were two twin brothers abandoned at birth.
Their uncle, who wanted to keep the power, ordered them thrown into the Tiber.
But the river gently deposited them at the foot of Mount Palatine, where a she-wolf found them and suckled them like her own little ones.
Having grown up, the two brothers decided to found a city in the very place where the she-wolf had saved them.
But a disagreement broke out: they did not agree on the exact location.
The argument degenerated and Romulus killed his brother Remus.
He then became the first king of the new city, which he baptized Rome, in his own name.
Vrai statue se situant en Italie ( au musée du capitole).
Les Thermes de Cluny
The Thermes de Cluny are one of the oldest Roman remains visible in Paris.
They were part of the large public baths in Lutetia, used by the inhabitants to wash themselves, relax, and socialize.
The most impressive element still preserved today is the Frigidarium, a huge vaulted room almost 1800 years old.
These thermal baths are today integrated into the National Museum of the Middle Ages, installed in the Hotel de Cluny, an elegant medieval building located right next to it.
Intérieur des Thermes de Cluny
"Tapisserie de la Licorne"
LE PLUS VIEIL ARBRE DE PARIS
This is a false acacia locust tree planted in 1601 by Jean Robin, the botanist of King Henry IV, whose name it still bears.
Today, more than four centuries later, it is still alive, which makes it an exceptional witness of Parisian history.
Despite its slightly crooked appearance and the scars of the weather, it continues to bloom every spring, offering small fragrant white bunches. It is a symbol of resistance and longevity, having survived wars, revolutions, bad weather and even modern pollution.
RUE DU CHAT QUI PECHE
La Rue du Chat-qui-Pêche is one of the most amazing curiosities in the Latin Quarter.
It is famous for being the narrowest street in Paris, with only 1.80 meters wide.
Its intriguing name comes from an old sign representing a cat catching a fish;
At the time, signs were essential: they served as landmarks in a city where few people could read.
Today, la rue Chat-qui-Peche attracts visitors for its secret atmosphere.
Upon entering it, one feels like leaving the modern city to go back several centuries.
It is an alley that can be crossed in a few seconds, but which leaves a lasting impression, as if it was still hiding forgotten stories.
PLACE SAINT-MICHEL
La Fontaine Saint-Michel is one of the emblematic monuments of the Latin Quarter.
Located in the heart of Place Saint-Michel, it was built between 1858 and 1860 during the Second Empire.
Built by the architect Gabriel Davioud, and the sculptor Francisque Duret, this spectacular scene symbolizes the victory of good over evil, a theme much appreciated in the nineteenth century.
It also serves to commemorate the victory of Napoleon III at the Battle of Solferino in 1859, a major event of his reign.
Today, the Saint Michel Fountain is a real landmark for Parisians, students and tourists.
Place Saint Michel en 1900