Latin Quarter Paris: Guided Walking Tour Through Iconic Neighborhood
5.0
66 Ratings
Paris
Discover the historic Latin Quarter in Paris on a guided walking tour. Explore iconic landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Panthéon, and Luxembourg Garden.
Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Latin Quarter - Meet your private guide on Ile de la Cité to begin your Latin Quarter walking tour at Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Then walk across the Seine and onto the Left Bank, into the Parisian neighborhood that both Hemingway and Fitzgerald, among other writers, once called home. From ancient Roman ruins to the backdrops for Woody Allen’s film Midnight in Paris, this tour takes you through the centuries that have shaped this historical and cultural district.

Learn about its intellectual roots at the Sorbonne, or discuss the famous thinkers buried under the Panthéon’s majestic dome. Pal around with today’s literati as you browse the stacks at Shakespeare and Company bookstore, and then discover Luxembourg Garden (Jardin du Luxembourg), the most beautiful park for finding a bench and reading a few chapters. There’s no shortage of fascinating stories that your guide shares with you as you stroll along the cobbled streets of the Latin Quarter, each more charming than the last.

  • Ile de la Cite - Once at the meeting point, you will start your tour by exploring ile de la cite, the oldest settlement in Paris. Once known as Lutetia, this former Roman city was the predecessor of present-day Paris, from which the city grew outwards.

  • Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris - From here, you will see the infamous Notre-Dame Cathedral – the most famous of the Gothic cathedrals of the Middle Ages, distinguished for its size, antiquity and architectural interest.

  • Fontaine Saint-Michel - You will then pass by the Saint-Michel fountain, a monumental fountain commissioned by Haussmann, under Napoleon III. It depicts the archangel Michael vanquishing the Devil, evoking thoughts of the battle between Good and Evil.

  • Shakespeare and Company Bookstore - Next we will head towards Shakespeare and Company, a bookstore unlike any other. Just minutes from Notre Dame, it is arguably one of the most famous bookshops in the world where literary types from the Beatnik Generation would find a home through the 1950s and 60s.

  • Eglise Saint Julien Le Pauvre - Following on, you will see the Melkite Greek Catholic parish church, Saint Julien le Pauvre, one of the city’s oldest religious buildings.

  • Eglise Saint-Severin - You will also see the Roman Catholic church of Saint Séverin, one of the oldest churches that remains standing on the Left Bank and which continues to be used as a place of worship.

  • Musee De Cluny - After this, we will head towards the Musée de Cluny, also known as the National Museum of the Middle Ages. This museum is partially constructed on the the remnants of the third century Gallo-Roman baths and houses famous collections from the 1st to the 15th centuries.

  • La Sorbonne - Next we will head towards the infamous Sorbonne University, a college that became the epicentre of knowledge. The history of the Sorbonne is closely linked to that of the creation of the French university.

  • Pantheon - We will then head towards the Pantheon, a building originally built as a church dedicated to St Genevieve, but now functions as a secular mausoleum, containing the remains of notable French citizens such as Voltaire and Rousseau.

  • Luxembourg Gardens - We will then go to the beautiful Luxembourg gardens, situated on the border between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter. The gardens, inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence were created in 1612 upon the initiative of Queen Marie de Medici and cover 25 hectares of land.

  • Eglise Saint-Etienne-du-Mont de Paris - If we have time, we will see the church of Saint-Éienne du Mont, which contains the shrine of St Geneviève, as well as the tomb of Jean Racine.

  • Wall of Philip II Augustus - We will also pass by the Wall of Philip August, the oldest city wall in Paris. The wall was built during the struggles between Philipp II of France and the Anglo-Norman House of Plantagenet, as the French King ordered a stone wall to be built in order to protect the French capital before leaving for the Third Crusade.

What's Included
  • Exclusive Tour Guide (not for small-group option)
  • Private Walking Tour (excludes small-group option)
What's Not Included
  • Hotel Pickup or Drop-Off (We Recommend UBER or Taxi)
  • Gratuities (OPTIONAL)
Additional Information

Embark on a 2.5-hour guided stroll through one of Paris’ most historical and distinctive districts—the Latin Quarter. Beginning at the Notre-Dame Cathedral, you’ll traverse this area abundant with French scholars and the Lost Generation on foot. Attractions featured are the Panthéon and Luxembourg Garden. Choose a morning or afternoon start time at the time of reservation.

  • It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Notes: The tour route may be affected by national celebrations. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an alternative route still being able to see all the highlights on the tour. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. No large bags or suitcases are allowed during this tour. We recommend comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, umbrella in case of rain and hat during summer. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some can’t be visited from the inside.
  • IMPORTANT RE: WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY Wheelchair friendly tour is only available as a PRIVATE TOUR (if you chose the “SEMI-PRIVATE TOUR” option, you will not be able to have a tour or a refund)
  • This tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair
Location
Cité
Metro exit Cité (Line 4). Meet your guide outside of the exit of the metro station on the opposite side of the stairs next to Metro sign CITÉ
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(66 Ratings)
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Pioneer63140408134
Apr 17, 2024
Learn some French history the way it should be taught, by an English speaking French man who values factual accuracy - Bon soir François! Thank you so much for the tour this morning. I loved the stories and history and your passion for the correct understanding of French history. France will always be a part of who I am and it has been fantastic gaining an even better appreciation for the culture and rich history. We loved it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carriewu3428nj
Apr 16, 2024
Great private tour of the Latin Quarter! - Our guide was amazing. We had so much fun and learned so much! The guide's knowledge was impressive and he made the tour exceptional. We even got pastry recommendations for the rest of our stay. :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brittany
Mar 24, 2024
Great tour! - Our tour of the Latin Quarter was informative and fun. Ugo did a WONDERFUL job! He was very engaging and knowledgeable. Highly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marie_s
Mar 11, 2024
Knowledgeable trip to the Latin Quarter - Our tour guide Hugo gave us a fun informative tour of the Latin Quarter. You could tell he loves history and sharing his enjoyment with us. He gave us great recommendations to local restaurants. Hugo is a great tour guide and his love for history will enhance your trip to Paris and the Latin Quarter.
Review provided by Viator
Claire_l
Jan 15, 2024
Excellent tour- recommended ! - Wonderful tour with Tamari. We saw so much and learned a lot about an area we’ve visited many times but now we’ve fallen in love with! Great pace, informative and great area!
Review provided by Viator
Nomadic_nil
Dec 29, 2023
What a fantastic tour! - Our first day in Paris was truly unforgettable as we explored the enchanting Latin Quarter. Our guide, Hugo, was exceptionally knowledgeable, immersing us in the rich history and vibrant culture of France. It was a truly enriching experience that I highly recommend to anyone traveling to Paris. I must also mention that choosing Babylon Tours was a fantastic decision. We had the pleasure of taking multiple tours with them, and each one was outstanding. The guides were simply incredible, with Hugo particularly standing out. We were fortunate enough to have him accompany us on two tours, and it made our time in Paris even more magical. Thank you, Hugo, for making our visit to Paris truly remarkable!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melanie_p
Dec 2, 2023
Expert Guide - Hugo was an amazing guide. Very friendly, VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE (a master’s degree in history), you could see he genuinely enjoyed the subject material and had such an immense depth of knowledge he brought to life for us. Highly recommended
Review provided by Viator
Aoifegarvin
Nov 15, 2023
Highly recommended! - We loved this tour, it was really engaging & good fun too. Our tour guide Tamari was really outstanding, so knowledgeable & really lovely.
Review provided by Viator
Daytrip528544
Nov 9, 2023
Loving Paris - I loved the city of Paris. Brilliant city. where you can breathe not only history but also modernity. It filled our hearts. We will do it again, God willing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Israelmt670jz
Oct 31, 2023
Unforgettable Paris experience! - Excellent experience with Agustina. She was well prepared about the history of the city, and transmits her knowledge in an understandable and simple manner. We recommended her!!!🙌🏻
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1 Adult
May 2024
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