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Archive for October, 2011

The Quartier Latin

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011 | Paris monuments, Travel Guide | No Comments

In the list of must see sights and attractions in Paris, the Latin Quarter is one of the most famous areas!

The Latin Quarter (Quartier Latin) is situated on the left bank of the Seine in Paris and has for historic center the Sorbonne. It extends on both 5th and 6th arrondissements from Saint Germain des Pres to the Jardin du Luxembourg, with lots of monuments to visit: the Pantheon, the Senate, the Lutece Arenas, the Saint Sulpice Church etc. Its name comes from the numerous universities and schools of the area where Latin language has long been spoken, since Latin was the international language of learning. 
 
Actually, the University has had a long history here! In the twelfth century, under Philippe Auguste, Paris is already home to one of the largest university centers of the West. The University of Paris soon acquires great prestige, especially in the fields of philosophy and theology. During the events of May 1968, this district was the nerve center of various student uprisings. Today, a gentle spirit of litigation is still blowing around the social sciences and humanities faculties that are attracting a young and multicultural population made of students in law, philosophy, letters and Erasmus exchange programm.

Thus, this district is very frequented by students and teachers because of the presence of universities such as la Sorbonne, Paris II Pantheon Assas, the Jussieu Campus, Paris III Sorbonne Nouvelle, le College de France and the Sainte Genevieve’s library. There are also a lot of famous colleges: l’Ecole Normale Supérieure, les Beaux-Arts, Agro Paris Tech or high prestigious high schools: Louis Le Grand, Stanislas, Henri IV, Montaigne etc. Consequently, specialized libraries have been established in the district such as Gibert Jeune, which is a true institution for Paris!

Continuing west along the banks of the Seine, make a leap in time and follow in the footsteps of Boris Vian, jazz music and the existentialism! Saint Germain des Pres with the famous “Café de Flore” and “Café des Deux Magot“  are actually where Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir and many Parisian left-wing intellectuals settle down in the 40′s. In between, the Place Saint Michel is a meeting place also well known, a few steps from the famous Rue de la Huchette and its numerous restaurants where tourists and students come together happily.

Enjoy your visit in this mythical area with an undeniable charm …

 Book your hotel in Paris Left Bank:

Hôtel Best Western Bretagne Montparnasse***
Hôtel Sèvres Montparnasse**

 

 

 

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Hotel Best Western Bretagne Montparnasse***
Hotel Sèvres Montparnasse**

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