The Latin Quarter is probably one of the best known and most adored areas of Paris, unsurprising given its majestic building oldy-worldy networks of winding streets, view of Notre-Dame, and general typical Parisian vibes. When I first spent some time in Paris a few summers ago, it was the area that charmed me most, and its so easy to fall in love with. In that sense, whilst I can’t not love it, I do find it less satisfying for favourite finds, because everyone kind of already knows it. Having said that, there’s a reason it’s popular, and I might as well give my take on some well known favourites. What was particularly fun was exploring this area while reading Le Sursis by Jean Paul Sartre : it’s majorly satisfying when you sit down with a book and not only recognise the street names from places you have been that morning, but can also map out the characters’ movements across the city in your head.
Chez les libanais
Tucked away on Rue St André des Artes, a stone’s throw from the banks of the Seine, and in view of Notre Dame were it not for the crooked old houses blocking the way, this cute little Lebanese sandwich and salad bar is clearly something of an institution, with a constant queue of people. Not exclusively veggie or vegan, but very non-meat friendly, they offer a selection of speciality (wraps), as well as larger plates. I don’t think you can go wrong with this kind of food, and having sampled the hummus, I’ll definitely be back to try the falafel.
Rue Mouffetard + Place de la Contrescarpe
Just around the corner from the Pantheon stretches the picturesque and bustling Rue Mouffetard, a pedestrian street jammed with food vendors of all kinds, from bars and creperies, to snacks and cafes, all the way to delis, fruit stalls, boucheries, fromageries, chocolateries and patisseries. Handy for students popping out for lunch from the BSG, inexpensive and plenty of choice. Right in the centre you’ve got Place de la Contrescarpe, which you can tell is a popular location for meeting up for dinks, because it’s on the government’s list of places where you’re not allowed to sell alcohol. Nearby bars are managing to get round some of the rules though, and even in COVID it’s a nice spot to spend a sunny afternoon.
Jardin du Luxembourg
Choosing my favourite park in Paris is going to take some consideration, but the Luxembourg gardens are definitely up there. Right in the centre of the 5th, it’s one of the biggest in the city, and probably hands-down the most aesthetic. On a sunny Saturday, you’d have no idea we were confiné, but it’s a big enough place for people to keep their distance, at least in theory. The blossoming flowers are so colourful and lovely, and alongside fountains and gravel walks, they give the park quite regal vibes, and it really does feel like a retreat from the streets of the city, although not for long. With plenty of outdoor chairs set up around the central water feature, it’s a perfect spot to sit and soak in the Palais de Luxembourg, ideally accompanied by some French literature.
Jardin des Plantes
Put in a marginal second place by the Jardins de Luxembourg, the Jardins des Plantes is another classic Parisian, garden, with perfectly parallel walkways lined with immaculate flowerbeds, and at this time of year blossoming with cherry trees in flower. Colourful and relaxing, this one really does feel like an escape from the busy roads which surround it, and in normal times you can even visit the zoo!
Le Pont Traversée
A very cute premise: an old bookshop converted into a coffee shop just off the Luxembourg gardens, I was overall a little bit disappointed, with a slight sense that this place didn’t have to try quite as hard as it would in another location. My iced matcha latte was delicious, and so was the soup, but both came in small portions at Paris prices, and, a big cross in my book, extra was charged for plant-based milk. Undoubtedly Instagrammable and overall enjoyable, just not quite the gem it could be.
Bibliotheque St Geneviève
Located on the Place du Pantheon, heading to this library can’t help but remind me of Radcliffe Square in Oxford, and the interior aesthetic definitely rivals Oxford’s prettiest, with high ceilings and old wood. It’s a bit of a trek across town from where I live, and I think if we’d been having classes in person at the Sorbonne itself (also located in the fifth), I’d have been spending a lot more time here than currently. But my membership card is for life, so there’s time yet!
Tram librarie and coffee shop
Just around the corner from Place du Panthéon in a classically tucked-away little street, this is the perfect place for booklovers. I can only imagine that it’s an ideal place to spend a day reading, but for the moment we had to content ourselves with some book browsing and a coffee to go. Relatively vegan-friendly with plant-based milk alternatives, a little pricey but that’s to be expected given the location, and some genuinely interesting hot drinks on offer: I went for the lait d’amande fleur d’orangier and would definitely recommend!
Panthéon
Definitely not my most original discovery, everyone knows that this gorgeous building (in my top three most beautiful in Paris) is home to some of the most famous French authors, scientists and philosopher, and before coming for my year abroad I’d already fan-girled Zola and Dumas in the underground crypts, but my more expert recommendation is the trip upwards. At the moment you have to book in advance but it’s free for 18-25 year olds from or living in the EU, and you climb the three levels lead by two members of staff in a small group. It’s not a guided tour, but the panoramic views speak for themselves. A few spiral staircases might put off the claustrophobic, but the views from the top definitely are worth it.
Grand Mosquée de Paris + Tearoom
Just near the Jardin des Plantes is Paris’s largest mosque, with some of the most beautiful Arabic architecture. It’s a really friendly welcoming place and you can visit for just a few euros. It’s peaceful and incredibly calming, and the tearoom/restaurant on one corner serves up lots of tasty Middle Eastern specialities.
