Latin Quarter – 5th arrondissement

The Fifth Arrondissement, located opposite the Fourth along the Seine, is a lively and bustling districit, but is also the oldest district in Paris. This part of Paris was constructed by the Romans in the 1st Centurcy BC, after the Gauls on Ile de la Cité were conquered. Partially located in the Fifth is the Quartier Latin, a busy neighbourhood that contains La Sorbonne, the historic home of the University of Paris. This area is now home to many academic institutions, and the name derives from the fact that the students who lived here were historically taught in Latin.

If you are looking for Roman architecture, you need not look far in the Fifth. The Arènes de Lutèce and Thermes de Cluny are located in this district, a Roman amphitheater and baths respectively. The latter is now partially transformed into the Musée National de Moyen Age, where the Pilier des Nautes is now located. While the amphitheater is not fully intact, you can still see where the stage was located; the stone terraces are not original. The most intact monument, however, is Le Panthéon, once a church dedicated to St. Genevieve. This building is a hybrid of classical Roman architecture and Gothic style, creating a very stately facade is now a mausoleum..

If you are looking to stay in the Fifth, there are numerous hotels to accommodate any style. The Seven Hotel provides a modern chic, modern interior, colourfully decorated for a visually stunning look. Alternatively, Hôtel le Petit Paris combines modern and traditional design to produce a bold statement with soft, ornate patterns. For dining in the area, Le Verre a Pied provides a lovely ambience, with live jazz in the evenings. If you’re looking for a good crêpe, head to Au P’tit Grec. Both restaurants are located on Rue Moufftard, a wonderful bustling market street.