Parisians and their Greats. The Latin Quarter Breakdown:

I thought I would give a bit of a breakdown to the Latin Quarter of Paris. It happens to be my favorite area of the city. I find it fascinating and no trip is complete to Paris, without visiting this area.

MUSEUMS TO VISIT:

The Musee National Du Moyen Age (The National Museum of the Middle Ages)

This Museum was previously known as the Musée de Cluny. Herein lies such sites as the Gallo-Roman Baths, Medieval Mansion, and the Gallo-Roman Frigidarium. Specific artifacts to see within its walls include the tapestry of the “Lady with the Unicorn”, the collection of 28 stone heads of the Kings of Judah called the “Gallery of Kings” and two books of the “Books of Hours” from the 15th century. One of the finest collections of medieval art is kept here. It is also considered as perhaps the most outstanding medieval building in all of Paris.

Musée de la Préfecture de Police (The Museum of the Prefecture of Police)

This slightly intimidating French police museum is worth a visit. Though labels are in French, they offer a guide in English. This museum shows a darker side of Paris as it traces and illustrates the development of the police from the Middle Ages to the present. The museum contain evidence, photographs, letters of famous criminal cases.

STREETS AND AREAS TO WALK:

Place St-Michel (Saint Michel Square)

The St Michel Square contains a fountain by Davioud. See also the Bronce Statue by Duret showing St. Michael killing a dragon. It is full of charming coffee and book stores.

Rue du Chat qui Pêche

The Rue du Chat qui Pêche literally translates to, “the street of the cat that fishes”, has hardly changed in its 200 year history.

Rue du Fouarre

During the Middle Ages the Rue du Fouarre hosted lectures to students sitting on straw.

Rue Galande

The famous street, the Rue Galande, is more famous now for its taverns, but once was home to the rich and chic of the 17th century.

Boulevard St-Michel

The Boulevard St-Michel, or “Boul’ Mich” as it is known to the locals, is a lively mix of cafes, book shops, clothing stores and sports nightclubs and several experimental cinemas. Marble plaques commemorate the many students who died here in 1944 fighting the Nazis.

Place Maubert

This square has a dark history including the place where many Protestants were burned alive at the stoke or otherwise executed in the 16th century. Prior to that in the 12th and 13th century open air lectures were delivered as it developed into a scholastic center. Today that reputation has been replaced with respectability and a wonderful street market.

Rue Saint-Jacques

Behind the Sorbonne lies Rue Saint-Jacques an ancient thorough-fare which existed before the Roman conquest.

Boulevard Saint-Germain

The Boulevard Saint Germain two very famous intellectual cafe. Nearly across the street from one another, the Cafe de Flore and Les Deux Magots have been the scene of many debates and philosophical discourse.

Book and Poster Vendors – Banks of the Seine

Lining the banks of the Seine are Parisian vendors that sell books, posters and other memorabilia out of their lock boxes. These vendors offer a slice of Paris in a way seen no where else in quite the same way.

PLACES TO EXPLORE:

The Panthéon

The Panthéon a magnificent neoclassical building completed in 1790. It is shaped as a Greek Cross and it’s Gothic styled architecture is awe inspiring. The Iron Framed Dome, Crypt and Colonnade are a must-see for visitors of the Latin Quarter. The Panthéon sits on top of the Montagene Sainte Geneviéve and overlooks all of Paris. Amongst the great buried there are Braille, Dumas, Huga, Marat, Curie, Voltaire and Zola.

Shakespeare & Co. Bookstore

This famous bookstore still owned and managed within the famous Whitman family stills boasts an impressive library collection of books. Books purchased still bear the famous stamp “Shakespeare & Co Kilométre Zéro Paris” However, Shakespeare & Co is best known for nurturing famous writers include Hemingway and Sylvia Beach.

La Sorbonne (The Sorbonne University)

Established in 1253 to teach 16 poor students theology. The Sorbonne soon become the center of theological study in Europe. The history of the Sorbonne spans eight centuries and includes political, cultural and historical intrigue. Whether one mentions that it was the first printing house of France or it’s opposition to liberal 18th century philosophy – it is definitely worth a close study. The buildings outside of the Capelle de la Sorbonne have been rebuilt and are the one seen today. The Sorbonne University helped mold the minds of such great thinkers as Simone de Beauvoir, Rene Descartes and Jean Paul Satre.

College de France

The College de France is one of of Paris’s great institutes of research and learning. It was established in 1530 by Francois I. The purpose envisioned by the great humanist Guillaume Budé and executed under the direction of the king was to counteract the intolerance and dogmatism of the Sorbonne. The unbiased approach to learning is reflected in the inscription to the entrance: docet omnia. Which means, “all are taught here”. Lectures are free and open to the public.

CHURCHES TO ADMIRE:

Church of St. Severin

This 13th century church took three centuries to build and is great example of Gothic Architecture. It has been overlaid through the centuries with additions and repairs. It is impressively broad compared with it’s length with stain glass that dates to the 14th and 15th centuries. The organ dates back to the mid 18th century.

Saint-Julien Le Pauvre

The Church of Saint-Julien Le Pauvre was rebuilt around 1170-1230 by monks of Longpont. It sits on a site of a succession of chapels dedicated to St-Julien. Since 1889 it has bee occupied by Melchites (Greek Catholics). Though usually closed to the public, it sits near Rue Galande one of the oldest streets of Paris dating back to the 14th century. A small garden adjacent to the church called the Square of René Viviani, claims the oldest tree in Paris planted in 1601. Also worth exploring is the nearby area of Rue St-Jacques towards St-Michel.

Saint-Nicolas Du Chardonnet

The current church stands on Rue Monge and the major part of the present church was built from 1656 – 1709. The interior contains some good paintings and sculptures including Le Brun’s painted “Martyrdom of St John the Evangelist and Corot’s study the “Baptism of Christ”.

Chapelle de la Sorbonne (The Sorbonne Chapel)

Looking onto the main courtyard of the Sorbonne, this chapel stands as a monument to Richelieu. It was built between 1635 and 1642. The unusual plan places the dome centrally, between nave and choir at equal length. Richelieu’s tomb is designed to give quite the impression whether being viewed from the west or alternatively from the north entrance. Visit during times of exhibitions or concerts as it is otherwise closed.

St-Etienne Du Mont

This remarkable and style spanning church is not only a shrine to St. Geneviéve but also houses the remains of great literary figures including Racine and Pascal. Some parts are styled after Gothic architecture and other parts from the Renaissance. The belfry tower dates back to the 16th century.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

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