Where to Stay in the Latin Quarter

My wife and I exploring the Latin Quarter, across the Seine from the Notre Dame.

• Best Hotels in the Latin Quarter
  Parc-Saint Séverin • Hotel phone: +33 1 43 54 32 17
  Maison Colbert • Hotel phone: +33 1 56 81 19 00
  Les Dames du Panthéon • Hotel phone: +33 1 43 54 32 95
  Villa d’Estrées • Hotel phone: +33 1 55 42 71 11
• Best Value/Midrange Hotels
  Citadines Saint-Germain • Hotel phone: +33 1 44 07 70 00
  Le Notre Dame Saint Michel • Hotel phone: +33 1 43 54 20 43
  Hôtel du Collège de France • Hotel phone: +33 6 58 53 76 04
  Hôtel Vendôme Saint Germain • Hotel phone: +33 1 43 26 80 98
  Paris Art Hotel • Hotel phone: +33 1 43 26 83 64
  French Theory • Hotel phone: +33 1 43 54 58 10

Why Stay in the Latin Quarter: The Historic Heart of Paris

The Latin Quarter (Arrondissement 5) is the historic, intellectual, and bohemian soul of Paris. Home to the Sorbonne University since the Middle Ages, its name comes from the Latin that once filled its streets. Today, it’s a lively maze of narrow medieval alleys, bustling squares, and ancient churches, buzzing with student energy and packed with history at every turn. While some streets are very touristy, the neighborhood as a whole offers a vibrant, central base with a less formal and more energetic atmosphere than other districts. I highly recommend it for history buffs, budget-conscious travelers, and anyone who wants to be in the middle of the action.

Iconic Shakespeare & Company bookstore in the Latin Quarter.

Best Things to Do in the Latin Quarter

• Explore the Paris Islands: The city’s historic epicenter, Île de la Cité, is just a walk across the bridge from the Latin Quarter. You can now visit the reopened Notre Dame Cathedral to admire its restored interior. Steps away is the breathtaking Sainte-Chapelle; for the best experience, visit on a sunny day to see its magnificent stained-glass windows glow, or book a ticket for one of the magical evening classical music concerts held inside. Afterwards, cross the small footbridge behind Notre Dame to its quieter, more residential neighbor, Île Saint-Louis. This charming island feels like a small 17th-century village and is the perfect place for a peaceful stroll and a scoop of legendary ice cream from Berthillon.
• Visit the Panthéon: Explore this magnificent mausoleum, the final resting place of France’s national heroes like Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, and Marie Curie.
• Browse Shakespeare and Company: Get lost in the legendary English-language bookstore overlooking the Seine. It’s a pilgrimage site for book lovers and one of the most magical shops in Paris.
• Explore the Luxembourg Gardens: Relax in one of the city’s most beautiful and beloved parks. Stroll the tree-lined paths, admire the Medici Fountain, and watch Parisians play chess and sail toy boats on the Grand Bassin.
• Walk the Medieval Streets: The best way to experience the Latin Quarter is on foot. Wander from the lively hub of Place Saint-Michel down historic streets like Rue de la Huchette and Rue Galande.
• Shop on Rue Mouffetard: Experience one of Paris’s oldest and liveliest market streets. It’s packed with fromageries, boulangeries, and produce stands, offering a true taste of local life.
• Discover the Cluny Museum: This is the National Museum of the Middle Ages, housed in a stunning Gothic mansion. It’s home to the world-famous “The Lady and the Unicorn” tapestries.

The Parc-Saint Séverin is our favorite hotel in the Latin Quarter.

Best Hotels in the Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter is known for its charming and historic boutique hotels rather than grand palaces.

Boutique Hotels
• Parc-Saint Séverin: A small classic hotel located on a quiet street in the bustling heart of the neighborhood.
• Les Dames du Panthéon: A chic and stylish hotel celebrating famous women, with some rooms offering direct, stunning views of the Panthéon.
• Maison Colbert: An elegant and sophisticated hotel in a historic building, offering fantastic views of Notre Dame Cathedral from some rooms.
• Villa d’Estrées: A luxurious and intimate hotel with traditional Parisian decor, tucked away on a quiet street near the Seine.
• Hôtel Saint-André des Arts: A historic and artistic hotel with a bohemian vibe, perfectly located between the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain.
• Relais Christine: Located in Saint-Germain, but this wonderful hotel still feels like it’s in the heart of the Latin Quarter.

The Le Notre Dame Saint Michel, directly across from the Notre Dame.

Mid-Range & Best Value
• Le Notre Dame Saint Michel: A simple hotel in an unbeatable location, with some rooms offering incredible, direct views of Notre Dame Cathedral.
• Citadines Saint-Germain: A fantastic aparthotel offering studios and apartments with kitchenettes, perfect for families and longer stays, located right on the Seine.
• French Theory: A modern and unique hotel with a cultural, music-focused vibe, located right next to the Sorbonne.
• Hôtel du Collège de France: An excellent-value hotel with a classic feel and a superb location in the heart of the district.
• Hôtel Vendôme Saint Germain: A clean, comfortable, and reliable hotel offering great value just a few steps from the Panthéon.
• Paris Art Hotel: A simple, budget-friendly hotel with a prime location for exploring the neighborhood’s main sights.

Getting Around

• Walking: This is one of the best neighborhoods in Paris for exploring on foot. You can easily walk to Notre Dame, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le Marais, and the Louvre.
• Metro/RER: The area is incredibly well-connected. The Saint-Michel Notre-Dame station is a major hub, served by Metro Line 4 and RER lines B and C.
• Best Airport Connection: The RER B line, which stops at Saint-Michel, offers a direct, easy, and cheap train link to Charles de Gaulle (CDG). This is a huge convenience.