The Latin Quarter is marked by two traditions, religion and education. In the Fifth century, it was King Clovis who began to build a religious sanctuary, eventually paving the way for creation of the Saint Genevieve Abbey. In 1113, Louis VI founded the abbey of Saint Victor. During the following centuries, a multitude of religious communities would establish themselves around these two monasteries. The 16th century would further the sanctity of this area with the edification of the Val-de-Grace church and convent, as well as the reconstruction of the Saint-Nicolas-du-Chardonnet Church. Eventually, the arrival of the religious dissidents would give the neighborhood its intellectual heritage. This movement would spark the creation of the University of Paris and the incorporation of many of its colleges and institutions. In the 1700’s Francois I would create the College of France and the Revolution would see the creation of the Ecole Normale and Ecole Polytechnique. Paris’ two largest lycées or public high schools, Louis le Grand and Henri IV, would be creations of Napoleon in the First Empire.
From the summit of mount Saint-Genevieve, one has a perspective of two impressive buildings of the Latin Quarter. The first is the Pantheon where a majority of France’s political figures are buried. There is also the Church of Saint-Etienne-du-Mont with its exceptional Renaissance architecture. Just below is the Sorbonne/University of Paris and its amphitheatre, Place Saint-Michel and its splendid fountain as well as the College of France. Don’t forget to stop into the Cluny Museum which is dedicated to the Middle Ages (www.musee-moyenage.fr). Part of it is housed in baths which dates to the Gallo-Roman period, two centuries after Jesus Christ. Finally, there is the Arab World Institute designed by architect Nouvel.
The Trap, the oldest sex bar in the capital.
Le Petit Prince, one of the oldest gay restaurants of Paris and le Ziryab, situated atop the Arab Institute, for an exceptional view of Paris and a fine sampling of eastern cuisine. Finally, if you really want to spoil yourself, the Tour d’Argent restaurant for its traditional canard au sang. Please note, this is one of the most expensive and exclusive restaurants of Paris and proper dress is required.
