Walking tour from Notre Dame de Paris to the Luxembourg garden
The Latin Quarter is one of Paris's best-known areas, located on the left bank of the Seine. Halfway between the 5th and 6th districts (from Saint Germain des Prés to the Luxembourg Garden), the world famous Sorbonne University can be found in its historic heart. The name of the Quartier Latin finds its origins in the fact that Latin was the sole language used in schools and medieval universities in the neighborhood. This area is nowadays very popular amongst students and teachers, since many institutes, universities, colleges, schools can be found there such as the Sorbonne, Jussieu, Mines of Paris, the fine arts and the Polytechnic school. The first literary coffee place in the world was even born in this high-profile, cutting-edge neiborhood: the Procope, still active today, was a privileged place to encounter the greatest thinkers, philosophers and writers of the Enlightenment.
You will meet by the statue of Charlemagne, on the Île de la Cité, where your experienced guide will be waiting for you to enter Notre Dame de Paris and find out more about the heart of the cathedral. You will then discover the house and the story of Abelard and Heloise, romantic heroes of the XII century whose love was forbidden. Walking along the Seine, you will then reach the Fontaine Saint Michel, located on the square with the same name, which has now become one of the most popular meeting places of Paris, overlooking the courthouse and the banks of the Seine. Going up the boulevard, your guide will take you to the famous Sorbonne University, whose construction began in 1253. You will arrive at the Pantheon, perched on the mountain Sainte Genevieve, a masterpiece of Soufflot architecture designed to honor the great characters that have marked the history of France. From the Pantheon, you will be able to see the garden of Luxembourg (where the Senate’s headquarters can be found), where your tour will end. If you have questions, your enthusiastic guide is there to meet you and share anecdotes and stories about the City of Light’s history.
