The fifth arrondissement in Paris is also called the Latin Quarter, because the first university in Paris, namely The Sorbonne, grew up here. This neighborhood was once considered very bohemian thanks to the students who lived there, because of its proximity to the university, and because of the writers and poets who lived here because they couldn't find anywhere else they could afford.
All of that is over, and today the 5th arrondissement is considered one of the most expensive and bourgeois districts. And yet, its charm has been preserved to this day, whether it's due to nostalgia or the beautiful buildings, lively streets, and wonderful food markets.
Secrets of Le Marais: A Journey into the Historic and Chic Heart of Paris
Join us on a virtual journey to the most fascinating district in Paris. Together we will discover hidden courtyards, French nobility, and the true stories behind the magnificent facades.
Museums in the 5th arrondissement of Paris
Cluny Medieval Museum (Musée de Cluny)
- Address: 6 Place Paul Painlevé
- Metro: Maubert-Mutualité
- Museum type: Payment
- Opening days and hours: The museum is open from 09:30 AM to 18:15 PM, every day except Monday. In addition, the museum is closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25.
More info: The museum is located in the Hôtel de Cluny, the second oldest building in Paris, and is dedicated to medieval art. The most famous exhibits there are the tapestry “Lady with the Unicorn” and the original statues of the Kings of Judah from Notre Dame Cathedral, which were thought to have been destroyed during the French Revolution And were found several decades ago in a Parisian apartment in the 9th arrondissement. A very nice museum in my opinion, suitable for history buffs and advanced Francophiles.
You can combine your visit to the museum with a guided, high-quality walking tour, which will give you an extensive overview of the Paris In the Middle Ages. On the tour you will also visit Notre Dame and the Fountain of the Innocents.
Paris Police Museum
- Address: 4 Rue de la Montagne Sainte Geneviève
- Metro: Maubert-Mutualité
- Museum type: free
- Opening days and hours: Open Monday to Friday from 09:00 AM to 17:00 PM.
A few words about the museum: One of my "secret" museums that tells the story of the Paris police and their fight against crime. Here you can find quite a few interesting things like the blade of the first guillotine, 18th century police uniforms and the biggest crime stories of Paris. It is recommended to combine this free museum with your Travelers in the Latin Quarter.
Attractions in the 5th arrondissement
The Pantheon
- Address: Pantheon square
- Metro: Cardinal-Lemoine, Maubert-Mutualité
- Museum type: Payment
- Opening days and hours: Every day between 10:00-18:00.
A few words about the Pantheon: A must-see for French history buffs, as all the greats of the French nation are buried here (Victor Hugo, Emile Zola and more). It is recommended to visit here if you are doing the Hemingway's Paris itinerary And while you're there, don't miss the charming Saint Étienne du Mont church.
If you would like to read more about the Pantheon, you are welcome to visit the article The Pantheon – the secular tomb of France's greats.
Walking tour of the Latin Quarter
There is so much history and so much to see that one itinerary will not be enough for you. So let me suggest some options that you can incorporate into your trip.
Free walking tours in the 5th arrondissement of Paris
- The first option is A walking route along Boulevard Saint-Germain, which will take you from the beginning of the boulevard in the 5th arrondissement to the Saint-Germain-des-Prés church located in6th District.
- Another option is Paris tour itinerary following Hemingway, which is a kind of complement to the first tour route. Here you will discover Moffatar Street with its many food shops, Counterscrub Square, next to which Hemingway lived, Luxembourg Gardens And so on. Like the previous route, this route also ends in the 6th arrondissement, and Hemingway fans may even deviate from it and reach the 14th arrondissement, where some of his favorite cafes were located.
Guided tours in Hebrew
There is no doubt that due to the historical richness found in the Latin Quarter it is highly recommended to take at least guided tour One with a good guide. Such a tour will allow you to delve deeper into the secrets of the district and will enhance your vacation.
If you are interested in tours in Hebrew, you are welcome to take a look atThe Complete Guide to Tour Guides in Paris and find some recommended guides there. If you and I are both lucky and happen to be in Paris at the same time, you are welcome to joinMy Market Tour in the Latin Quarter.
Guided tours in English
Looking for what else to do in Paris?
- Visit the page Paris' museums and attractions And see what can be found in the other districts of the City of Lights.
- Do you like exhibitions? Come toRecommended exhibitions in the museums of Paris.
- Interested in taking a day trip outside of Paris? Visit the page Attractions outside Paris.
- Looking for an interesting show? Don't miss it. The shows and cabarets page.