Latin Quarter, Paris

Latin Quarter
Quartier latin
The Sorbonne Chapel.
Map
Country France
RegionÎle-de-France
VilleParis
Arrondissement5th

The Latin Quarter of Paris (French: Quartier latin, IPA: [kaʁtje latɛ̃]) is an urban university campus in the 5th and the 6th arrondissements of Paris. It is situated on the left bank of the Seine, around the Sorbonne.

Known for its student life, lively atmosphere, and bistros, the Latin Quarter is one of the oldest parts of the universities of Paris. It continues to be the heart of the universities and Grandes écoles that succeeded the University of Paris, such as:

But also of:

Other Grandes écoles such as the École polytechnique have relocated in recent times to more spacious settings, notably in Paris-Saclay.

The area gets its name from the Latin language, which was widely spoken in and around the University during the Middle Ages, after the twelfth century philosopher Pierre Abélard and his students took up residence there.[1]

  1. ^ Horne, Alistair (2004). La Belle France. USA: Vintage. p. 18. ISBN 9781400034871.