Overview
Don’t blame us if after our walking tour of the Latin Quarter, you decide to follow in the footsteps of writers like Hemingway and Fitzgerald and move here! Join us as we explore this charming and vibrant neighbourhood. On this 2.5-hour tour, we’ll begin at Notre-Dame Cathedral before making our way through the lively streets of the Latin Quarter, uncovering the fascinating stories and history that have made this one of Paris’s most beloved districts. You will enjoy a personalized and in-depth experience with one of our expert guides. From ancient Roman ruins to the prestigious Sorbonne University, the Latin Quarter is the neighbourhood that best represents Paris’s 2,000-year history. Alongside its grand monuments—such as the imposing Panthéon, the final resting place of France’s great thinkers—you’ll also discover iconic film locations, including those from Before Sunset and Midnight in Paris. Literary heritage is everywhere here, from the legendary Shakespeare & Co. bookstore to the tales of famous authors who once slept among its bookshelves. And who knows? By the end of the tour, perhaps you’ll be inspired to write your own novel. Just remember to dedicate it to us!
What you will be doing
Begin your tour on Île de la Cité, the island where Paris was first founded. Once called Lutetia by its Roman settlers, this historic site is the birthplace from which the city expanded.
See the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, the world’s most beloved church and a masterpiece of medieval Gothic architecture. Newly restored after the 2019 fire, it remains one of Paris’s most enduring symbols.
Pass by the monumental Saint-Michel Fountain, commissioned by Haussmann under Napoleon III and inspired by a painting by Raphael. It depicts the Archangel Michael vanquishing the Devil—or perhaps Napoleon III vanquishing his enemies.
Next, we will head toward Shakespeare and Company, Paris’s most beloved bookstore. Just minutes from Notre-Dame, this legendary shop provided refuge to literary figures of the Beat Generation in the 1950s and '60s.
Discover Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre, a Melkite Greek Catholic parish church and one of Paris’s oldest religious buildings. Nestled in Square René Viviani, this spot offers spectacular views of the south side of Notre-Dame.
Visit Saint-Séverin, the oldest and largest Gothic church on the Left Bank. Admire its stunning stained glass and medieval architecture.
Also known as the National Museum of the Middle Ages, this museum is housed in a gorgeous abbey built upon and incorporating the remnants of third-century Gallo-Roman thermal baths, some of the oldest structures in the city.
This prestigious institution became the epicenter of knowledge in France. Closely linked to academia, royalty, and social movements, discover the rich and often provocative history of France's most famous university.
We will then make our way to the Panthéon, originally built as a church dedicated to Saint Geneviève, now serving as a secular mausoleum. This monumental structure houses the remains of notable French figures such as Voltaire and Rousseau.
Explore the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens, situated on the border between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter. Inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence, they were created in 1612 at the initiative of Queen Marie de’ Medici and span 25 hectares.
If time permits, we will visit Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, a charming Baroque church that contains the shrine of Saint Geneviève, the tomb of Jean Racine, and remarkable architectural features.
See the Wall of Philip II Augustus, the oldest surviving city wall in Paris. This stone fortification was ordered by the French king before his departure for the Third Crusade.
Our tour will stop at Place de la Contrescarpe, one of Paris’s most charming squares, located just around the corner from the former homes of Hemingway, George Orwell, and James Joyce—to name a few!
Where we'll meet
🧭 Meeting/pick-up point: Cité Metro Station
🗺️ Instructions: Meet your guide outside the Cité Metro Station (Line 4). Please arrive 10 minutes before starting time. Your guide will reach out to you the morning of the tour for any URGENT matters. Please reply to their message. Their contact details will be sent to your email by the morning of your tour.
Things to know
Accessibility:
Children friendly
Wheelchair accessible
Fitness requirement
Moderate fitness level
Tour Language
English
License requirement
None
Additional information:
Max group size is 12.
Children under a 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Inclusion ✅
Tour guide
Entrance ticket
Exclusion ❌
Pick up and drop off transport
Gratuities
About your host
Babylon Tours ParisYou’ve seen it in the movies, but what do you really know about Paris? We’ll share its stories, secrets, and scandals with you while exploring all of the places you won’t find on your own. Wander the streets and museums of the world’s most popular city on a small group or private tour of Paris.
For every trip booked, Kodama Travel donates £1 to Just One Tree to restore our forests and the ocean.