A Tour of the Paris Latin Quarter with Memories France

I had the pleasure of taking a tour of the Paris Latin Quarter with Memories France. The tour was an amazing experience, and I learned a lot about this fascinating part of Paris. The Latin Quarter is full of history, and Memories France does an excellent job of bringing that history to life. If you're looking for a unique and interesting way to see the Paris Latin Quarter, I highly recommend Memories France!

While this tour was gifted to me by Memories France, all opinions are my own.

What is Paris's Latin Quarter?

The Latin Quarter of Paris is an area on the left bank of the Seine that was historically home to students of Sorbonne University. The quarter gets its name from the Latin language, which was the common language of academia in medieval Europe. Today, the Latin Quarter is a vibrant and lively part of Paris, full of cafes, shops, and students. It's also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city!

What to Expect on a Walking Tour with Memories France

Memories France is a company that offers tours throughout Paris, including the Latin Quarter, the catacombs, Norte Dame, and much more. I was lucky enough to take one of their tours, and it was a top-rate introduction to this bohemian hub. Our guide, Marion, was so knowledgeable about the history of the quarter, and she did an excellent job of bringing the stories to life. The tour was the perfect mix of walking and talking, especially during a heat wave!

Meet Your Tour Guide at Fontaine Saint-Michel

The tour begins at the Fontaine Saint-Michel, a beautiful fountain located in the center of the Latin Quarter. After introductions, your guide will take you on a walking tour of some of the most popular sights in the area. I got there about 30 minutes early so that I could grab a banana crepe at a takeaway cafe just a stone's throw away from the meeting point.

Stroll Down the Narrow Streets to Shakespeare and Co

.One of the highlights of the tour is a stop at Shakespeare and Co., the famous English-language bookstore on the Left Bank. The store has been in operation since 1919, and it's full of books, charms, and literary history. Be sure to take some time to explore all three floors! One of its most unique features is that staff members can apply to live in apartments above the store for free. But wait – there's a catch! Staff wishing to stay in the apartments must currently be writing a book in English and commit to reading an entire book every single day.

See Remnants of The Philippe Auguste Wall

Along the tour, you'll see remnants of the Philippe Auguste wall. This 12th-century wall was built to protect Paris from invaders, and it used to stretch for over 20 miles around the entire city. Today, you can see a small section of the wall near Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre Church. Marion, our tour guide, told us all about the history of the wall and how it was used to protect Parisians from harm.

Learn the Fascinating Story of Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre Church

Near the Philippe Auguste wall is Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre Church. The church got its name from a woman, Julien, who believed that if she prayed hard enough, the Huns invading France in 451 would spare Paris. Julien's prayers were answered, and Paris was saved! Or another more practical theory is that the Huns weren't interested in Paris because it did not hold the country's wealth at that time. Nonetheless, Paris was left unharmed, and Julien was considered a saint!

Take In the Breathtaking View of the Paris Panthéon

The tour ends with a stop at the Paris Panthéon, one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The Panthéon is a church that was built to honor France's greatest citizens. Some of the country's most famous people are buried there, including Voltaire, Rousseau, and Marie Curie. In fact, at the start of every presidential term, the French president is allowed to inter a French citizen to the Panthéon.

I recommend Memories France for anyone looking to explore the Latin Quarter! Marion was an excellent tour guide and I learned so much about the history of the area. I would definitely take another tour with them in the future! Thanks for a great experience, Memories France!