The Latin Quarter stretches along the left bank of the Seine between the river and the Palais du Luxembourg. Its historic centre is the renowned Sorbonne university, and it is the neighbourhood of choice for students in Paris. Its name comes from the fact that courses were given in Latin in medieval times. The Latin Quarter is a highly concentrated area of prestigious high schools, renowned universities, and leading graduate schools. The presence of these students and professors makes it one of the liveliest neighbourhoods in Paris, with its specialised book stores, booksellers in stalls along the quays, and famous cafés, like the Deux Magots, where Hemingway, Picasso and Simone de Beauvoir once spent their time.

Its narrow streets extend between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Jardin du Luxembourg, and are full of important sites for tourism and culture, such as the Panthéon and the National Museum of the Middle Ages. The Latin Quarter also includes La Huchette, a lovely pedestrian area, and famous venues such as the Paradis Latin and the Odéon theatre.