During the Middle Ages, Latin was the most predominant language spoken along the left bank of the Seine River near the Sorbonne University. In those days, all the university courses were taught in Latin so you had to speak Latin to get around there. Hence the name: Latin Quarter.

And speaking of the Sorbonne, it’s one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. The institution’s history can be traced back to the 13th century and was known as the University of Paris, which had a college called the Collège de Sorbonne that was founded in 1257 by Robert de Sorbon. This is where the “Sorbonne” name originates.

The Kongos went for a stroll through the Latin Quarter as part of a cozy little group tour of only four people led by an absolutely terrific guide named Hugo. Hugo is from Ireland and hails from a small town outside of Galway. It’s interesting to note that many of the best tour guides in France are from someplace other than France. Hugo has a background in ancient history, specifically the Imperial Roman Period of ancient history which made Kongo quiver with delight. As they walked about they chatted about the history of the Romans in Paris.

We started out by walking around the outside of the Notre Dame Cathedral, now undergoing extensive repairs caused by the devastating fire in April 2019 that destroyed much of the roof and the iconic spire.

Kongo was amazed to see the extent of the ongoing repairs. Officials now estimate that it will be completed next year. Except for the huge cranes, obviously, most of the repairs are being done using period tools and materials so the new cathedral will be pretty much like the old one.

We did a quick stop at the Shakespeare Book Store. This was the place where the Lost Generation and the likes of famous literary figures like Gertrude Stein and Ernest Hemingway once gathered. Even today struggling writers can get free room and board as long as they help out in the bookstore. As James Joyce, the famous Irish author of Ulysses noted, “Shakespeare is the happy hunting ground of all minds that have lost their balance.”

In the heart of the Latin Quarter there is a little something from America. It’s a 400+ year old locust tree that was planted in 1601 and is still going strong although the trunk is supported by some cement pillars cleverly camouflaged in ivy.

We walked through the amazing Church of Saint-Séverin, a Romanesque church where construction began in 1220. They have some really, really old churches in Paris. Saint Séverin was a devout hermit who dwelled at the site in the 6th century and died about 540.

There are some Roman baths in the quarter which made Kongo happy. They date to the 3rd century.

We eventually ended up at the Pantheon. This amazing building was built between 1758 and 1790. It was started by King Louis XV, but of course the French Revolution intervened. The French Revolutionary Committee voted to turn what was supposed to be a church to St. Genevieve into a national mausoleum for French heroes. That’s what it remains to this day although there were a few times in its history that it was changed back into a church.

Among those buried in its necropolis are Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Jean Moulin, Louis Braille, Jean Jaurès and Soufflot, its architect. Marie Curie was interred in 1995, the first woman interred on merit (and she was Polish!). It’s a big deal to be interred here.

Spending time in the Latin Quarter is a great way to spend an afternoon. There are plenty of great cafes and bars in the area too. Make sure you get yourself a good guide, like Hugo, to fully appreciate what you’re looking at.

Travel safe. Have fun.