Paris: A day in the Latin Quarter 

Step-by-step guide for exploring the 5th arrondissement 

Historical markets, Roman ruins, iconic landmarks, and of course, mind-blowing good food can all be found in the Latin Quarter. If you’re wanting to maximize your day while taking in the sights, smells, and tastes of everyday Paris, here’s my recommended day in the 5th arrondissement. 

You could easily break this list of must-see places into two days for a slower pace, which would be more of my style of travel. I’ll admit, it’s hard to resist picking up items for a picnic and forgoing the restaurants, but the two restaurants listed are two of my absolute favorites in all of Paris. Shop for a picnic if you’d like, but save that for an afternoon in Jardin de Luxembourg. 

Step-by-step directions

Start your day going back in time by visiting an ancient Roman arena

Constructed in the 1st century AD, Arènes de Lutèce could seat 15,000 people for shows and gladiator combats. It was later filled in around in the 13th century and the remains were not discovered again until the 1860s. Victor Hugo led a preservation committee that undertook saving the archaeological treasure and it eventually opened as a public square in 1896. 

Note: If you are taking the Metro, you can start at Place Monge and then walk 2.5 blocks north to the arena.

Enjoy an open-air market

Outside the Metro stop, Place Monge, you’ll find a popular open-air market featuring produce, cheese, meats, and small trinkets on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Say bonjour to the vendors, ask before taking pictures, but most importantly, enjoy the scene of everyday Paris unfolding before your eyes. 

Make your way to the oldest street in Paris, Rue Mouffetard

Origins of Rue Mouffetard date back to Neolithic times and its markets date back to Roman times over 2000 years ago. Partly pedestrian-only, “la Mouffe” is home to boutiques, and all sorts of food shops including chocolate, cheese, fish, meat, and baked goods. Take your time traversing the few blocks of this small medieval street–it’s meant for shopping, discovering, and feeling the heart of parisian life. 

From Place Monge, you can walk west via Rue Ortolan and then turn left onto Rue Mouffetard. On this northern end, you’ll find boutiques such as Chromatic filled with fun, reasonably priced jewelry, clothing, and other goods. Keep your eyes open for unique footwear–this is where I found one of my favorite pairs of Italian-made shoes (opens by 10:30 most days).

Continue meandering south, stopping in whatever store piques your interest. Perhaps chocolate is calling your name? Visit the highly-rated Mococha, a chocolate shop that features renowned chocolatiers that do not have signature shops in Paris. But try to resist eating lunch just yet–I promise your reward is near. 

At last, you’ll see the famous permanent food vendors with their delectable goods and vibrant produce spilling onto the pedestrian-only street. This is a staple for locals, especially on Sundays, where I’ve seen families filling their shopping bags and taking impromptu twirls in the street as traditional music is played by buskers. The joie de vivre is alive and well here.   

As you reach the end of Rue Mouffetard near the Église Saint-Médard, you will come upon a round-about where you can finally stop and eat!

Lunch destination: Cave La Bourgogne

As a reward for resisting all the other food temptations, this traditional, unpretentious brasserie will fill your belly and warm your heart. Every time I’ve come here, the service has been warm and welcoming. While most of their food I see on plates looks incredible, I cannot deviate from the salad of my dreams (yes, a salad), la salade complète.

The complete salad comes with everything from egg, soft cheese and hard cheeses, ham, potatoes, buttery crunchy bread, and of course, greens. I never thought I’d go all the way to Paris to eat a salad, but more than once, I trekked across the City of LIght to order the best salad I’ve ever had. But I promise, their menu has more than salads that will satisfy any craving. Rest your feet, order a bottle of wine, and enjoy.

Have some tea and walk off your lunch

Grande Mosquée de Paris tea room – stop here to sip on mint tea and sample small pastries while being surrounded by gorgeous mosaics and lush patios. This place is often busy in the afternoons filled with locals and tourists side-by-side. You can also tour the Mosque itself for a small fee. If you’re too full from lunch, skip this and go to Jardin des Plantes, but definitely save it as a place to come back to. 

From the Grande Mosquée, head north and take the first right. Across the street will be the Labyrinth of the Jardin des Plantes. Make your way through the labyrinth and head toward the right to enter Jardin des Plantes, a vast garden surrounded by greenhouses and museums that will take you all the way to the Siene. Spend the rest of the afternoon walking along the gravel paths, taking in the botanical garden while stopping along the way to sit on a park bench and people watch. 

After making your way to the park entrance, there’s an esplanade along the river (cross Quai St Bernard, turn left) to enjoy if you want to walk a little longer. 

Savor a memorable dinner at Le Petit Pontoise

Reservations recommended, this small restaurant is popular but for a good reason. Their food is delicious and their staff is excellent. I have found myself daydreaming about their “Ravioles gratinées de la Drôme” on many occasions. A speciality from South-Central France, these tiny cheese raviolis seem to be more cheese than pasta and simply melt in your mouth. While these are considered a starter, I could eat a plate all to myself. However, everything else I’ve tried on their menu, including escargot, is excellent. Make sure to leave room for multiple courses.  

Hope you enjoyed eating and walking your way through the Latin Quarter. Did I miss a favorite place of yours? Leave a comment!