The Latin Quarter

Welcome to the Latin Quarter. You might assume the name comes from Roman ruins or ancient history, and yes, those exist here too. But the real reason is more alive than that. Until well into the 18th century, students and professors from across Europe wandered these exact streets speaking Latin to each other. In the tavernes, in the colleges, on the cobblestones under your feet. No Latin? You were an outsider.

That tradition started here at the Sorbonne, founded in 1257, and it shaped everything around you. The narrow streets, the bookshops, the cafés where someone always seems to be arguing about something important.

Now look around you in Square René-Viviani. That slightly leaning tree propped up by a concrete pillar is not some quirky art installation. That is the oldest tree in Paris. A black locust planted in 1601 by botanist Jean Robin. Over four hundred years old, and still here, held upright by a concrete crutch like a very elderly professor who refuses to retire.

Across from you stands Notre-Dame, and just beside it, Shakespeare and Company. Books, history, a stubborn old tree. The Latin Quarter has always known how to keep good company.