During the Roman period Paris was the largest city in Northern Europe. The two major areas of interest to visitors are the Latin Quarter and rue Mouffetard. The Latin Quarter is the intellectual center of Paris and acquired its name around 1253 when all students and professors at the Sorbonne spoke Latin. Bookstores, schools, churches, jazz clubs, Roman ruins, publishing houses, and boutiques, characterize the district. It is the traditional center of what was called "bohemian Paris." It formed the setting for Puccini’s opera, 'La Boheme'. Rue Mouffetard is one of the oldest streets in Paris, a remnant of a roman road going to Rome via Lyon. The street retains a village atmosphere, with its famous picturesque open market held on the lower part. At the top end it leads into Place de la Contrescarpe which was made famous by Ernest Hemingway in his book about life in Paris. 'A Moveable Feast'. Place de la Contrescarpe was not created until 1852 but has been a busy junction since time immemorable, the 'village' square of the neighbourhood, and the haunt of writers, artists and students.

Latin Quarter
Sorbonne
Place St. Michel
Arab Institute
Paris Mosque
Pantheon
Musee du Moyen Age
Mouffetard area
Jardin des Plantes botanical gardens
Arènes de Lutece

More about the 5th arrondissement

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