36 Hours in the Paris’s Latin Quarter
Friends, I have a confession. I am not really a Paris person. I am not really sure why that is- I think, perhaps, Paris was my first solo trip abroad and I made some missteps and found the local to be less-than-friendly. I am a much more experienced traveller now but have managed to avoid going back to Paris and will do just about everything possible to avoid connecting through there. My mantra is ABCDG- Anywhere But Charles de Gaulle. Until now. When planning a recent trip to Europe, I found the most economical option by a long shot was to fly into Paris (CDG). I thought why not dip my toe in to see if my attitude has changed?
The Latin Quarter is on the left bank of the Seine in the 5th and 6th arrondissements. It is home to many academic institutions and that’s where it derives its name from- Latin was the language of higher education when the neighborhood was established in the middle ages. It is filled with bistros, cafes, shops, universities, and a number of historical sites.
Where I Stayed
The Hotel Clos Notre Dame is a cute boutique hotel located in the heart of the Latin Quarter and is steps away from the metro stop and the RER B line, which gets you to and from CDG. My room was clean and the bed was comfy. The front desk staff were friendly and helpful. I would definitely stay here again!
How I Got There and Got Around
After stumbling on Les Frenchies YouTube channel and watching their explainers on how to use the Paris metro, I opted to take the RER B line from CDG into the city, purchasing the ticket at the RER stop at the airport. I also bought a Navigo Easy Pass with 10 rides to get around in the city. Note- these are two different tickets. You have to buy an RER ticket separately from the Navigo Easy Card. The Bonjour RATP app is helpful and you can buy and top up your card that way.
What I Did
Paris is a 9 hour time difference from where I live in California, so my goal was to have enough to do to keep me awake during the day but not so much that I was exacerbating my exhaustion. As I said earlier, I have been to Paris before so I didn’t feel compelled to run myself ragged trying to see everything I possibly could. That is not my travel style anyway. These are the activities I had planned, but I also just walked around, stopped in cafes for an espresso or a spritz, and just soaked in the vibe.
- Free walking Tour of the Latin Quarter through Sandemans New Europe. These tours are usually really good. Just tip the guide what you think they deserve.
- Musee d’Orsay (not in the Latin Quarter, but a short metro ride away). Reservation strongly recommended and you’ll still have to wait in line for security. I liked this place much better than the Louvre, to be honest. Smaller, more approachable, somewhat less chaotic, artists I’d heard of.
- Boat Ride on the Seine offers some of the best views of the city and the Eiffel Tower, IMO. (Affiliate.)
- Went to Red Wheelbarrow Books. An English-language bookstore without the line that is usually in front of Shakespeare and Co.
Things I Wish I had Time For/Will Do Next Time
- Jazz Club
- Luxembourg Gardens (I just peeked in. Beautiful!)
- The Marie Curie Museum (I am a chemist, after all.)
- Tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte (also not in the Latin Quarter, but not far from from the d’Orsay Museum)
So does my dislike (or maybe indifference) regarding Paris still hold? It’s hard to form an opinion after only a day and a half in a hazy, sleep-deprived state but I think this may be how I will visit Paris in the future. Small, bite-sized visits when on my way somewhere else. Pick a place and stay for a couple of days to explore. Maybe the city will grow on me and eventually I will be yet another “Paris person.”
