14Quartier Latin Collège des Bernardins The Latin Quarter, situated in the 5th arron- An extraordinary vestige of a Cistercian col- dissement, is a must-see! Parisians, students lege dating from the 13th century. Visitors and tourists rub shoulders all year long in can admire the nave and the former sac- the area’s numerous cafes and restaurants, risty. The site organizes numerous events. renowned for their convivial and relaxed 20 rue de Poissy (5th). M Cardinalo atmosphere. The area also boasts dozens Lemoine. 01 53 10 74 44. of tourist sites. While strolling through the www.collegedesbernardins.fr quarter, you will come across the Sorbonne University, the Collège de France, the Rues Paradis Latin Mouffetard and Monge and the Place de la This cabaret, housed in a building con- Contrescarpe. The Paradis Latin, Théâtre structed by Gustave Eiffel, was one of the de l’Odéon and Caveau de la Huchette are first created in the capital. amongst some of the area’s most popular 28 rue du Cardinal Lemoine (5th). show and music venues. M Cardinal Lemoine.o 01 43 25 28 28. 5th. M Cluny – La Sorbonne.o www.paradislatin.com 15 Panthéon Arènes de Lutèce This vestige of the capital’s Gallo-Roman history (1st-2nd centuries) is now a peaceful park in the heart of the Latin Quarter. 49 rue Monge (5th). M Cardinal Lemoine.o www.paris.fr Grande Mosquée de Paris Its architecture is inspired by the Alhambra in Granada, in Spain. The minaret and prayer The Panthéon’s iconic silhouette and dome room are an essential part of any visit. For stand out on the top of the Montagne a relaxing experience, try the hammam and Sainte-Geneviève, the historic hill of the the tea room. Latin Quarter. Since the days of the French 2 bis place du Puits-de-l’Ermite (5th). Revolution, this former church, dedicated M Place Monge.o 01 45 35 97 33. to the patron saint of Paris, has housed a www.mosqueedeparis.net necropolis, in its crypt, of well-known French figures: Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, Alexandre Abbaye Royale du Val-de-Grâce Dumas, Simone Veil, etc. From April to Octo- The Val-de-Grâce houses the museum of the ber, tourists can enjoy fine views of the cap- military hospital. The dome, baldachin (cere- ital from the colonnade of the dome. monial canopy) and pai ti gsby Philippe de Place du Panthéon (5th). Champaigne are some of the site’s treasures. M Cardinal Lemoine.o 01 44 32 18 00. Abbaye: 277 rue Saint-Jacques (5th). Daily, except 1 Jan, 1 May and 25 Dec. 1 Apr to Musée du Service de santé des armées: 30 Sept: 10am-6.30pm. 1 Oct to 31 March: 10am- 1 place Alphonse Laveran (5th). 6pm. Full rate: €9. www.paris-pantheon.fr RER B Port Royal. 01 40 51 51 92. www.ecole-valdegrace.sante.defense.gouv.fr plus… DID YOU KNOW? Jardin Tino Rossi The Bald Soprano, the cult play by Situated along the banks of the Seine, the Eugène Ionesco, has been running at garden is home to an outdoor sculpture the Théâtre de la Huchette since Febru- museum. In summer, it is transformed into ary 1957! It holds the world record for a a giant dance floor. play staged uninterruptedly at the same 2 quai Saint-Bernard (5th). venue. As the author himself wrote, ‘a M Gare d’Austerlitz.o www.paris.fr huge success in a tiny theatre’! THE LEFT BANK 35