Paris Neighbourhoods: The Latin Quarter
I love all of Paris dearly, and as such it’s difficult for me to pick my favourite neighbourhood. But Latin Quarter, I love you. Me love you long time. While I’ve already written about the effect the Eiffel Tower has on me, I also have a sweet spot for the Latin Quarter. Nestled in the 5th arrondissement, the Latin Quarter may seem intimidating at first. After all, the densely packed streets are noisy and full to the brim with tourists and performers. Street vendors, peddling their wares, accost you to buy Eiffel Tower keychains, and the dizzying array of restaurants leave you at a loss for where and what to eat- there’s just way too much choice. But despite such annoyances, I navigate the jungle of the quartier latin with relish, because, despite the chaos, the atmosphere is too vibrant and exciting to pass up.
I always make it a point to spend some time here when I’m in Paris (I visited the Latin Quarter when I was in Paris last January), but this time I was lucky enough to stay at the Hotel Saint Paul Rive Gauche, located a stone’s throw from all the action. I loved this hotel- and not only because of its proximity to the quarter I unabashedly adore. A cozy 3-star affair, rooms are warmly decorated and spotless.
The Hotel Saint Paul is inexpensive and the rooms big and airy by Parisian standards. The washrooms are newly renovated, a fact that made me, a noted germaphobe, want to break out into song. The owners are fiercely protective of their jewel, the hotel having been passed down through 4 generations, and know most of their customers by name, facilitated by the fact that they have many repeat customers! Rooms are often booked solid on the weekends.
But of course, as usual, I digress. I wanted to tell you more about the Latin Quarter. My first day in the area, I strolled through the winding streets of the quarter. Ravenous, I attempted to choose from the daunting spread of restaurants lining the narrow sidewalks.
Then I saw it.
My recommendation? When in Paris, you MUST eat un kebab. Gyros are probably the tastiest, most filling, and most budget-conscious meal you can get in the City of Lights. While I was dismayed at how expensive a piece of cake is at Paris’ most chic pastry shop, Angelina’s, for less than five euros ($ 7 USD) I got this massive bad boy and a Coke. A shaved meat sandwich stuffed with french fries? Um, yes please. Heaven in a bun!
The other thing I enjoy in the Latin Quarter is the abundance of free entertainment. As I sat and ate my kebab, I was serenaded by these guys:
And during my stroll through the petites ruelles after my meal, I stumbled upon this engaging juggler:
