5th Arrondissement
Paris, Île-de-France, 75005
The 5th arrondissement—also known as the Latin Quarter—is a district of Paris on the left bank of the River Seine, where ancient Gallo-Roman ruins are situated. As home to the Sorbonne University, the area often bustles with students. Among its highlights are the Panthéon, a crypt housing famous French artists and intellectuals, and the Jardin des Plantes, a large botanical garden containing several museums.
The Basics
Beyond its historic sights, the 5th Arrondissement is a popular destination for dinner and drinks and is well worth exploring on foot or as part of a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Make a point to walk down Cours du Commerce St André, a quaint, cobblestoned stretch of shops and restaurants. To enjoy a night on the town, head to the 5th for a cabaret show and dinner; it's best to book advance tickets to secure seats.
Things to Know Before You Go
History fans shouldn't miss a stroll on Rue Saint-Jacques, one of the oldest streets in Paris.
Shakespeare and Company—a longstanding independent bookseller with a vast selection of English-language books—draws literary enthusiasts.
Museumgoers find several standout institutions in the 5th, including the Musée Curie, and Cluny Museum, which features an intact Roman bath complex.
How to Get There
Most travelers get to the 5th Arrondissement by public transportation. To travel by metro, take the 7 or 10 lines to the Jussieu metro stop. You can also continue to additional stops on either line—the 7 runs south along Rue Monge, and the 10 runs east on Rue Saint-Germain. If you plan on visiting the Panthéon, hop on the 75 or 89 bus, and get off at the Panthéon stop. Some tours include roundtrip transport.
When to Get There
There's no bad time to visit 5th Arrondissement, but it's best to visit during the day if you want to shop and explore the Jardin des Plantes. Sunday is a great day for a stroll, but some shops may be closed, so plan accordingly. If you want to visit for dinner, call in advance for a reservation at the more popular restaurants, and expect to wait for a table on the weekend.
Exploring the Jardin des Plantes
Visitors to the 5th Arrondissement should plan for a stroll through Jardin des Plantes, a stunning park replete with flower displays and walking paths. This oasis was originally founded under the reign of Louis XIII, and it remains a must-see destination today. Beyond the botanical gardens, you can visit the Museum of Natural History and an intimate zoo.The gardens are free, but there is a fee for the zoo.
Ways to explore
Beyond its historical and natural sights, the 5th arrondissement is a popular destination for dinner and drinks and is well worth exploring on foot or as part of a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Make a point to walk down Cours du Commerce St. André, a quaint cobblestoned stretch of shops and restaurants. To enjoy a night on the town, head to the 5th arrondissement for a cabaret show and dinner; it’s best to book tickets in advance to secure seats.
Accessibility
The Panthéon features ramps and elevators for wheelchair access. It’s best to check individual attractions for their specific accessibility features before visiting.
Age limits
None
What to pack
A good book to blend in with the intellectual-looking types in the cafés around the Sorbonne.
What to wear
Comfy shoes, sun hat, reusable shopping bag
Not allowed
Food, drinks, and filming aren’t allowed in the Panthéon.
Amenities
Public restrooms can be found on and around Rue Monge.
Address
It’s easy to reach the 5th arrondissement via public transportation. Some tours include round-trip transport, and you can also walk there from the Île de la Cité.
Driving
It’s best to avoid driving in central Paris as the city can be congested, and parking can be tricky and expensive. If you must, head to landmarks such as the Sorbonne, Panthéon, and Jardin des Plantes and park in parking garages or on the street.
Public transportation
Take metro lines 7 or 10 to Jussieu, or continue to additional stops on either line—the 7 runs south along Rue Monge, and the 10 runs east on Rue Saint-Germain. If you plan on visiting the Panthéon, hop on the 24, 75, or 89 bus and get off at the Panthéon stop.
Best times to visit
Visit during the day if you want to shop and explore the Jardin des Plantes, or in the evening for dinner and nightlife—make reservations for popular restaurants.
Best days to visit
Sunday is a great day for a stroll, with less traffic, although some shops may be closed, so plan accordingly.
Best months to visit
There’s no bad month to see Paris, but it is busiest with tourists from June to August. Plan a trip between April and October for the most pleasant weather for walking outdoors and admiring the street scenes, architecture, and Jardin des Plantes.
Special events
The Quartier du Livre (Festival of Literature) takes place in the 5th arrondissement in June, and some other city-wide festivals host events in this area, including the Fête de la Musique (also in June).
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