The Hotel Perreyve in Paris

The Panthéon and Sorbonne form the historic heart of the Latin Quarter (10 minutes on foot from the hotel). The Latin Quarter, one of Paris’ symbolic locations, is characterised by its university tradition. Since the foundation of the Sorbonne in the 13th century, the Latin Quarter has been influenced by knowledge and its sharing - originally in Latin, hence the name. Ever lively, the area has become one of Paris’ top tourist spots.

The Panthéon, built by architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot by decree of Louis XV, was constructed in honour of Saint Genevieve on the hill of the same name. For political reasons, the Panthéon lost its religious vocation several times due to revolutions and different governments. Once Victor Hugo died, it became the resting place of the greatest men and women of France the world has known. In its crypt lie, among others, Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Léon Gambetta, Jean Jaurès, Emile Zola, Jean Moulin, Pierre and Marie Curie, André Malraux, Alexandre Dumas and Simone Veil. From April to October, you can enjoy a view over Paris from the dome’s colonnade.

Upon leaving the Panthéon, the eastern part of the Latin Quarter with the Place de la Contrescarpe and Rue Mouffetard is one of the oldest in all Paris. Occupied in the 1st century by the Romans and an intellectual centre of Europe upon the creation of the university in the 13th century, this area is also symbolised by the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève and its history is closely linked to that of Paris. Always lively, the Place de la Contrescarpe has kept its traditional atmosphere symbolised by its collection of cabarets and numerous cafés and restaurants. At No 1, a plaque commemorates the Cabaret de la Pomme which once stood here and which was frequented by great 17th century writers such as Rabelais. Rue Mouffetard is one of the oldest roads in Paris. Extremely picturesque, it’s one of the Latin Quarter’s hotspots due to its numerous restaurants. With a length of 650 m, it takes a gentle slope down the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève.