Tour of Latin Quarter
(3km, 45mn)

For those attending the "chill event" dinner on thursday, the organizers propose a guided tour between the conference and the restaurant that will pass through many of the interesting places of Latin Quarter.

The "Latin Quarter" is one of the oldest parts of Paris. Its name goes back to the Middle Ages, when the district already gathered schools and universities where courses were given in the Latin language. It is a meeting place for Parisians and tourits who enjoy walking in a friendly and animated ambiance. As you walk, you may discover splendid museums, roman remainings, exceptional monuments, prestigious educational institutions, many pedestrian areas, and splendid gardens.

If you really don't want to get lost, a GPX track of this itinerary can be downloaded here.

Start from École des Mines

Turn left into Boulevard Saint-Michel, with the bucolic jardin du Luxembourg to the left. Built by baron Haussmann, the boulevard Saint-Michel is an important traffic route between north and south of Paris.

When reaching rue Soufflot, look right to the Panthéon, the rest place of personalities that built the Nation, such as Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Rousseau, Pierre and Marie Curie.

Continue to place de la Sorbonne. Admire the entrance of la Sorbonne, the first universtiy founded in 1253 by Pierre de Sorbon, chaplain and confessor to king Saint-Louis; the Sorbonne was originally a college of theology for poor students.

Walk along the Sorbonne by turning left onto Rue de la Sorbonne. Turn right onto Rue des Écoles, then left onto Rue Saint-Jacques. After crossing the famous Boulevard Saint-Germain, take Rue Dante until you reach Rue Galande, where you take a left into.

Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre Church is located on the right. Built in the 12th century, it is one of the oldest churches in Paris. Supported by exterior buttresses, the building exudes a unique charm — just like its listed interior, featuring Gothic columns adorned with harpies and a beautiful collection of icons dating back to 1900.

Step into the elegant and charming Square René Viviani, right next to the church. There, you'll find the oldest tree in Paris - a black locust planted in 1601 — and a stunning view of one of the city's most iconic medieval monuments: Notre-Dame de Paris.

Exit at the upper end of the square onto Rue de la Bûcherie. After crossing Rue du Petit Pont, head straight into the lively Rue de la Huchette.

Once you reach Place Saint-Michel, you’ll see the famous Saint-Michel Fountain, although it is currently under restoration. This monumental fountain depicts the Archangel Michael fighting Evil, framed by a triumphal arch and pink marble columns that echo the architecture of the surrounding buildings.

Turn right onto Pont Saint-Michel and take a moment to admire the view over Paris and the iconic booksellers along the riverbanks. Once on the Île de la Cité, continue along Boulevard du Palais. On your left, you'll pass the Sainte-Chapelle, the Palais de Justice, and the Conciergerie. Look up to admire the magnificent clock — a Parisian treasure. It’s the city’s oldest public clock, continuously giving the time since 1371, though transformed many times over the centuries.

Turn left onto Quai de l'Horloge and continue until Rue de Harlay on your left, which opens onto the beautiful Place Dauphine. Walk through this charming square and turn left onto Pont Neuf. Cross the bridge while taking in the spectacular views on both sides.

Once across, turn left onto Quai des Grands Augustins, then right onto Rue des Grands Augustins. This will lead you to Rue Saint-André des Arts. Turn left here and you’ll arrive at Café Latin (number 30), where we’re meeting for dinner at 8:15 PM.

For those who’d like to extend the walk a bit: instead of turning left on Rue Saint-André des Arts, go right. After passing Rue André Mazet, take the passage on the left — Cour du Commerce Saint-André. This lively, pedestrian passage is full of charm and leads to Boulevard Saint-Germain. Along the way, you’ll discover the famous Café Procope, one of Saint-Germain-des-Prés’ legendary literary cafés.