ALX Guide: The 5th Arrondissement of Paris

The Latin Quarter is the heart of the 5th arrondissement of Paris. Famous for the highly acclaimed Sorbonne University, the district has become one of the trendiest areas in the city. The entire arrondissement is a treasure trove of beautiful bookshops, chill cafes, fascinating museums, and more. Its largely student-filled population produces a youthful and electric energy that you won't find in any other part of the city. The iconic Panthéon is a must-see too. It's a unique Romanesque structure where many iconic Parisians are laid to rest, including Voltaire, Marie Curie, Josephine Baker, and more.

 

 

 

 

Is The 5th Arrondissement of Paris Safe?

Don't let its bohemian spirit fool you! Despite how free and lively the 5th arrondissement gets, this is still one of the safer districts of the city. This is where you'll find some of the finest universities and government offices, after all. Not to mention a handful of tourist spots too. In a place filled with important institutions, it makes sense that security is tight here. No matter how high the crime rates in Paris may get, the 5th arrondissement will always remain one of the safer parts of Paris. 

  

Latin Quarter in The 5th Arrondissement of Paris

As already mentioned, the 5th arrondissement is home to the city's famous Latin Quarter, one of the French capitals many bohemian havens. With the Sorbonne University as its centerpiece, the area is filled with student-friendly cafes, scholarly bookshops, and hip hangouts for the city's youth. Despite how old—or rather vintage—the place looks, the Latin Quarter always pulsates with new and exciting energy. This is where the youth go to study, discuss ideas, form communities, and more. You can always bet that there's something new to discover at every corner of the Latin Quarter! 

  

  

What to See in the 5th Arrondissement of Paris

Whether you move to Paris and settle down in the 5th arrondissement or become its eternal visitor as a tourist, there's no doubt you'll find the area very interesting. It helps that there's a lot to see in this part of the city! There's the stately Panthéon, for example, which is a unique marvel of Romanesque architecture at the heart of the French capital. The building itself operates as a church but it is most famous as the final resting place of numerous historic figures in French history. including Marie Curie, Josephine Baker, Voltaire, and more. There's also Jardin des Plantes, one of the most beautiful parks in Paris. This flower-filled green space never fails to bring on botanical bliss. 

  

Things to Do in The 5th Arrondissement of Paris

The 5th arrondissement, specifically the Latin Quarter, is the best place to feel the bohemian heartbeat of the city. Go to its many cafes and bistros and meet people with different ideas. Explore its charming bookshops, especially the famous Shakespeare & Company on Rue de la Bûcherie and get lost in its literary revelry. And of course, eat at some of the finest restaurants the French capital has to offer. All in all, the 5th arrondissement is one of the best places to immerse yourself in authentic Parisian culture. There's no other neighborhood in Paris that can let you do that! 

  

  

Best Restaurants in The 5th Arrondissement of Paris

One of the best ways to explore the 5th arrondissement is through its satisfying culinary scene. Much like its youth-filled population, this district has a diverse set of hotspots. They range from bistros serving authentic French dishes to restaurants that highlight foreign cuisines. Le Bistrot Du Perigord on Rue Saint-Jacques is a perfect example of the former, beloved for its menu of local French favorites. On the other hand, there's also Pizzeria Arrivederci on Rue Gay-Lussac, one of the best places to get authentic Italian-style pizza in Paris. You'd swear you were whisked away to Rome or Naples with every slice! 

  

Here are more of the best restaurants in the 5th Arrondissement

  

• Au bon coin on Rue de la Collégiale

  

• Calice on Rue de Bazeilles

  

• La Nouvelle Seine on Port de Montebello

  

• La Table des Bernardins on Rue de Poissy

  

• LAVA on Rue de la Montagne Ste Geneviève

  

• Loulou Paris on Boulevard Saint-Germain 

  

• Mavrommatis on Rue Daubenton

  

• Signorvino on Place Saint-Michel

  

• U Mulinu on Boulevard de l'Hôpital

  

Paris Apartments for Sale in The 5th Arrondissement of Paris

Since it's a good neighborhood with lots to see and do, the 5th arrondissement also has plenty of luxury apartments for rent in Paris. There are some you can purchase for yourself too. Do take note, however, that buying property in France, especially in Paris, is an extremely expensive endeavor. The price per square meter in the French capital ranges from a minimum of €6,500.00 to a maximum of €14,000.00. Do you think you can afford all that? 

  

  

The 5th arrondissement beautifully blends the old with the new with its vibrant Latin Quarter. Famous for its acclaimed universities and the youth that study in them, the area never fails to offer something exciting!