Playing Hooky in the Quartier Latin

Welcome to the Latin Quarter of Paris. So named because Latin was the language spoken in this quarter of town by all of the students at the Sorbonne (University of Paris). First stop is the Fountaine Saint-Michel. This fountain, depicting Saint Michel slaying a dragon, was added in the mid-nineteenth century as a focal point of an uneven intersection. Because everyone knows when something looks uneven, add a giant, dragon fountain. ?


This small theatre made its debut shortly after WWII. In 1957 it staged the famous La Cantatrice Chauve (The Bald Soprano). This show was a bigger hit than anyone could have imagined. The play is still running today.


Aren't these streets fun? I picked up a strawberry crepe walking along this road...it's so hard to pass them up. It's a good thing I'm walking so much!


Off to our left was this street, Rue du Chat-Qui-Peche (The Fishing Cat). This is the narrowest street in Paris, and it has been around since 1540.


This cool gothic church, l'eglise Saint-Severin, was built in the eleventh century, but was rebuilt in 1495. It has some very impressive stained-glass windows and beautiful architecture.


I thought the organ on the far wall was pretty nifty. I want to come back to one of the organ concerts that are held here weekly.


Le Procope is the oldest cafe in Paris. During the eighteenth century it became a spot for revolutionary thinking. Famous philosophers such as Diderot, Rousseau, and Voltaire shared their ideas over drinks here at the Procope.

Flower market! It smelled sooooooooo good!

Last stop! The Monnaie de Paris. (Paris Mint)

I really enjoyed this walk. I thought the streets were picturesque, and what people may picture in their minds when they think of Paris. I definitely plan on coming back to do some more wandering. And eating.