Huchette district
Rue Galande, with its two modest houses of delightfully dilapidated charm, is a real trip back in time. These ramshackle shacks look like something out of a black-and-white film from the Roaring Twenties. They have stood the test of time and the advances of modern architecture with proud tenacity. If you're looking for a contrast between the majesty of the great Parisian monuments and the humility of a small street corner, Rue Galande is the place to be. There's a nostalgic ambience and charming atmosphere that makes you feel as if you're in a Toulouse-Lautrec painting. So take the time to stroll down this quaint little lane, where the past meets the present, and let yourself be carried away by its old-fashioned charm.
Église Saint-Julien le Pauvre
The Church of Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre, nestled in its own corner of paradise in the heart of Paris, is a real hidden treasure. With its charming Gothic façade and colourful stained glass windows, it offers a peaceful refuge to souls in search of serenity... or coolness on a hot day! But the real eye-catcher in this little corner of paradise is the Robinier tree that stands proudly in the square. Yes, this venerable tree, planted in 1601, is the oldest in Paris! It has survived all the revolutions, wars and even the selfies of tourists looking for the best Instagram pose.
Shakespeare and Company Bookstore
The Shakespeare and Company bookshop, with its shelves full of old books and buried memories, is a place where the ghosts of history and literature meet. Visitors wander through the stacks of yellowing pages, desperately searching for clues to the past. The echoes of the voices of vanished writers echo between the walls, and each book is a mystery to be deciphered. In this bewildering and spellbinding place, time blends, borders are blurred and stories merge. We are carried away by the superimposed narratives, by the blurred faces of the literary characters who seem to want to guide us towards a hidden truth. Shakespeare and Company is much more than just a bookshop; it's a portal to a world of secrets and dreams, where every open book reveals a piece of our own history.
Collège de France
The Collège de France, formerly known as the Collège Royal, is a prestigious teaching and research establishment, established in 1530 by François 1st.
During the re-configuration, the Collège, which stands on the Place Marcelin-Berthelot in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, offers you an infinite wealth of knowledge, thanks to no fewer than 10,000 free online courses!
Cluny Museum
Pilier de Saint Landry Calcaire - 2e moitié du 2e siècle de notre ère J.-C.
Tour abritant un escalier en colimaçon, cour de l'Hôtel de Cluny Cette structure est peut-être l'exemple le plus remarquable encore existant de l'architecture civique du Paris médiéval. Il s'agissait autrefois de l'hôtel de ville (hôtel) des abbés de Cluny, commencé en 1334.
Pilier de Saint Landry Calcaire - 2e moitié du 2e siècle de notre ère J.-C.
The Musée de Cluny, a veritable cultural jewel nestling in the heart of Paris, is steeped in a thousand years of history dating back to Roman times. Gallo-Roman thermal baths once stood here, bearing witness to the pleasures and rituals of Antiquity. Then, in the Middle Ages, the mansion of the abbots of Cluny was built, a symbol of their power and influence. Today, this majestic building houses a unique collection of medieval art, preserving the memory of those bygone eras. Through its mysterious rooms and precious works, the Musée de Cluny invites us to travel back in time, to lose ourselves in the mazes of the past, to catch a glimpse of the remains of a vanished civilisation. It's a place where history becomes present, where the past whispers in our ears and where each object reveals a fragment of a bygone era.
The Sorbonne
The Sorbonne is a name that resonates throughout history, evoking knowledge and prestige. Founded in the 13th century, this illustrious institution has stood the test of time, jealously guarding its secrets and mysteries. Its centuries-old walls have witnessed the passionate debates, intellectual discoveries and student struggles that have shaped our modern world. Generations of students have walked its labyrinthine corridors, absorbing the knowledge imparted by illustrious masters. The Sorbonne embodies the academic spirit, a place where curiosity and critical thinking flourish. Even today, it continues to inspire minds hungry for knowledge and to echo the voices of thinkers of the past.
Soufflot Street
Rue Soufflot, with its peaceful atmosphere and student cafés, is the scene of a bygone era. As you stroll along its time-worn cobblestones, you can still feel the bustle of lively discussions, ideas bubbling up and dreams taking shape. The cafés, silent witnesses to so many stories, were home to spirits in turmoil, eager for knowledge and heated debate. The fumes of coffee and the murmur of discussion mingled with the wandering thoughts of students, imbuing the air with a gentle intellectual melody. Today, even if the faces have changed, rue Soufflot continues to harbour that special atmosphere where you can still feel the shadow of past dreams and intense reflection.
The pantheon
Le Panthéon
Le Panthéon
Le Panthéon
Le Panthéon
The Panthéon, majestic and imposing, stands like a guardian of the souls that have left their mark on history. Its history dates back to the French Revolution, when the National Assembly decided to transform the church of Sainte-Geneviève into a monument dedicated to great men. Since then, it has housed the remains of eminent figures from Voltaire to Marie Curie and Victor Hugo. Inside its walls, you can feel a special solemnity, an atmosphere where the echoes of ideas and achievements still resonate. Each step down its silent aisles seems to remind us that we are surrounded by the legacy of those who shaped our past. The Panthéon, like an open book on our history, invites us to meditate on the passing of time and the greatness of those who have left their mark on our humanity.
Saint-Étienne du Mont church and the tower of the Henri IV high school
The church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, enigmatic and solemn, rises up from the heart of the Latin Quarter like a medieval relic that has escaped the passage of time. Its ancient stones bear the scars of bygone eras, bearing witness to the tormented history of Paris. Once a humble chapel, it became a parish church in the 16th century, when the former abbey of Sainte-Geneviève was destroyed by fire. This church, both heir and guardian of memories, became the last refuge for the relics of the patron saint of Paris, Sainte-Geneviève. Its mysterious vaults seem to whisper forgotten stories and buried legends, while the subdued glow of the stained glass windows illuminates the funerary steles and ancient sculptures, lending an aura of sacredness to this place of meditation. In this way, the church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont embodies the eternal echo of Paris's history, a sanctuary where religious fervour mingles with the indelible imprint of past centuries...
Institut du Monde Arabe
Like an unsuspected jewel, the Institut du Monde Arabe stands proudly on the banks of the Seine, like a sentinel guarding the secrets of the Orient. Its glass and metal façades seem intent on capturing the changing reflections of the river, while the calligraphic motifs that adorn them evoke a mysterious poetry, like keys that open the doors to an unknown universe. Inside, the half-light mingles with the subdued glow, creating an enchanting atmosphere where the smell of incense and the murmur of conversation mingle. The exhibitions, veritable showcases of artistic and cultural treasures, transport us to faraway lands, where time stands still and borders become blurred. Works of art, ancient manuscripts and artefacts bear witness to the richness and diversity of a thousand-year-old civilisation. The Institut du Monde Arabe is a sensory journey, an invitation to explore the intricacies of a fascinating culture, where age-old traditions meet vibrant modernity. In this magical place, geographical boundaries are erased to make way for the universality of art and knowledge.
The Jussieu campus of the Pierre and Marie Curie University
The Jussieu campus, like a vast laboratory of knowledge, stretches majestically across the heart of Paris. The buildings, solid and imposing, proudly bear the names of great scientists and bring to life the history of the Pierre and Marie Curie University. The corridors, bustling with the comings and goings of students and researchers, resonate with the intellectual effervescence that animates these premises. The classrooms, veritable theatres of knowledge, welcome minds eager for discovery and reflection. The laboratories, like modern magic workshops, are home to the most daring experiments and the most cutting-edge research. In this crucible of knowledge, minds are awakened, ideas intermingle and the wildest projects take shape. The Jussieu campus is a veritable crossroads of knowledge, where scientific disciplines intersect and mutually enrich each other. Here, a passion for science is passed down from generation to generation, in a never-ending quest to understand and explore the mysteries of the universe. The Jussieu campus is a beacon of knowledge, lighting the way for budding researchers and curious minds who dare to set out on the conquest of knowledge.
Grande mosquée de Paris
The Grand Mosque of Paris, majestic and enchanting, stands like an architectural jewel in the heart of the capital. Its history dates back to the 1920s, when France decided to express its gratitude to the Muslim soldiers who had fought in the First World War. Thus was born the idea of building a large-scale mosque, a symbol of fraternity and respect between cultures. Work began in 1922, involving many craftsmen and artists from the four corners of the Muslim world. The result is a masterpiece of Moorish architecture, with its shimmering mosaics, calligraphically decorated columns and imposing minaret. Beyond its aesthetic beauty, the Grand Mosque of Paris plays an essential role in the spiritual life of the faithful. It houses a Koranic school, a library and even a restaurant renowned for its oriental cuisine. It is a place of prayer, meeting and sharing, where cultures and beliefs come together. When you walk through the doors of this oasis of serenity, you enter a world of spirituality and peace. The Grand Mosque of Paris is an invitation to discover Islam and to encounter a rich and vibrant culture. Whether you're a believer or simply curious, a visit here promises a unique experience.
La Galerie de paléontologie et d'anatomie comparée
Galerie d'anatomie comparée La Galerie d'anatomie comparée, qui abrite près de mille squelettes, interprète leur organisation et leur classification. Le remarquable bâtiment de la galerie, conçu par l'architecte Frédéric Dutert, comprend deux étages et sa surface est d'environ 2 500 mètres carrés.
Le Stegosaurus a vécu pendant la période du Jurassique supérieur (du Kimméridgien au début du Tithonien), il y a environ 155 à 150 millions d'années, dans ce qui est aujourd'hui l'ouest de l'Amérique du Nord. En 2006, un spécimen de Stegosaurus a été annoncé au Portugal, montrant qu'ils étaient également présents en Europe. En raison des pointes et des plaques distinctives de sa queue, le Stegosaurus est l'un des dinosaures les plus reconnaissables.
The Galerie de paléontologie et d'anatomie comparée, a veritable temple to the past and to science, has fascinated visitors since it opened in 1898. This imposing building houses an exceptional collection of fossils and anatomical specimens, bearing witness to the evolution and diversity of the animal kingdom. Every step you take in these rooms, which resemble a cabinet of curiosities, takes you back through the ages, from the earliest forms of life to extinct species. There are dinosaur skeletons of titanic proportions, thousand-year-old shells in shimmering hues, and even casts of strange, extinct creatures. There's plenty for natural science enthusiasts to enjoy, but the Gallery also offers an unforgettable experience for novices, awakening their curiosity and wonder at the grandeur of nature. It's a real journey back in time, where visitors can contemplate the remains of bygone worlds and ponder the fragility and beauty of life. The Gallery of Palaeontology and Comparative Anatomy is much more than just a museum; it's a place to reflect on our place in the history of the Earth and the importance of preserving the richness of our environment. A visit here is an invitation to contemplate, to marvel and to realise the fragility and grandeur of life on our planet.
Le jardin des plantes
Le jardin des plantes, Gallery of extinct animals
Galerie des animaux disparus
Lion de Barbarie et lion du Cap
Galerie des animaux disparus
Galerie des animaux disparus
In this hushed half-light, time seems suspended. The filtered rays, playing with shapes and colours, caress the frozen silhouettes of extinct animals. Behind these period display cases, adorned with delicate woodwork and patinated glass, an invisible world comes to life, populated by extinct creatures.
The eyes of the naturalised animals seem to pierce the darkness, evoking distant histories and forgotten ecosystems. They have been torn from their natural environment, preserved in their final act of life. Their silent, motionless presence intrigues, questioning our relationship with nature and our own existence.
These 430 embalmed beings are mute witnesses to a bygone era, to a vanished biodiversity. They bear the scars of a time when the boundaries between man and nature were less blurred, when coexistence was more harmonious. Today, they are a sad reminder of the consequences of our imprint on the world.
In this preserved, melancholy space, visitors wander around, amazed and worried. They come face to face with these relics of a past that keeps slipping away, trying to unravel the mysteries buried beneath these frozen gazes. Each specimen is a fragment of a lost history, a silent witness to an era that is gone forever.
Behind these glass cases, silence reigns supreme. Whispers of the past float in the air, awakening in us a strange
Grande serre du jardin des plantes
Jardin des plantes
The Jardin des Plantes, like a green oasis nestling in the heart of the city, has a botanical heritage that is as rich as it is captivating. Its history dates back to ancient times, when the first seeds of curiosity were sown by enlightened minds. Founded in 1626, the garden was initially the cradle of medicinal plants, carefully cultivated to heal bodies and minds. Over the centuries, the plant garden has blossomed into a sanctuary dedicated to knowledge and exploration of the plant world. The winding paths reveal a veritable patchwork of bewitching fragrances and shimmering colours. The majestic trees, silent guardians of history, whisper ancient tales to attentive visitors. Today, the Jardin des Plantes is much more than just a place for a bucolic stroll. It houses exotic greenhouses where rare flowers and tropical plants flourish, taking visitors on a fascinating journey to faraway lands. The themed gardens, like living tableaux, transport us into unique botanical worlds, awakening our curiosity and wonder. The plant garden is a veritable living treasure trove, where science and beauty meet in harmony. It embodies man's ceaseless quest to understand and preserve the natural world around him. To stroll through its alleys is to plunge into a plant symphony, where each plant tells its own story and awakens in us a sense of wonder at the diversity and fragility of the natural world. The plant garden is an invitation to contemplation, discovery and the emergence of a deep respect for the natural world around us.
Place de la Contrescarpe
Plaque Hemingway
The Place de la Contrescarpe, like a lively stage in the heart of the Latin Quarter, has a rich history of memories and memorable encounters. For centuries, this picturesque space has been the scene of Parisian life, capturing the very essence of the bohemian soul. The time-worn cobblestones tell of the hurried footsteps of the students, writers and dreamers who walked these narrow streets. The history of the Place de la Contrescarpe is closely intertwined with that of Ernest Hemingway, the famous American writer who found refuge in the surrounding cafés. Here, the terraces buzzed with passionate conversations and heated debates, fuelling Hemingway's inspiration and offering him a warm shelter amid the intellectual bustle of the district. The Place de la Contrescarpe has also witnessed some remarkable historical moments. It survived the tumult of the French Revolution and has been the rallying point for numerous student demonstrations over the decades. As you stroll through the square, you can still imagine Hemingway sitting on a terrace, sipping a glass of red wine and watching life unfold before him. Whether you're a solitary stroller in search of tranquillity or an avid explorer, the Place de la Contrescarpe will captivate you with its timeless charm. The cobblestones, the colourful facades, the lively cafés and the spirit of freedom in the air make it an emblematic part of Paris.
The blue tree, a fresco by Pierre Alechinsky, a poem by Yves Bonnefoy, rue Descartes
The blue tree, or street tree, sits majestically on the corner of Rue Descartes and Rue Clovis, adding a poetic and colourful touch to this corner of the city. The fresco, by Pierre Alechinsky as part of the Murs de l'an 2000 project, reflects the city's fascination with the imagination and fragile beauty of nature, which is becoming increasingly rare in urban environments. Overlooking Sainte-Geneviève mountain, the azure tree acquires, under the brush of the Belgian artist, a dreamlike dimension that bewitches the urban landscape. Like calligraphy in motion, the main motif is accompanied by vignettes that frame and nourish the narrative. Engraved words wind their way along the fresco, creating a dialogue between Pierre Alechinsky's graphic work and the poem by his friend Yves Bonnefoy. These verses and images invoke the strength and fragility of living things, caught in the grip of urban reality. They invite us to preserve this precious nature, to protect it from the throes of rampant urbanisation. The blue tree in Rue Descartes thus becomes a symbol of resistance, a poetic reminder of the importance of preserving our link with nature, even in the heart of the city.
Savannah Café, rue Descartes
A rare place with a strong identity for tasty Lebanese cuisine.
The Savannah café, on rue Descartes, opposite Alechinsky's large fresco, opened in 1985. Its owner, Richard Sahlani, after studying at Sciences-Po in the late 70s, returned to his native Beirut. The war in Lebanon in 1982 put an end to his hopes and led him to leave his homeland to settle in Paris in this former bricklayer's workshop.
-Why this name (Savannah) which takes us back to an imaginary wild and remote place?
-Some see a reference to the Georgian town of the novelist Flannery O'Connor, others think of this breed of cat, with the incomparable grace of a wild feline.
- "The truth is closer to the end of a gossipy evening to come up with a name that would end with - Salhani and Savannah are on a boat...."
Savannah and Richard Sahlani are still around after 37 years. A loyal clientele from the start, whose children and now grandchildren continue to make their presence felt in this unique place where everyone strikes up a conversation with the next table to a discreet and demanding musical backdrop.
And of course, because we are in a restaurant and not just a lounge, Lebanese cuisine made with top quality products and proven expertise.
Rue Mouffetard
Rue Mouffetard, the jewel of old Paris, embodies both its history and its renown. Legend has it that, in ancient times, this street was a direct route to Rome via Lyon. Whatever the case, rue Mouffetard has always been lively and bustling, and has been for centuries. Once notorious for its bad reputation, its dirtiness and its danger, rue Mouffetard has undergone an amazing metamorphosis over the years to become one of the capital's trendiest and most pleasant spots. Today, we're wondering about the origin of this strange name. It seems that the name of rue Mouffetard derives from the word "Mouffette", which simply means "stinking". So, when you walk down this street, you simply end up on the "rue qui pue". But whatever the origin of the name, rue Mouffetard is much more than that. It reflects Paris's turbulent history, its transformation and its unique character. Today it is home to a multitude of shops, lively cafés and gourmet restaurants that delight visitors. Strolling along rue Mouffetard is to be overwhelmed by the warm, authentic atmosphere of a district that exudes life and picturesque charm. It's an experience to be savoured without moderation, while accepting with humour this surprising name that adds a touch of mystery to this fine Parisian address.
Square Saint-Medard
La danse du dimanche matin
Façade de charcuterie
La danse du dimanche matin
In the heart of the lively Mouffe district, the Square Saint-Médard becomes the setting for a musical show every Sunday between 11am and 2pm. Facing the church of Saint-Médard, at the bottom of the famous rue Mouffetard, the enchanting notes of the accordion played by Christian Bassoul, the maestro of the Paris Mouffetard Musette, resonate. Whatever the weather, rain or shine, this artist makes the hearts of Parisians vibrate with his music. Since 1975, Christian Bassoul has been perpetuating a tradition that was alive and well until the 1950s at this legendary Mouffe venue. Accompanied by a merry band, he hands out song lyrics, and everyone sings along to the timeless classics of French chanson. From the melodies of Piaf to Aznavour, Scotto, Frehel and Brassens, the atmosphere becomes electric, carrying passers-by away in a whirlwind of nostalgia and shared joy. The Square Saint-Médard becomes the stage for a truly popular show, with the accordion providing the rhythm for the laughter, applause and memories that echo through the cobbled streets. It's a Sunday rendezvous that revives the fine musical traditions and friendly spirit that characterise the unique charm of La Mouffe. It's an irresistible invitation to let yourself be carried away by the magic of French chanson, and to celebrate the bohemian soul of Paris for a morning.
Saint-Médard church and the Mouffetard district
Le quartier Mouffetard, l'Église Saint-Médard et l'avenue des Gobelins
Le quartier Mouffetard, l'Église Saint-Médard et l'avenue des Gobelins
Saint-Médard church, a majestic edifice built in the 15th century in the rich flamboyant Gothic style, is witness to a singular historical episode that left its mark on people's minds. For many decades, it was a refuge for the Jansenists, a Catholic minority who faced hostility from the kings Louis XIV and Louis XV. It was in May 1727, at the height of the struggle between the royal authorities and Jansenist dissidents, that a Jansenist deacon from the district, known for his great piety and charitable spirit, died. François de Pâris, barely 37 years old, was buried in the cemetery of the parish of Saint-Médard.
No sooner had the earth covered the remains of this man of faith than the faithful gathered around his tomb. They were categorical in their belief that kneeling by his grave would work miracles! A growing rumour spread, attracting hundreds of Jansenists, as well as non-dissident Catholics, who came on pilgrimage to the tomb of François de Pâris. People came to pray fervently, to meditate in the hope of a cure or to collect the sacred earth that surrounds the tomb to make miraculous bandages.
On 13 June 1731, a humble servant by the name of Marie-Anne Couronneau, who was struggling to walk and supported herself with difficulty by two crutches, went to Saint-Médard cemetery to pray at the tomb of François de Pâris. An extraordinary event then occurred: the woman suddenly declared herself cured of her infirmity and did not hesitate to proclaim her recovery loudly and enthusiastically, spreading the news far and wide.
The church of Saint-Médard thus became the scene of intense beliefs and devotions, where hope and religious fervour were closely intertwined. This phenomenon of veneration around the tomb of François de Pâris leaves an indelible mark on the history of the district, reminding us of the power of faith and the echo of miracles that once animated these sacred places.
Church of Our Lady of Val-de-Grâce
The majestic and imposing Church of Notre-Dame du Val-de-Grâce sits at the heart of the Latin Quarter like a sanctuary of grace and serenity. Its construction, undertaken in the 17th century by the Benedictine order, was the result of a solemn vow made by Queen Anne of Austria, mother of Louis XIV, for the long-awaited birth of her son. Thus was born this sacred edifice, both a testimony to piety and a symbol of French Baroque art. The doors of the church open onto a space imbued with solemnity, where the light penetrates in a subtle dance through the coloured stained glass windows. The slender columns support a celestial vault, adorned with frescoes and delicate stuccowork. The richly decorated main altar welcomes the faithful in contemplative silence. The holy statues, delicate reliefs and religious ornaments bear witness to the fervour and devotion of the artists of the time. Every corner of the church tells a story of faith and spiritual elevation. The Church of Notre-Dame du Val-de-Grâce is a living testimony to religious fervour and divine art, an invitation to meditation and communion with the sacred. In this deeply spiritual place, the soul can find a source of inspiration and peace, and feel the eternal presence of divine grace.
There is a collection of wax casts of 'Gueules Cassées' from the Great War, sometimes with a cast of the reconstruction. here (sensitive souls please)