The Enchanting Latin Quarter of Paris

• HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh re-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mer-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwah/deh-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mon sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhe voo-dray vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-ahnd]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhe voo-dray pay-yay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [al-lay voo ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la Police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah po-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh may-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhe voo-dray ash-tay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde seulement
  [zhuh ruh-gard suhl-mahnt]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-bee-an sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell uh-ruh eh-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel eh tun uh-ruh]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uh-ruh ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tanh]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kahtr]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est un/le...?
  [oo eh uh/luh]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell eh lad-res]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (surr lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn eh luh proh-shahn (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

The Latin Quarter, known as 'Quartier Latin', derives its name from the Latin language, which was used in the area’s universities and schools during the medieval period. This vibrant neighborhood has been an educational hub since the establishment of the University of Paris in the 12th century, making it a center for intellectual discourse and cultural exchange.

The Latin Quarter played a pivotal role during the French Revolution. In 1789, students and intellectuals gathered in its cafés and streets to discuss revolutionary ideas. The area was a hotbed of resistance against the monarchy, with the nearby Panthéon serving as a mausoleum for revolutionary leaders.

In May 1968, the Latin Quarter became the epicenter of student protests against the government and societal norms. The Sorbonne University was the initial flashpoint for demonstrations that soon spread across France. The protests were marked by calls for greater freedoms, education reform, and anti-establishment sentiments, significantly influencing French society.

Beyond its academic significance, the Latin Quarter has been a cultural melting pot for artists, writers, and philosophers. Iconic figures such as Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and Simone de Beauvoir frequented its cafés, contributing to its rich literary heritage and making it a pilgrimage site for literary enthusiasts worldwide.

The Latin Quarter showcases a diverse range of architectural styles, reflecting its long history. The area is home to the stunning Gothic architecture of the Panthéon, the medieval charm of the Rue Mouffetard, and the neoclassical beauty of the Collège de France, embodying the architectural evolution from the Middle Ages to modern times.

The Latin Quarter is easily accessible from various parts of Paris. If you're coming from the Eiffel Tower, take Metro Line 6 from La Motte-Picquet – Grenelle to Charles de Gaulle – Étoile, then transfer to Line 1 to Châtelet, and finally catch Line 4 to Saint-Michel. Alternatively, you can use RER B from Gare du Nord, which will take you directly to Luxembourg station. Buses also serve the area, with several lines stopping at key points in the Latin Quarter.

The Latin Quarter is best explored on foot due to its narrow streets and historic charm. However, if you need to travel further, the Paris Metro is a reliable option, with stations like Cluny – La Sorbonne and Saint-Michel providing access to other neighborhoods. Biking is also popular; you can rent a Vélib' bicycle at several stations throughout the area. Bus services are available and can be a scenic way to travel.

The Latin Quarter is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be observed. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night, particularly around the Rue de la Huchette, known for its nightlife. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded spots like the Panthéon and along the Seine. Petty thefts, such as pickpocketing, can occur but are not rampant.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance in France. Emergency services include police, fire, and medical help. The nearest hospital is Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, located just south of the Latin Quarter. For non-urgent medical needs, local pharmacies can provide assistance, and many have English-speaking staff.

Fashion: Do dress neatly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites. Don't wear overly casual clothing like flip-flops or beachwear. Religion: Do be respectful in places of worship; cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to those in need. Don't eat or drink on the Metro. Greetings: Do greet with 'Bonjour' and a smile. Don't skip polite greetings, as they are important in French culture. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cafes and bistros, and embrace the dining experience. Don't rush your meal; dining is a leisurely affair in France.

To experience the Latin Quarter like a local, visit the Marché Mouffetard, a vibrant street market where you can sample cheeses, fresh fruits, and pastries. Also, take time to wander the cobbled streets, and discover hidden gardens like the Jardin des Plantes. Engage in conversations with local shopkeepers and partake in the lively atmosphere during the evening, especially around the cafés on Rue de la Huchette and Place de la Sorbonne.