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Thermes de Cluny: A Roman Bathhouse in the Heart of Paris

Explore remarkably preserved Roman bath ruins in Paris's Latin Quarter, integrated with the Musée National du Moyen Âge.

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The Thermes de Cluny are the well-preserved ruins of a Gallo-Roman bath complex dating back to the 1st-3rd centuries AD. Located in Paris's Latin Quarter, they offer a glimpse into the ancient city of Lutetia and are integrated into the Musée National du Moyen Âge.

A brief summary to Thermes de Cluny

Local tips

  • Visit during the quieter times (noon to 2 PM, or after 3:30 PM) to avoid crowds, especially on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
  • The museum is closed on Mondays, January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
  • Admission is free for those under 18, EU citizens aged 18-25, and on the first Sunday of every month.
  • Combine your visit with other attractions in the Latin Quarter, such as the Sorbonne University, the Panthéon, or the Luxembourg Gardens.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Thermes de Cluny are easily accessible via the Paris Metro. Take Line 10 to Cluny-La Sorbonne station, or Line 4 to Saint-Michel or Odéon stations. From any of these stations, it's a short walk to the museum entrance at 28 Rue du Sommerard. Several bus lines also stop nearby, including 21, 27, 38, 63, 85, 86, and 87. A single Metro or bus ticket costs €2.10.

  • Walking

    Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, the Thermes de Cluny are within easy walking distance of many major landmarks. From the Notre Dame Cathedral, walk southwest along the Quai Saint-Michel, then turn left onto Boulevard Saint-Michel. Continue a few blocks to Rue du Sommerard. From the Panthéon, walk north on Rue Soufflot, then turn right onto Rue Victor Cousin, followed by a left onto Rue Du Sommerard. Allow approximately 10-15 minutes from either landmark. Walking is free.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are readily available throughout Paris. A short taxi ride from Gare du Nord to Thermes de Cluny typically costs between €15 and €20, depending on traffic. Drop-off locations near the museum include Rue Soufflot, Place Saint-Michel, or Place Maubert.

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Discover more about Thermes de Cluny

The Thermes de Cluny, also known as the Northern Baths of Lutetia, stand as a remarkable testament to Roman civilization in Paris. Constructed between the late 1st and early 3rd centuries AD, these baths once covered an impressive 6,000 square meters. Today, the ruins are among the most significant Gallo-Roman remains in northern Europe, offering a tangible connection to the city's ancient past. The best-preserved section of the baths is the frigidarium, or cold room, which features intact architectural elements like Gallo-Roman vaults, ribs, and consoles. The walls showcase the Roman construction technique of alternating layers of small square stones and bricks. Traces of original mosaics still cling to the walls, hinting at the baths' former splendor. The consoles upon which the barrel ribs rest are carved in the shape of ships' prows, suggesting that the influential guild of boatmen of 3rd-century Roman Paris (Lutetia) built the bath complex. Like all Roman baths, the Thermes de Cluny were open to the public and served as a means of Romanizing the ancient Gauls. The complex included various rooms, such as the caldarium (hot room) and tepidarium (warm room), as well as subterranean structures and service areas. Today, the Thermes de Cluny are part of the Musée National du Moyen Âge, also known as the Musée de Cluny. The museum houses a vast collection of medieval art and artifacts, providing context for the Roman ruins and showcasing the rich history of the Middle Ages.

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