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Paris in Two Days

By , About.com Guide

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Classic Paris Day One - Latin Quarter and Lunch at Le Balzar

Luxemburg Gardens in the Latin Quarter, on a sunny autumn day.

Luxemburg Gardens in the Latin Quarter, on a sunny autumn day.

© 2006 Courtney Traub

The Latin Quarter

  • The Pantheon: This neoclassical-style mausoleum is the resting place of noteworthy French thinkers such as Voltaire and Victor Hugo. Entry is 7 Euros (free for children under 18).
    From the Pantheon's plaza, look straight ahead. You will see the Luxemburg Gardens and, in the distance, the Eiffel Tower.
    Nearby: The medieval Saint Etienne-du-Mont Church is worth a visit. (Place St.-Geneviève)

Next stop: The Sorbonne

Directions: From the Pantheon, walk down Rue Soufflot. Turn right on Rue Victor Cousin. Continue until you reach Place de la Sorbonne; the university is to your right.

  • Founded in the 13th century as a religious school, The Sorbonne is one of Europe's oldest universities. Admire its dramatic dome from the plaza, and explore the little streets around it if you wish. Lots of charming old movie theaters and bookstores abound.

Next stop: Luxemburg Gardens or Medieval Museum

Directions: Luxemburg Gardens is located at the bottom of Rue Soufflot on Blvd Saint Michel (RER: Luxembourg). The Medieval Museum is just North of the Sorbonne, at 6 Place Paul-Painlevé.

Next stop: Lunch at Le Balzar

Directions: Le Balzar is located at 49 Rue des Ecoles, near the Sorbonne.

  • Le Balzar opened in 1898 and was a favorite brasserie among people like Sartre and Camus. The traditional French fare is a solid bet. Reservations recommended: +33(0)1 43 54 13 67
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