If you're looking for a slice of history in one of the most beautiful parts of Paris, look no further than the Left Bank. Trace the stories behind the iconic landmarks of a district renowned as a hub for creativity, intellect and architectural beauty, then top it all off with a tasty French pastry.
Highlights:
- Encounter icons up close including the Pantheon, Notre-Dame, the Sorbonne and the Shakespeare and Company bookstore
- Learn the local legends behind the Medici Fountain and Foucault’s Pendulum
- Savour a classic Parisian pastry at a bakery in Saint-Germain
- Feel the glow of golden hour as you explore – enjoy a flexible itinerary that's adaptable come rain or shine
Paris' Left Bank offers beautiful neighbourhoods with excellent dining options, charming boutiques and plenty of photo ops. Historically, this area flourished as a bohemian haven which attracted some of history's greatest thinkers and artists, from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance and today. Begin your journey through this fascinating region's history at the Shakespeare and Company bookstore, where you'll meet your local guide and tour group. Learn about the bookstore's 'Tumbleweed' program, which has been running since George Whitman opened the store in 1951 – in exchange for helping out at the store, unpublished writers can stay at a studio in the building and work on their craft. Continue to Notre-Dame and hear the story of this iconic medieval cathedral’s restoration after the 2019 fire, then pass by Point Zero – the geographical centre of Paris. Return to the Left Bank via Pont au Double, learning about the bridge's history as you cross it. You'll arrive at one of the oldest churches in the city – Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre. Here, you'll see the oldest tree in the city and enjoy unparalleled views of Notre-Dame. Pass by the Musee de Cluny – a striking example of Gothic architecture built atop the ruins of 1st-century Roman baths. Hear about the treasures that lie within the museum including one of the museum's crown jewels, The Lady and the Unicorn tapestries (AKA the 'Mona Lisa of the Middle Ages'). Stroll past Sorbonne University. Originally founded as a place for underprivileged students to study theology, Sorbonne became the epicentre for student protests that transformed the course of French history and society. Walk along Rue Saint-Jacques to reach the Pantheon. Built in the 18th century as a church, this superb example of Neoclassical architecture evolved into a secular monument where many of France's great thinkers have been laid to rest. This was also where physicist Leon Foucault first showcased the famous Foucault Pendulum, which demonstrated the Earth's rotation. Continue to the Medici Fountain in the Jardin du Luxembourg. Listen to the tranquil sound of water falling as you admire the details of this sculpture depicting the Greek myth of Polyphemus. This fountain was commissioned by Marie de' Medici around 1630 as an ode to her native Florence. After you snap some photos at this atmospheric spot, make your way to Georges Larnicol on Boulevard Saint-Germain for a flaky pastry, then end your whirlwind tour at Le Procope – the oldest cafe in Paris! Wrap up your tour as daylight fades and evening approaches – you'll be perfectly positioned to continue your own exploration of the city by night with an abundance of dining options nearby.