University of Paris: the Beginnings of the Latin Quarter
The University of Paris, also known as the Sorbonne, is one of the oldest in the world, predating Oxford and Cambridge.
In this walk we explore how the university started, with students crowding around Notre Dame Cathedral, up to 1530 when King François I attempted to break the conservative hold of the Sorbonne on French political life and to open the country’s culture up to the Renaissance.
We will see how a medieval sex scandal almost destroyed its most famous teacher, and how the Sorbonne went from only one of many colleges operating across the left bank, to the symbol of Parisian intellectual life.
The walk takes in some of the remaining medieval streets in Paris, winding through 1000 years of the city’s history, from Sainte Genevieve’s stand against the Hun, to the advent of the Latin Quarter, to the emergence of the printing press.
This walk is full of surprises and unexpected details.
“I loved him; my love was his crime and the cause of his punishment.”
Heloise
Frequently Asked Questions
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What kind of shoes should I wear?
This walk is across paved Parisian roads so it is suitable for normal walking shoes.
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What happens if it rains?
This walk takes place rain or shine. It is all outdoors so bring an umbrella if it looks like it will rain.
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How long does the walk last, and where does the walk end?
This walk last about 2 hours and we will finish close to Metro Maubert Mutualité and Metro Cardinal Lemoine.
