The 5th arrondissement of Paris offers a unique blend of historical charm, cultural richness, and easy access that appeal to a wide range of people. It is at once historical and ancient, classical and clichéd, and young and vibrant.
Known primarily for its universities and the streets around the Latin Quarter, there’s a huge amount to explore and fall in love with.
Here's why living in the 5th arrondissement may be a great choice for almost anyone.
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About the 5th arrondissement of Paris
The 5th is the oldest arrondissement in Paris. It was first built by the Romans as part of the city Lutecia, dating back to the 1st century BC. You can still visit and enjoy the remains of this civilisation today, most notably at the Arènes de Lutèce.
Today, the 5th retains a classical charm, with a mix of narrow, winding streets, quiet squares, and typical Parisian boulangeries and cafés.
It’s also a noticeably young arrondissement, with several university campuses and a handful of top preparatory colleges. You’ll meet plenty of students and academics, alongside a fair share of tourists exploring the handsome streets.
Credit Paris Tourist Office – Marc Bertrand
Where is the 5th arrondissement?
The borders of the fifth arrondissement are as follows:
- The left bank of the Seine to the north.
- Boulevard de l'Hôpital and Boulevard de Saint-Marcel to the east and south-east, respectively.
- Boulevard de Port-Royal to the south.
- Boulevard Saint-Michel to the west. (The Jardin de Luxembourg is on the border in the 6th.)
The 5th and 6th arrondissements sit next to each other and in many ways have the same feel. It can be hard to know exactly where one ends and the other begins, particularly in the Latin Quarter which sits across parts of each.
What to see and do in the 5th arrondissement
The 5th is home to many of Paris’ most beloved attractions:
- The Latin Quarter, one of the most popular tourist districts in Paris.
- Campuses of La Sorbonne and the University of Paris.
- Rue Mouffetard (known locally as “La Mouffe”), one of the oldest and most picturesque streets in the city.
- The Jardin des Plantes and the National Museum of Natural History.
- Shakespeare & Company, the beloved English bookstore in Paris.
- The Arènes de Lutèce, a Roman amphitheater constructed in the 1st century AD.
- The Institut du Monde Arabe, a museum and cultural center focused on the Arab world, and the Great Mosque of Paris.
- The Panthéon monument, a mausoleum for significant French citizens.
- The Saint-Étienne-du-Mont church and the Church of Val de Grâce.
And of course, the list goes on.
The Panthéon monument
Why live in the 5th arrondissement?
The 5th is undeniably one of the most attractive and desirable places to live in the city. Here are just a few reasons why.
The Latin Quarter itself
Millions of tourists flock to the Latin Quarter every year, and with good reason. Its cobbled streets, historic churches, and picturesque buildings provide a beautiful setting for a quintessentially Parisian life. Which is also why so many expats choose to live in this area: you immediately feel like you’ve arrived in the Paris from the movies.
Alongside Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement, the Latin Quarter gives the clearest impression of what life might have been like for the artists and writers of the 19th and early 20th century.
Cultural history
The 5th is one of the oldest districts in Paris, home to ancient landmarks like the Arenes de Lutèce. Rue Mouffetard, one of the most popular tourist destinations on the left bank, was originally a Roman road that ran south to Italy. Unlike most of the city, it wasn’t part of the Hausmannian architectural movement, and has remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years.
Living amidst these historical landmarks gives a real connection to Paris’ deep cultural roots.
The French joie de vivre
Paris is a hugely international city, and for new arrivals it can be hard to truly immerse yourself in French culture. Even more so if you’re living in the business-centric parts of the city—the 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, and several others.
Despite its popularity with tourists, the 5th manages to feel so typically French. The quaint bakeries, fresh fruit stores, and café terrasses deliver the romance you likely moved to Paris hoping to find.
Education
The 5th arrondissement is a great choice for families, particularly those with children at or approaching tertiary education age. Alongside the two major university campuses, there are prestigious colleges like Lycée Henri-IV, and many bilingual schools.
Students attending the famous Sorbonne University or Collège de France—or one of many other renowned institutions—will have classes and classmates close at hand.
This can also really help you learn the French language. The area's strong academic scene includes language schools and French courses, helping expats integrate.
Connections to the rest of Paris
Unless you work in academia or tourism, you’re unlikely to have your place of work in the 5th. Which makes getting around the city easily important. Thankfully, the arrondissement is centrally located, with many good public transport options to get you where you need to go.
It’s served by metro lines 10 and 7, plus RER B which takes you to both major airports. You’ll have no trouble getting to business areas like Sentier, Saint-Lazare, République, and La Défense.
Plus, the neighborhood itself is very compact and easily walkable. You’re never far from amenities, attractions, or transport options.
Why not live in the 5th?
Despite the many great reasons to live in the 5th arrondissement, it’s not for everyone. Here are the biggest drawbacks.
The tourist activity
Like much of the central city, the 5th is a hotspot for tourists. It’s right across the Seine from Notre Dame cathedral, which makes the squares around Shakespeare & Company extraordinarily busy all year round.
If you want peace, quiet, and empty streets—but with similar left bank charm—you’re better off living just south in the 14th or 15th arrondissements.
Tourist prices
The cost of living in Paris can be high compared with the rest of France and most of Europe.
And while there are certainly more expensive places to eat and drink in the city, the 5th’s tourist activity can drive up prices in bars, cafés, and other service businesses.
It’s also a small space with limited housing available, which can push prices up further.
Its compact nature
Living in a major metropolitan city, you’ll always have to deal with close neighbors and noisy streets. And for many, that’s part of the appeal. The area’s intellectual vibe, coupled with its cafés, bars, and student-friendly spots, provides a lively social scene.
But it can also feel hard to escape this hectic environment. The Jardin des Plantes is a much-needed oasis for many, with its wide open spaces and beautiful greenery. As is the Seine itself.
But you should expect to feel somewhat surrounded by the sheer amount of life taking place around you.
Live the glamorous Paris life in the 5th
The 5th arrondissement strikes a balance between cultural richness, academic excellence, and modern conveniences, making it one of the most desirable areas for a diverse range of residents.
In particular, the typical charm of the Latin Quarter and university areas attract international families and professionals wanting to live the classic Paris life.
Whether you’re an expat, a family, a student, or a working professional, there’s something here for everyone. Discover the lifestyle this remarkable neighborhood offers by browsing apartments for rent in Paris' 5th arrondissement.
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