Place de la Contrescarpe, Public square in Latin Quarter, Paris, France.
Place de la Contrescarpe is a public square in the Latin Quarter where five streets meet at a circular intersection with a central fountain surrounded by trees. Cafés and restaurants with outdoor seating line the edges, creating a defined gathering space in the 5th arrondissement.
The square was created in 1852 following the demolition of houses between Rue du Cardinal-Lemoine and Rue Mouffetard. Its name refers to a defensive fortification from the Wall of King Philip II Augustus that once protected this area.
The square takes its name from a medieval defensive structure and serves as a gathering place where locals pause for coffee and conversation. The cafés spilling onto the pavement create a relaxed social hub where the neighborhood's daily rhythm unfolds throughout the day.
The square connects multiple streets and provides easy access to shops and restaurants in the surrounding area. The open layout makes navigation simple, and the central fountain serves as a natural landmark for finding your way.
Four administrative districts of Paris meet at this point: Saint-Victor, Jardin-des-Plantes, Val-de-Grâce, and Sorbonne. This geographical oddity makes the square a true crossroads where different neighborhoods of the city intersect.
Location: 5th arrondissement of Paris
Location: Quartier Saint-Victor
Location: Jardin-des-Plantes
Location: Quartier du Val-de-Grâce
Location: Quartier de la Sorbonne
Part of: road network of Paris
Shares border with: rue du Cardinal-Lemoine, rue Lacépède, rue Mouffetard, rue Blainville
GPS coordinates: 48.84447,2.34940
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02
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The Latin Quarter is one of the oldest parts of Paris and preserves traces from over two thousand years of history. Roman remains like the Arènes de Lutèce recall the ancient settlement of Lutetia, while medieval churches such as Saint-Étienne-du-Mont and Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre document the...
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234 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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