Metro-Expo-Resto-Cluny La Sorbonne
“métro, Expo, Resto”
Break out of the mould of “métro, boulot, dodo” (a French expression that, translated literally, means “Métro, work, sleep”) and get ready for “Métro, expo, resto”, as Babylangues introduces you to a new way of exploring the Paris Métro system. Join us in our quest to discover the various stations dotted across the city. How did they get their name? What are the surrounding neighbourhoods like? What can be found nearby? Some many questions and Babylangues has all the answers!
Cluny La Sorbonne
Served by line 10 of the Parisian Metro and RER B and C, Cluny la Sorbonne is a metro station in the heart of the 5th arrondissement and the Latin Quarter. The station was first opened in 1930 to extend the line 10 from Odéon and give access to the Boulevard Saint Germain.
The Cluny la Sorbonne station reflects the intellectual heritage of the Latin Quarter. On its ceiling are mosaics of names of French artists, poets, thinkers and statesmen who have graced the area. There is also a large abstract freize by Jean Bazaine called ‘Les Oiseaux’. Even the station name has its own medieval-style typography.
Discover more metro stations HERE.
What Is There To Do Nearby?
- Cluny Museum
The station was named after the Hôtel de Cluny, which was initially the site of a Gallo-Roman bath in the 3rd century. However, it is now the Musée de Cluny, where artefacts from the Middle Ages are stored. In its collection is also the series of tapestries ‘La dame à la licorne’, created in 1500 and considered a great piece of medieval artwork. Parts of the Roman baths are also open for visit.
- La Sorbonne
The university, making up the second half of the station’s name is also nearby. Technically it is Université de Paris IV – Paris Sorbonne, because the Collège de Sorbonne was split into 13 different universities. But that can be a bit of a mouthful. La Sorbonne is one of France’s (and the world’s) leading institutes for the humanities.
- Latin quarter
Cluny la Sorbonne is in the heart of the Latin Quarter, which used to be the Roman settlement in Paris during their occupation of the city. It also used to be the student and intellectual hub of Paris because of the number of universities and institutes in the area. Nowadays it’s a popular tourist spot, with many restaurants, cafés, and bookshops. The lovely Jardin du Luxembourg is also nearby.
