Sorbonne Universite (The Sorbonne), Paris

Sorbonne Universite (The Sorbonne), Paris

The Sorbonne, a name synonymous with academic excellence in Paris, refers to both a historic building and the legacy of the University of Paris. One of the first institutions of higher education in Europe, it traces its origins back to the Middle Ages, when Robert de Sorbon, the chaplain and confessor to King Louis IX, established Sorbonne College in 1257. Initially intended for poor secular clergy, over the years, it has produced several famous graduates, including Italian priest and Scholastic thinker Thomas Aquinas, Italian poet Dante Alighieri, French theologian John Calvin, French philosopher and writer Simone de Beauvoir, French-Swiss film director Jean-Luc Godard, and President of France François Mitterrand, among others. The modern Sorbonne emerged in 2018 from the merger of Paris-Sorbonne University and the University of Pierre and Marie Curie.

Historically, the Sorbonne has been a center of academic excellence, maintaining a strong alignment with Catholic conservatism. The institution faced closure during the French Revolution but was revitalized by Napoleon in 1808 and remained active until 1882. The re-establishment of the University of Paris in 1896 marked a significant phase, incorporating faculties like Science, Letters, Law, Medicine, and Pharmacy.

The Sorbonne’s architectural ensemble, developed between 1883 and 1901, combines historical Neo-renaissance, Classical, and antique styles with modern elements. The university holds a prestigious reputation, highlighted by its alumni and professors who have won 33 Nobel Prizes. Notably, Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, was also the first woman to become a professor at the Sorbonne. Today, the university ranks among the top in the world in mathematics, earth sciences, and oceanography.

The Sorbonne building houses the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and the extensive Sorbonne Library with 2.5 million books. The Sorbonne Chapel on the university campus was classified as a French historic monument in 1887, and the amphitheater and the entire building complex became monuments in 1975.

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Sorbonne Universite (The Sorbonne) on Map

Sight Name: Sorbonne Universite (The Sorbonne)
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Paris, France

Create Your Own Walk in Paris

Create Your Own Walk in Paris

Creating your own self-guided walk in Paris is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Paris Introduction Walking Tour II

Paris Introduction Walking Tour II

As you continue your acquaintance with Paris driven by its timeless allure, the city's heart reveals itself with an array of places capturing its profound history and artistic legacy. The evolution of Paris is visible on the banks of the river Seine, the linking thread winding its way through the capital as if keeping a watchful eye on its architectural marvels.

The second part of our...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
Montmartre Walking Tour

Montmartre Walking Tour

Originally known as "Mons Martis" or the "Mount of Mars," Montmartre is a renowned Parisian neighborhood, celebrated for its historical and cultural significance. This picturesque district is a canvas of landmarks, each narrating a unique story.

Apart from its iconic sites, the area's charm lies in the atmosphere that embodies the Parisian spirit. Historically,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
The French Revolution Landmarks Walking Tour

The French Revolution Landmarks Walking Tour

The French Revolution had a huge impact on France's history as it gave rise to a radical democratic republic and resulted in quite a bit of violence during the infamous "Reign of Terror". Even though many of Paris’ buildings were damaged in the course of the bloody conflicts, the sites they occupied – which you can find on this self-guided tour – are of a great historical...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.3 Km or 4.5 Miles
Le Marais Walking Tour

Le Marais Walking Tour

The district known to locals as "Le Marais" used to be a bourgeois area in the past and a major center of the Paris Jewish community that still exists today. Here, you will find different bookshops specializing in Jewish books, restaurants with traditional Jewish food and a synagogue. As one of the hippest neighborhoods in the city, it also has no shortage of narrow medieval streets,...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Champs-Elysees Walking Tour

Champs-Elysees Walking Tour

On this self-guided walk you will witness the grandeur of the 8th arrondissement of the French capital – one of its busiest and chic neighborhoods, thanks to the presence of Avenue des Champs-Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, and Place de la Concorde.

Your best plan would be to start with the Triumphal Arch and walk up to its viewing area for great sights down the Champs-Élysées – a lovely...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Latin Quarter Walking Tour

Latin Quarter Walking Tour

Paris’ Latin Quarter is situated on the left bank of the Seine and dates back to the Middle Ages. For years, it was known as a bohemian enclave, attracting students, writers and intellectuals. Centered on the Sorbonne University's main university campus, the area was so named a few centuries ago because the students were speaking and learning in Latin. It remains very lively, with a...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles

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