Quartier Latin covers an expansive area on the left bank of the Seine, from Jardin des Plantes, Quai de la Tournelle and College de France, to Pantheon, Luxembourg gardens, Mouffetard Street and Contrescarpe square. Unlike what many people falsely believe, the area did not earn its name from the Romans. It is true that they did choose this part of the city as their administrative and public centre, but Quartier Latin actually acquired its name much later, during the Middle Ages. The neighbourhood, which until today is the academic and scientific hub of the city, was home to several educational institutions where courses were held in Latin and students were obliged to learn and speak Latin. Voilà, the explanation!