The name derives from the Latin language, which was widely spoken in the Middle Ages in and around the University.
It currently still houses various higher education establishments, such as the École Normale Supérieure, the École des Mines and the Jussieu university campus.
The Quartier Latin is an area in the Ville-Marie borough of Montreal, surrounding UQAM and lower Saint-Denis Street, between downtown and the Village gai. It is known for its theatres, artistic atmosphere, cafés, and boutiques.