In 1189, the University of Paris was officially recognized, becoming one of the first universities in Europe. Located in the heart of Paris, France, it served as a center for theological and philosophical studies, attracting scholars from across the continent. The university's establishment marked a significant shift in education, emphasizing critical thinking and debate, which would influence the literary culture of the time.

The University of Paris became a hub for intellectual discourse, influencing poets like Guillaume de Lorris and later, the troubadours. The emphasis on vernacular literature and the exploration of human experience in poetry were greatly shaped by the academic environment fostered at this institution.