In 1213, the University of Paris was formally established, becoming one of the first universities in Europe. Located in the heart of Paris, it became a center for learning and scholarship, attracting students and scholars from across the continent. The university played a crucial role in the intellectual revival of the Middle Ages, fostering a culture of inquiry and debate that would shape European thought for centuries.

The University of Paris became a breeding ground for poets and writers, influencing the development of vernacular literature. Scholars and poets such as Guillaume de Lorris and Jean de Meun, who were associated with the university, contributed to the evolution of the romance genre, blending scholarly discourse with poetic expression. This intellectual environment encouraged the fusion of philosophy and poetry, enriching the literary landscape of the time.