The Rue Montorgueil in Paris (pronounced mon-tor-ghei) is bustling, authentic Parisian street full of cafés, traditional food markets and great restaurants. Vibrant, trendy and so Parisian, it’s a must visit if you’re in the very city centre.
Our insider guide is written by someone who actually lives in Paris. Read on to learn more about where to eat and what to see nearby this famous Parisian street!
What and Where is Rue Montorgueil in Paris?
Rue Montorgueil is a small old street located in both the 1st and 2nd arrondissements of Paris. It links Chatalet Les Halles to Montmartre and is close by to Le Marais.
The street is famous for its vibrant cafés and fromageries, fish mongers, boulangeries and flower shops.
Despite it becoming more and more popular with tourists, it still remains a distinctly local street and many Parisians live and work nearby. Take a walk down the ancient road and you’ll be immersed in the real Paris. Amongst the hustle and bustle of everyday Parisians, it’s well worth taking in the atmosphere and exploring the web of historical streets nearby.
History of Rue Montorgueil
The street dates back to before the 13th century with it being a key trading route out of the city.
Its name is supposed to originate from the fact that it led up to a small hill “Mont Orgueilleux” near by. Famed French writer, Victor Hugo, wrote in Les Miserables that the name came from a mechanical jack or as it used to be called in a French, orgueil.
After a new entrance into the old city walls of Louis XIII was opened in 1645 (La Porte Poissonnière), the street became the landing zone for fish merchants that brought produce from Northern France. The historical restaurant, Au Rocher de Cancale, was started by a former oyster merchant who sold French oysters in the nearby fish market.
What to See & Do
The road is about 350m long and it’s a great street to discover, have a drink and take in the atmosphere. Here’s a selection of what I think you need to see and do on the street and nearby!
Discover the Market Stores
The street has a lot of great grocery stores that you need to discover. From cheese to patisserie, Kurdish kebabs to charcuterie there’s everything.
One of my favourite stores to pick up really good French charcuterie is Cul de Cochon (98 Rue Montorgueil). They have seriously amazing cured beef & pork, pâté, rillettes and cheese. It’s also a great spot to pick up some long life and preserved food souvenirs!
After a good bottle of wine? Checkout Nysa who are a chain of independent wine stores in Paris. They have an excellent choice of French wines from quality vineyards. Classical, natural and organic wine for all budgets – I’ve genuinely never been disappointed by their offering!
Finally if you like pastries, then a visit to Stohrer is a must. Stohrer is one of the oldest bakeries in the city dating back to 1750. Their store on Rue Montorgueil is beautiful and has plenty of incredible cakes, tastes, macarons and breakfast pastries in stock.
Explore the Old Medieval Side Streets
Just off the Rue Montorgueil there’s plenty of other ancient, medieval streets that are worth exploring. The Rue Tiquetonne dates back to the 1300s and used to line the ancient city limits of walls of the time (yes Paris really was that small).
Visit the Tour Jean-sans-Peur
The Jean-sans-Peur tower is a very interesting yet unknown Medieval monument in the city. Located just around the corner from the southern end of Rue Montorgueil on Rue Etienne Marcel, the tower is the only remains of the original palace that dates back to the early 1400s.
Named after the Duke of Burgundy, Jean the Fearless, the tower is an original part of what used to be the huge fortified walls that lined the city limits. It’s only €6 for adults to enter and I’d definitely recommend a quick visit. It’s one of the view places in the city where you can see the Medieval history of the city.
Have a Drink in One of the Many Cafés
Rue Montorgueil is lined with cafés and large terraces which make it a perfect spot for a drink whilst watching the world go by. Parisian café culture is something special and there’s no better place to experience it than on Rue Montorgueil.
The prices are, admittedly, on the higher side compared to cafés near by but the location makes up for it. Nearly all of the cafés on the street serve food non-stop throughout the day.
I’d recommend Café du Centre, Le Compas and Café Montorgueil. Note that these are great for a drink and a snack but their food offering isn’t anything special. Read further down to find read my restaurant recommendations.
Check out Rue de Nil
Rue de Nil is located above the very north end of Rue Montorgueil and it’s a charming short street full of small, independent grocery stores. It’s also home to the famous 1 Michelin Star Frenchies restaurant.
There’s a boulangerie, a speciality coffee shop, chocolate shop, fishmonger, cheese shop, butcher AND a wine shop owned by Frenchies. If you’re into food it’s definitely worth a visit.
Have a Craft Beer at Hoppy Corner
Whilst again not technically on the Rue Montorgueil, there’s a great craft beer bar, Hoppy Corner, just beyond the very north end of the street next to Rue de Nil (34 Rue des Petits Carreaux).
It’s very English speaking friendly and with over 20 beers on tap (the majority are from French, Belgian and UK microbreweries) it’s heaven for beer lovers.
Where to Eat Nearby
If you’re looking for some recommendations for restaurants then you’re in luck, the area is filled with eating spots.
In the mood for classic French food? Try Aux Crus de Bourgogne (3 Rue Bachaumont) which is located just off the street itself. Here you’ll find classics from Burgundy and Lyon like red wine poached eggs, steak frites and profiteroles.
Gluten free and wanting something a bit different? Just off Rue Montorgueil you’ll find a great thai restaurant, Kapunka (51 Rue Saint-Sauveur).
If you’re wanting a quick but great snack then you’ll find some incredible Kurdish sandwiches from Riha Durum (1 Rue des Petits Carreaux). They’ve got chicken, lamb and vegetable options all cooked over charcoal and wrapped in their home made flatbreads.
