Rue Mouffetard in Paris’ 5th arrondissement is one of the most famous streets in the capital. The ancient Medieval street survived centuries of change and is now one of the city’s liveliest streets known for it’s nightlife. Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, it’s a must-visit, authentic Parisian street.
Our insider guide is written by someone who actually lives in Paris (and even lived just off rue Mouffetard). Read on to learn more about where to eat, what to see and where to stay nearby the famous street!
What and Where is Rue Mouffetard in Paris?
Rue Mouffetard is located in the southern section of the city’s Latin Quarter in the 5th arrondissement. The northern end of the road is about a 5 minute walk from the Panthéon and winds down to the Square Saint-Médard.
The ancient road is around 650m long and is one of the oldest surviving streets in Paris. It’s famous for surviving Baron Haussmann’s rebuild of Paris in the 1800s. Therefore it’s one of the few roads that hasn’t changed over the centuries.
Nowadays it’s famous for its day-time food market and nightlife for the local student population. It’s a genuinely authentic Parisian street where you’ll find locals socialising, eating and shopping.
Tip: Rue Mouffetard is a must-see when exploring the Latin Quarter. Learn more about the area with our Guide to the Latin Quarter.
History of Rue Mouffetard
The history of the Rue Mouffetard goes all the way back to the origins of the city. In the Roman period it was a main road that led south all the way to Rome. This route became a way out of the city as the Roman city on the left bank slowly became abandoned.
In the Middle Ages, the road was was changed and in the 15th century the Saint-Médard church was built and with it, the Saint-Médard village. In 1724 the village was absorbed by the then rapidly expanding city of Paris.
The road survived the great transformation of Paris by Haussmann in the 1850s giving it a real authentic Parisian feel. The road will soon be accessible only by foot after a vote in 2023.
What to See & Do
Tip: Wanting to have a quick guided tour of Rue Mouffetard, the Latin Quarter and more? I’d recommend a cycling tour – you can see so much of the city with a guide! Click here to find out more.
Start Your Tour by Taking in the Panthéon
I’d advise that your start at the top (or northern) end of the street which is about a 5 minute walk away from the famous Panthéon. So why not start by taking in the stunning building?
Designed to be a church dedicated to the city’s patron saint, Saint Genevieve, King Louis XV ordered the construction back in the mid 1700s. Construction first began in 1758 and was finished 32 years later, in 1790 (right in time for the start of the French Revolution!).
After the revolution, the National Assembly decided to turn the church into a mausoleum for the country’s most famous citizens. You’ll find the tomb of Victor Hugo and Josephine Baker.
Tip: You can buy advanced tickets to skip the queues here
Explore the Local Markets
Ernest Hemmingway referred to Rue Mouffetard as “that wonderful narrow crowded market street” in his novel, A Movable Feast and he wasn’t wrong. The street has so many incredible small, family run food markets.
La Fontaine aux Vins (107 Rue Mouffetard) is a superb wine shop where you can pick up a one (or many!) bottles of incredible French wine.
Looking for cheese? Fromagerie Beillevaire is a fantastic family run fromagerie boasting a huge variety of French cheeses. Pick up some comté and have a picnic in the nearby Jardin des Plantes.
If you’re a seafood fan then I’d recommend stopping by Poissonnerie Quoniam and picking up some fresh oysters or crevettes (shrimp) for apéro.
Visit the St. Médard Church
The St. Médard Church is located on the very southern end of the street. Construction began in the 15th century and amazingly continued well into the 18th century when it finally opened.
Curiously, in the 18th century the Convulsionnaires of Saint-Médard, a Catholic sect, began to exhibit more and more influence in the Church. They believed that going into a trance and convulsing would heal ailments. The Pope eventually declared their practice as heresy and the Convulsionnaires were arrested and detained in the Bastille prison.
The church is free to visit and well worth a quick visit if you have time.
Where to Eat
Flocon (75 rue Mouffetard) offers really good refined vegetarian French food and are featured in the Michelin guide. Alternatively if you want to share small sharing plates, Otto (5 rue Mouffetard), offers Japanese-French fusion food cooked over a Charcoal BBQ.
If you like Greek food then all the locals will recommend La Crète (85 Rue Mouffetard). They serve up really good authentic greek cuisine at an affordable Price.
Wanting a quick lunch or snack to takeaway? There’s a lot of great fast-food spots on Rue Mouffetard (that cater for the student population and party goers). One of my favourite Greek kebabs is from Casse Croute Grec and is close by the Panthéon. Alternatively, Au P’ti Grec is a really popular sandwich and crêpe spot the street itself.
Finally if you’re looking for a nice café then I’d recommend TRAM which is a really lovely café-bookstore near the Panthéon.
