Rue Mouffetard
Your Complete Guide to Paris's Historic Market Street
Welcome to Rue Mouffetard
Rue Mouffetard is one of Paris's oldest and most vibrant streets, offering an authentic glimpse into Parisian daily life. Located in the 5th arrondissement's Latin Quarter, this historic market street has maintained its character for centuries, evolving from a Roman road to one of the city's most beloved food destinations.
Today, Rue Mouffetard continues to thrive as a bustling market street where locals and visitors alike come to shop for fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread, and other culinary delights. The pedestrianized southern section creates a lively atmosphere, especially during market hours when vendors call out their offerings and shoppers carefully select the finest ingredients.
Beyond its market function, Rue Mouffetard offers a rich historical experience, with buildings dating back several centuries, charming cafes, and a distinctly Parisian ambiance that has attracted writers, artists, and food lovers for generations. Ernest Hemingway, who lived nearby in the 1920s, described the street in his memoir "A Movable Feast," cementing its place in literary history.
"The rue Mouffetard is a street in Paris where the principal commerce is in edibles... The rue Mouffetard is a wonderful, narrow crowded market street which led to the Place Contrescarpe."
Discover Rue Mouffetard
Explore the many facets of this historic Parisian street through our detailed guides:
The Market
Discover the vibrant market that has been the heart of Rue Mouffetard for centuries. Learn about the specialized food shops, market stalls, and the best times to visit for the freshest selections.
Explore the Market
Maps & Navigation
Find your way around Rue Mouffetard and the surrounding Latin Quarter with our detailed maps, directions, and transportation information. Discover the best routes and access points.
View Maps
Dining & Cafes
Explore the restaurants, cafes, and bistros that line Rue Mouffetard. From traditional French cuisine to international flavors, discover the best places to eat and drink.
Find Dining OptionsLatin Quarter Restaurant Guide
History & Literature
Trace the fascinating evolution of Rue Mouffetard from Roman road to medieval thoroughfare to modern market street. Follow in the footsteps of literary giants like Hemingway, Joyce, and Hugo who made this neighborhood their home.
Explore HistoryLiterary Walking Tour
Visitor Guide
Plan your perfect visit with our comprehensive visitor guide. Find information on best times to visit, suggested itineraries, accessibility details, and practical tips for making the most of your experience.
Plan Your Visit
Specialized Culinary Guides
Expert guides to cheese tastings, wine experiences, transportation, and detailed vendor specialties. Complete your Latin Quarter experience with comprehensive insights into the area's culinary traditions.
Cheese Tour GuideWine Tasting Guide
Quick Facts
📍 Location
5th Arrondissement (Latin Quarter), southern Paris
Runs from Place de la Contrescarpe in the north to Square Saint-Médard in the south
🕒 Market Hours
Tuesday-Sunday: 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Closed Mondays
Best selection in the morning
🚇 Getting There
Metro: Place Monge (Line 7) or Censier-Daubenton (Line 7)
Bus: Lines 47, 67, 89
15-minute walk from the Panthéon
📚 Historical Significance
Originally a Roman road
Continuous market activity since medieval times
Featured in Hemingway's "A Movable Feast"
Plan Your Visit
🌟 Best Time to Visit
Visit Rue Mouffetard in the morning (8:00-11:00 AM) for the best selection of fresh produce and a truly authentic market experience. The street is busiest on weekends when both locals and tourists explore the offerings.
💡 Insider Tips
Bring a reusable shopping bag and small bills for easier transactions. Many vendors prefer cash, and having exact change speeds up your purchases and interactions with local merchants.
⚠️ Important to Know
The market is closed on Mondays. During lunch hours (1:30-3:00 PM), many shops close for the traditional French lunch break. Plan accordingly to make the most of your visit.