Rue Mouffetard Market

The Basics

Known today for its vibrancy and energy, Rue Mouffetard also has ancient roots. Rue Mouffetard dates to the Neolithic era, and it was also used as a Roman road. Located on Montagne Sainte-Geneviève hill, the thoroughfare connects Place de la Contrescarpe at its northern end to Place Georges-Moustaki at its southern.

Popular among the Latin Quarter’s students, local residents, and tourists, Rue Mouffetard is celebrated for its culinary attractions. The street hosts a bustling morning market most days of the week, where amblers can try everything from artisan cheeses and local pastries to speciality honey and beyond. Even when the market is closed, the surfeit of restaurants and bars make Rue Mouffetard busy around the clock.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Don’t be afraid to chat with the market’s vendors, as you may be rewarded with complimentary samples.

• Place de la Contrescarpe, located at the street’s northern end, is a nice spot to sit outside and relax with a coffee or other beverage.

• The Marché Monge, located on nearby Place Monge and held on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, is another popular culinary stop.

How to Get There

Conveniently located in the Latin Quarter, Rue Mouffetard is accessible from Place Monge and Censier - Daubenton Métro stations, both of which are served by line 7. It can also be reached by the 47 bus, by car, or by rental bike. As the street itself is largely pedestrianized, it is best explored on foot.

When to Get There

Rue Mouffetard’s market is held throughout the year, from roughly 8am–1pm, Tuesday–Sunday. Outside of those times, the street’s many eateries and bars make it a perennially popular destination.

Famous Faces of Rue Mouffetard

French philosopher and writer Denis Diderot resided on Rue Mouffetard in the 18th century, while Ernest Hemingway, a former Latin Quarter resident, famously described it as a “wonderful, narrow crowded market street” in A Moveable Feast. The street was also in a famed Henri Cartier-Bresson photograph,Boy with Bottles.

Ways to explore

Known today for its vibrancy and energy, Rue Mouffetard has ancient roots—it’s one of the oldest roads in Paris. Popular among Latin Quarter’s students, local residents, and tourists, the Rue Mouffetard Market is now celebrated for its culinary attractions. A bustling morning market is held most days of the week: try everything from artisan cheeses and local pastries to specialty honey and more. Even when the market is closed, the many restaurants and bars make Rue Mouffetard busy around the clock.

Accessibility

The market may be wheelchair accessible with assistance, but the streets can be crowded and narrow in places.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Reusable shopping bags, reusable food containers, coffee cups, utensils for picnicking

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, practical clothing, warm hat or sun hat for walking outdoors

Not allowed

Haggling is not typically done at food markets in France.

Amenities

While there are no public restrooms on Rue Mouffetard itself, find them in eateries (if you’re a paying customer) or at nearby Rue Jean Calvin and Place Monge.

Address

The Rue Mouffetard Market is located in Paris’ Latin Quarter on the Left Bank of the River Seine. It’s easy to reach by public transportation, which will save you the hassle of navigating the city’s narrow streets and finding parking.

Driving

Head to the 5th arrondissement, south of the Panthéon and west of the Jardin des Plantes. Rue Mouffetard runs between Place de la Contrescarpe and Place Georges-Moustaki. You may need to park a few blocks away and walk to the market.

Public transportation

Take metro line 7 to Censier-Daubenton station on the corner of Rue Daubenton and Rue Monge, which is a short walk to Rue Mouffetard.

Best times to visit

Mornings—stalls typically set up between 8am and 10am until 1pm. Head to a café, restaurant, or bar in the afternoon or evening.

Best days to visit

Tuesday to Sunday, as the market is closed on Mondays, although other eateries will be open.

Best months to visit

Any time of year, although Paris is most crowded with tourists from June to August, so come in the shoulder seasons to avoid crowds.