Rue Mouffetard Market

Rue Mouffetard is one of the liveliest of the Paris markets

Rue-Mouffetard
Rue-Mouffetard cc licensed photo by Fil.Al

You will be able to find the Rue Mouffetard Market in the fifth arrondissement of Paris. It is actually a street that has been converted into something of a market. It is one of the oldest, and now the most lively, streets in Paris. The centre of the street is on the Place de la Contrescarpe where Rue de Lacepede intersect with Rue Mouffetard. There is also a permanent open air market at the southern end of the street, the Square Saint Medard.

The central stretch of Rue Mouffetard is not open to anything other than pedestrian traffic. This makes it a much safer place to walk as you do not have to be concerned about motorists and you are free to cross the road at your leisure to see what stores are available on the other side.

As you explore the many shops and restaurants you will really enjoy the lively ambience which is enhanced by some great street music and entertainment.

Rue Mouffetard runs alongside a hill called Mont Sainte Genevieve that was called Mont Cetardus in ancient Roman times. The street is said to get its name from this hill and has been called by a number of variations of this over the centuries.

The road along which the Rue Mouffetard Market is found was originally a Roman road that ran from Rive Gauche (south bank of the Seine) to Italy. It was in the Middle ages that a church became the centre of a small town which later became integrated into Paris and was known as the main part of the "Faubourg Saint Medard". The area also escaped the redevelopment that was done by Naron Haussmann during Napoleon III's reign.

There are a number of different inns, hotels and bed and breakfast establishments along the street. Many of these buildings are very old and interesting examples of medieval architecture making the whole experience that much more like an authentic medieval shopping market. Scattered throughout are boutique stores and fresh produce markets. The street culminates in its famous Rue Mouffetard Market, an open air market that attracts large numbers of visitors each day. You will not find fresher meats, vegetables, cheeses, seafood, pastries or other fine treats and delicacies anywhere in Paris.

If you wish to spend a day browsing a variety of stores and partaking of fresh food made from the freshest produce, then this liveliest of Paris markets is the place to visit. There is really something for everyone both on the main street itself and in the Rue Mouffetard Market. Make sure that you take the time to visit this fascinating marketplace and street.

Hours: The market is open daily from Tuesday through to noon on Sunday. Sunday mornings are the busiest time.

Nearby attractions: Jardin des Plantes, National Museum of Natural History and The Pantheon

Facts For Your Visit

Fee:

Marché de la rue Mouffetard Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Address: 139 Rue Mouffetard, 75005 Paris, France

Official Website: Marché de la rue Mouffetard

Marché de la rue Mouffetard Reviews

Rated 4.5 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating Spent our last Sunday in Paris here! We didn't know what to do on a Sunday morning since most things seemed closed but we stumbled upon this adorable market. It's so lovely! No tourists either. We had croissants and coffee at the boulangerie, bought French cheese (there were many cheese shops to choose from) and bought many French products. If we didn't have a train to catch I would have spent hours there. It was great to look around the stores and walk down the lovely streets.
Nuria (Nuri) - a week ago

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5 Star Rating Some of the finest fruit and produce I've seen. Great wines, jams, cheeses, etc. The plums today were great! The staff is friendly and quiet patient with my attempts to speak French.
Kenneth Arroyo - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Great area to explore with fresh market items and ready made baked good and other restaurant. Lined with wineries. Specialty goods and food. Just amazing. Visiting from the states I was amazed to see the qualities of fruits and veggies all around. The street is filled with a lot of history. Visited here during a tour and we stayed to continue visiting until late at night.
Kethnie Moreau - a year ago

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5 Star Rating What a wonderful area! I could return here again.
Roberta Schuelke - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating Wonderful market along an interesting street. There were 2 bands playing to a crowd of people dancing in the streets. Lots of food items for sale and flowers We ate at a great Italian restaurant (Le Filles). We had a great time Highly recommended!
Dan Vanderhorst - 6 months ago

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Directions

Metro / RER Line Nearest Station Walking Time
M7Censier-Daubenton2 minutes
M10Cardinal Lemoine5 minutes

How to get to Marché de la rue Mouffetard by Metro / RER

By Metro: From Metro Line 7 exit at Censier-Daubenton Station and walk southwest along Rue Daubenton to Rue Mouffetard. Going right (south) leads you through Lower Rue Mouffetard to Square Saint Medard, while going left (north) leads towards Upper Rue Mouffetard. From Metro Line 10 exit at Cardinal Lemoine Station and follow Rue Cardinal Lemoine southwest to the upper end of Rue Mouffetard at the traffic circle. Follow Rue Mouffetard south through the Market.

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