Years ago my girlfriend in Paris who lives in the 5th, told me she wanted to take me to a café on her favorite little street in all of Paris, Rue Mouffetard, one of the oldest streets in Paris. At that time I had only been to Paris 2 or 3 times.  It was winter and we were with friends, happy because it was the holidays and also happy because we were in Paris. We proceeded to walk from her apartment bundled up in our warm coats, scarves and gloves, and soon found ourselves on this little quaint cobblestone street all lit up for the Christmas season. Walking up the street looking in the windows everything looked absolutely perfect!
We had a wonderful meal and later I told a friend, that I was in love with this street and we had to come back the next day so I could see it in daylight. The following day we returned and the cobblestone street was bustling with commerce. The freshest flowers filled the stalls, stands were piled high and full of color with farmers vegetables. Looking left and right I saw every kind of cheese imaginable and the patisseries all were perfect. You could hear them beckoning you to walk in and try more than one. Cafes and small restaurants to sample line the street. They kept us occupied more than once, and the neighborhood with its wonderful side streets gives both the native and the traveler a lot to explore, and we did.
From that night on whenever I am in Paris, I never miss an opportunity to walk up or down the gentle cobblestone slope called Rue Mouffetard, also referred to as “Le Mouffeâ€. It’s got to be my favorite place in Paris, if one can choose. Located in the 5th arrondissement near the church Saint Medard, by what I always consider to be the base of the street, is a circle with a fountain surrounded by little cafes and patisseries. From there, your nose and the colors will lead you to where you want to go. Some people say the street represents the history of Paris. So if you’ve never walked on Rue Mouffetard, and you’re going to be in Paris this summer or any season, try to find time to savor this vibrant colorful neighborhood. You’ll be happy you did.
A short walk from the Pantheon, the nearest Metro stops are Place Monge and Censier-Daubenton.
