Located in Paris’ 5th district, next to the Latin Quarter, the Quartier Mouffetard, positioned around the street of the same name, is well-known for its picturesque and artistic atmosphere. There are some of the most beautiful monuments of the capital as well as original bars and shops. Here is our ultimate guide for a visit of the district.
What to do in the Quartier Mouffetard?
The Rue Mouffetard
The Rue Mouffetard goes from the Jardin des Plantes to the Panthéon.
Here, you will find markets, stallholders, shops spread on hundreds of meters.
The vintage bars and original restaurants alone are worth the trip. And once the sun has set on the city, it’s the pubs’ and nightclubs’ turn to open.
The Grand Mosque of Paris
The Grand Mosque of Paris is one of the most impressive buildings in the Quartier Mouffetard.
Behind its bright white walls is hidden one of the most beautiful places of worship in the capital.
Gardens, fountains, wide rooms and mosaics are waiting for you for a solo or guided visit.
The Arab World Institute and the Sorbonne Campus
There’s a reason the Quartier Mouffetard is highly popular among students. Indeed, the district is home to the Sorbonne Campus (website in French), the oldest and most famous university in Paris. Walk along its wide corridors and visit its famous observatory.
Right next to the Sorbonne, you will find the Arab World Institute and its original facade. From the roofs of the building, you will be able to admire a stunning view on Paris and Notre-Dame, located on the other side of the Seine.
Jardin des Plantes
The Jardin des Plantes is one of the largest garden of Paris and hosts, all year long, various activities.
This place is home to a library, permanent and seasonal exhibits and to a zoo, located in the middle of the city.
Everything you need to spend a lovely afternoon with your entire family.
The Arènes de Lutèce
The first remains of the Quartier Mouffetard are dated of the first century with the settlement of the Romans in the city.
Nowadays, the Arènes de Lutèce are the only witness of Paris’ Roman history.
The arenas are accessible by day as by night, for a picnic, an afternoon with some friends or even a simple break, sitting on centuries-old stairs.
The Place du Panthéon and the Pendule de Foucault
Your visit of the Rue Mouffetard will end on the famous Place du Panthéon, where you can sit down at a wooden table to study or enjoy an ice-cream.
Once you’ve rested enough, it would be a shame not to step inside the beautiful building giving its name to the square: the Panthéon.
Some of the greatest names of French history such as Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Jean Jaurès, Pierre and Marie Curie and so many others are buried there.
Inside the building that you will have the chance to discover the famous Foucault Pendulum, a tool created to demonstrate the rotation of Earth.
Some Places For a Lunch, a Dinner or a Drink
Le Sweetspot
18 rue Mouffetard, 75005 Paris
Sweetspot is an original restaurant created for spread lovers. Here, you will be able to discover no less than 90 varieties of spreads. Salty or sugary toasts are waiting for you but also brunches from Tuesday to Friday.
Opening hours:
From Tuesday to Saturday: 10AM – 7PM
Sunday: 10AM – 6PM
Check out the official website (website in French)
Gelati d’Alberto
45 rue Mouffetard, 75005 Paris
It’s in the Rue Mouffetard that you will find one of the best ice-cream parlors. Here, you will get the chance to enjoy low sugar soft ice-creams and sorbets in rose shaped cones.
Opening hours:
Everyday: 12PM – midnight
Le 5
136 rue Mouffetard, 75005 Paris
With its blue facades and wide windows, Le 5 won’t fail to attract your attention. Here, you will be able to enjoy tasty dishes for very small prices. Sit down in the chic and cozy main room or on the terrace, in Summer or even in Winter thanks to its heating system. Their weekly burger will know how to keep you surprised.
Opening hours:
Monday: 10AM – 4PM
From Tuesday to Saturday: 10AM – 11PM
Sunday: 10AM – 6PM
You can find the menu on their website
Kitchen MP
84 rue Mouffetard, 75005 Paris
Kitchen MP offers an unusual decoration with tiling going from the floor to the ceiling. Here, everything is homemade; breakfasts, desserts, coffee and pastries or even the ratatouille cooked for lunches and dinners. Don’t miss out on the divine daily quiches and soups.
Opening hours:
From Tuesday to Sunday: 10:30AM – 7PM
Papillon Japan Street Food
129 rue Mouffetard, 75005 Paris
The Papillon is a restaurant specialized in Japanese street-food. Come enjoy some delicious mochis, (popular Japanese sweet rice cakes) for picnics or quick breaks. You will also get the chance to try some shared plates with your friends of family -kinds of Japanese-style tapas.
Opening hours:
From Monday to Thursday: 12PM – 2:30PM / 7PM – 10:30PM
From Friday to Sunday: 12PM – 11PM
More information on the official website
The New Margen’s Pub
65 rue Mouffetard, 75005 Paris
Behind its vintage and colorful front doors, discover mini-priced beers as well as beer-pong tournaments, bling tests and various kinds of parties organized by the staff. You will also be able to enjoy some tapas and delicatessen in a rock’n’roll atmosphere.
Opening hours:
Everyday: 3PM – 5AM
The Margen’s Pub’s Facebook Page
La Petite
53 rue Lacépède, 75005 Paris
La Petite is a coffee house looking straight out of a 60s French movie. Come spend a peaceful morning sitting down at its wide terrace located in a quiet street. Or maybe you would rather come here at night to enjoy a craft beer, a glass of wine or some original cocktails.
Opening hours :
Everyday: 8AM – 2AM
Le Bar de Fer
7 rue du Pot de Fer, 75005 Paris
Le Bar de Fer is well-known for its large wine menu and its decoration close to some of the best wine cellars in Paris. Here, the bottles are displayed on the walls like trophies. And if wine isn’t really your thing, you can still order some delicious cocktails. Concerts are held frequently in this bar.
Opening hours:
Everyday: 5PM – 2AM
Some Hotels to Settle Down for a Night or More
Seven Hotel
20 rue Berthollet, 75005 Paris
Located five minutes away from the Rue Mouffetard, this very atypical hotel will know how to keep you interested. In this hotel, every room is decorated following different themes; outer space, 007 or Marie Antoinette suites and even more. A building as original as the district itself.
Rates: Starting from 153€.
The Seven Hotel online booking
Hôtel Résidence Henry IV
50 rue des Bernardins, 75005 Paris
Located just 400 meters away for the Arènes de Lutèce, the Hôtel Résidence Henry IV is a sumptuous 19th century building. Here, the rooms are decorated in a royal style which Henry IV would have probably enjoyed.. A beautiful decoration you won’t want to leave.
Rates: Starting from 141€.
Hôtel Design de la Sorbonne
6 rue Victor Cousin, 75005 Paris
Of course the Hôtel Design de la Sorbonne would be located… right in front of said university. From your quiet and modern rooms, admire the beautiful buildings of La Sorbonne. A comfortable stay right in the middle of the Quartier Mouffetard.
Rates: Starting from 90€.
Hotel Design de la Sorbonne online booking
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
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