Nearby Attractions

Being in the heart of the city rue Mouffetard is near many of the important attractions of the city.  The 5th is a historic part of the city as well at so there are more than usually important structures.

As part of the Latin Quarter, the academic part of Paris, it is also well populated not just with academic institutions, but with students, and things that serve students.

The Panthéon: France's Temple of Fame

Panthéon - This greatest monument of the city was built originally as a church, and had foundations laid in 1758, but today is one of the highlights of any visit to the city. With tombs of the great of the country and the great dome it is the ultimate example of early neoclassicism.  With everybody from Marie Curie to Victor Hugo interred here it is a real trip through French history.  website

Just a gentle five-minute walk uphill from Rue Mouffetard, the Panthéon stands as one of Paris's most impressive monuments and France's national mausoleum. The transformation from church to secular temple reflects the complex religious and political history of France itself. The neoclassical architecture, crowned by its magnificent dome, houses the tombs of the great figures of French history and culture.

The Panthéon's proximity to Rue Mouffetard makes it an ideal cultural complement to market shopping. Many visitors enjoy exploring the market first, then ascending to the Panthéon for afternoon visits when the light streaming through the massive windows creates dramatic interior illumination. 2025 Hours: Daily 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM (April-September), 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (October-March).

The Sorbonne: Intellectual Heart of Paris

The world-famous University of Paris, known simply as the Sorbonne, lies just eight minutes northwest of Rue Mouffetard, maintaining its role as the intellectual center it has occupied since 1257. Walking through its courtyards and along the surrounding streets provides insight into student life in one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious universities.

The area around the Sorbonne pulses with youthful energy, filled with bookshops, affordable cafés, and student housing that creates a unique atmosphere distinct from other Paris neighborhoods. The student population brings international diversity and intellectual curiosity that complements the traditional market culture of Rue Mouffetard.

Jardin des Plantes: Paris's Premier Botanical Garden

 

Jardin des Plantes - Originally a place where the medical herbs for Royalty were grown this 17th century botanical gardens is the most interesting in Paris.  Today visit the menagerie and all the museums which could be entertainment for the whole family for an entire day at least. The lines of trees and benches that border the path at the sides of the garden make a wonderful sitting place. It is calm and relaxing and a great place to take a pause in a trip to busy Paris. It is free entry to the gardens, but the individual museums have their own entry fees. website

The garden's layout reflects centuries of botanical science, with themed areas including alpine plants, roses, and the impressive greenhouse complex that houses tropical and desert specimens. The Museum of Natural History, located within the gardens, contains some of the world's finest paleontological and mineralogical collections, including the gallery of evolution that dramatically presents the story of life on Earth.

The lines of trees and benches that border the paths make wonderful sitting places for picnics purchased at Rue Mouffetard market. The calm and relaxing atmosphere provides a perfect contrast to busy Paris, offering visitors a chance to combine cultural education with natural beauty. Entry to the gardens is free, but individual museums have separate admission fees typically ranging from €6-€10.

Cultural Combination Itineraries

The proximity of these attractions allows for thoughtful cultural combinations that enhance each individual experience. A morning at Rue Mouffetard market, with its emphasis on traditional French culture and artisanal products, pairs beautifully with afternoon visits to the Panthéon or Jardin des Plantes, where the intellectual and scientific achievements of French civilization are celebrated.

Literary tourists particularly appreciate the connection between the market streets where Hemingway shopped and the Panthéon where French literary giants rest. This geographic proximity allows visitors to experience both the daily life and the lasting achievements of Parisian culture within a single neighborhood walk.

Historic Roman Remnants

 

Arenes de Lutece - Located nearby on rue Monge this is one of the oldest remains in the city as it goes back to the 1st century AD when the city was a Roman town and like all roman towns had an Arena. Although lost for hundreds of years the arena was uncovered and preserved by a team headed by Victor Hugo during the 1880s. Now a public monument it is a mixture of original structures and reconstructions, and is actively used today by local citizens as a public space for impromptu soccer or boule games.

 

Musée Curie - Located in the building where Madam Curie's lab operated this small museum to the history of radiological research was recently renovated with a grant from the Curie family. Free to enter it is open Wednesday to Saturday, from 1 PM to 5 PM  website

 

Grande Mosquée de Paris - The largest Islamic place of worship in the city this is a busy Mosque which also welcomes visitors who wish to enjoy the architecture.  Set in beautiful gardens it also has a popular cafe that serves pastries and drinks.   website

 

Eglise Saint-Médard - Situated at the southern end of rue Moufettard where it joins with rue Censier this parish church was built in 1875. Today it still functions daily but is also visited for the nice quiet garden outside.  website