Walk around Mouffetard
How to combine a cultural and refreshing walk in Paris? Discover the Mouffetard district, right in the heart of the Latin Quarter of Paris.
Estimated duration of the route: 2h00
Estimated distance of the route: 3.6km
1 -
Meet in front of the ARAB WORLD INSTITUTE, at 1 Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, in the 5th arrondissement of Paris.
Nestled between the Seine and the Jussieu faculty, the Arab World Institute, entirely made of glass, is an astonishing elongated building. The façade composed of hundreds of squares cut from glass adorned with oriental decorations fascinates passersby. A true architectural feat, the Arab World Institute was inaugurated in 1987 by President Mitterrand, who aimed to strengthen the ties between France and Arab countries and to honor their respective cultures.
If you want to see what lies inside the building, know that the Institute houses a large museum spread over three levels that tells the story of the transformations that Arab civilization has undergone since prehistoric times. This magnificent museum holds an impressive collection of ancient objects that will introduce you to the ancient city of Carthage, as well as the great Arab scholars of the Middle Ages and the subtly woven carpets that decorated the palaces of the Maghreb and India. You can conclude your visit by taking a stroll on the terrace located on the top floor of the Institute. Overlooking the city, it offers an impressive view not to be missed.
2 -
Walk along the Quai Saint-Bernard and the banks of the Seine for a few meters. You will find on your left the TINO ROSSI GARDEN.
Directly overlooking the Seine, the Tino Rossi garden is a small spot very popular with local students who enjoy organizing picnics at noon and evening aperitifs. The stone steps of the garden are therefore crowded on warm summer evenings, and it is not uncommon for guitarists and other street musicians to settle there to play a few chords. From the garden, you can see the Île Saint Louis on the left and the Bercy district on the right. Besides its ideal location by the river, this garden is notable for having several sculptures and statues that stand on either side in the open air, seemingly strolling with passersby. From there, you can decide to take a little cruise on the Seine.
3 -
Turn right onto Cuvier Street, which runs alongside the GARDEN OF PLANTS.
On your left, you will see a first building made of bricks and tiles: this building houses one of the rooms of the Natural History Museum. At the entrance of the garden, a map will help you orient yourself and not miss places you would really like to discover. The Garden of Plants is one of the largest gardens in Paris, where activities and points of interest abound. Therefore, it is advisable, if you will not have the opportunity to return to the area soon, to establish a small circuit before venturing in to ensure you do not miss any activities.
We recommend starting by strolling through the garden width-wise and then continuing along the ecological garden to visit the menagerie, which has an entrance fee. Next to the menagerie are the educational vegetable garden, the alpine garden, the greenhouses, and the maze. You can then pass by the school of botany to discover beautiful flower beds and various plants. However, if you have the chance to revisit the garden later, we advise you to wander according to your desires; your walk will be all the more enjoyable.
In the middle of the Jardin des Plantes is the NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, home to the Great Gallery of Evolution where 7,000 specimens tell the story of the animal world.
By visiting the galleries of the National Museum of Natural History, you will discover the history of the animal world through zoology, as well as that of the plant world by playing the apprentice botanist, and finally that of the mineral world and the many treasures it holds. The evolution of the Earth and Man will hold no secrets for you: the Great Gallery of Paleontology and the Gallery of Evolution will reveal the History of life on Earth as you have never perceived it before.
The museum is filled with fossils, minerals, herbariums, animals, and all kinds of ethnographic objects. The visit is fascinating as it allows us to better understand Man and his environment in a playful way that appeals to both young and old. While the mysterious era of Prehistory is recounted, visitors also discover the very modern issue of ecology that affects us all today. The gallery that is undoubtedly the most popular is the exciting Gallery of Evolution, which is teeming with animals of strange, sometimes monstrous appearances, and dimensions more real than life.
Good to know: like all museums, entry is free for those under 26.
5 -
Leave the Jardin des Plantes by the left exit, the one very close to the entrance of the great gallery of Evolution. You will discover THE GREAT MOSQUE OF PARIS which is located just at the corner of Daubenton Street.
Before your eyes stands the Great Mosque of Paris and its minaret rising 33 meters high. As soon as you push open the doors of the mosque, you will be transported far from the capital to be immersed in a completely different world of Moorish architecture. The construction of this mosque is closely linked to the history of French colonization, but also to the country's politics (conquest and then pacification of Algeria). It was in memory of the Muslim soldiers who fought alongside French forces during the Great War that the City of Paris decided, in 1922, to offer this magnificent mosque to the Muslim community.
Inside the building, the atmosphere of contemplation that reigns in the prayer hall is striking. The beautiful carpets that cover the floor of the hall tastefully decorate the place imbued with silence. Outside, the change of scenery is also on the agenda: in the midst of the galleries, a garden very nicely adorned with plants and fountains plunges the visitor into the heart of an oasis. The Great Mosque also houses a hammam, a restaurant, and a café.
Not to be missed: the oriental pastries and the traditional mint tea!
6 - Continue straight until Daubenton Street where you will turn right. Turn right onto Mirbel Street, continue through the Patriarches passage at the end of which you will discover MOUFFETARD STREET.
Laid out since Roman times in the 1st century, Mouffetard Street is undoubtedly one of the oldest streets in Paris. Its amusing-sounding name actually comes from the expression "moufette," which refers to a foul and unbearable smell. And for good reason: in the Middle Ages, Mouffetard Street was nothing other than the drainage canal for the city's dirty water! It is therefore easy to imagine that a putrid smell reigned here, making it one of the dirtiest (and most avoided) streets in Paris. The street has changed a lot today: picturesque and commercial, Mouffetard is one of the busiest spots in the neighborhood.
Winding through numerous alleys where it is very pleasant to stroll, it is easy for a somewhat dreamy walker to get lost in this area. Stretching 650 meters long, Mouffetard Street is lively both day and night. Up to the intersection with Jean-Calvin Street, the lower part of the street is animated by a daily fresh produce market. The nearby shops remain traditional and punctuate the lives of the local residents. Fishmongers, butchers, cheesemongers, bakers, wine merchants, and hardware stores… all offer highly appreciated products from the French terroir. The upper part of the street is filled with restaurants, bars, and fast food outlets. It is the festive area at night that attracts students from the neighborhood. Place de la Contrescarpe resembles a small village square where it is very pleasant to have a drink on the terrace.
7 -
Turn right onto Lacépède Street, then left onto Navarre Street: the entrance to ARENES DE LUTECE is a short walk further on your right.
It's hard to imagine that 2,000 years ago, a massive Gallo-Roman amphitheater stood at this location. Where today there are only a few bleachers among which nature is gradually reclaiming its rights, there once stood a large arena where gladiators fiercely fought to entertain the people. The arena also featured a stage for theatrical performances. Today, the place is ideal for enjoying the sun or picnicking with friends.