The famed “Rue Montorgueil” in the heart of the central Paris is a delight for the senses. This wonderfully bustling street is lined with charming cafes, patisseries, and specialty food shops that offer everything from fresh baguettes to delicious macarons.
It is located on the border of the 1st and 2nd arrondissements in Paris, right next to the central train station, Chatelet. This makes it very easy to get to from anywhere in city, and the proof is in the pudding. Rue Montorgueil is one of those streets in Paris that is always packed with people, no matter what time of the day you visit.
In addition, The street is surrounded by charming neighborhoods like Les Halles, the Marais, and the Palais Royal. The area is also home to many museums, including the Centre Pompidou and the Louvre Museum.
From delicious food to charming shops, this street has it all. So grab a croissant and a café au lait, and let’s enjoy all that Rue Montorgueil has to offer. Allons-y!
History and why it is famous
As you wander down Rue Montorgueil, take a moment to appreciate the stunning 19th century architecture. The street is lined with beautiful buildings that date back centuries. It’s easy to imagine what life was like in Paris during the 18th and 19th centuries as you stroll down this charming street.
The street bears since the 13th century the name of “mont Orgueilleux” or “Mount Superb”, because it led to a small hill, which has mostly been flattened out and is currently in the Bonne-Nouvelle district).
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the street became a popular gathering place for Parisians to shop, dine, and socialize. And it is clear that it made famed French artist Claude Monet fall in love with it as well.
Rue Montorgueil really became famous when Claude Monet painted “La rue Montorgueil à Paris“,a painting that is currently at the Musée d’Orsay.
Painted in 1878, Monet’s waving French flags are not celebrating Bastille day. Rather it marks June 30 1878, on the occasion of a new national holiday for “peace and work”.
(The holiday was meant to promote the French republican state after the humiliation of the defeat during the Franco-Prussian war by Germany in 1870.)
This painting of Rue Montorgueil is one of the most famous paintings in France, painted by one of the most famous artists in France. Quite the history, indeed.
Shops
One of the must-visit stops on Rue Montorgueil is Stohrer, one of the oldest pastry shops in Paris. This pastry shop has been around since 1730 and is known for its delectable pastries and cakes.
Another popular spot is La Fermette, a popular cheese shop on rue Montorgueil. The shop offers a wide variety of French cheeses, including camembert and brie.
But Rue Montorgueil isn’t just about food. The street is also home to a number of boutique shops that sell everything from clothing to souvenirs.
Restaurants and Cafés
If you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal, there are plenty of options to choose from on Rue Montorgueil. From French bistros to Italian trattorias, there’s something for everyone.
One of my personal favorites is L’Escargot Montorgueil, a traditional French bistro that serves up classic dishes like escargot and foie gras.
If you’re in the mood for Italian cuisine, head to La Perla for delicious pasta and pizza. For a more casual option, try the Le Petit Crème which serves everything from burgers and cocktails, to pain perdu and wine.
Best time to visit
Rue Montorgueil Opening Hours: Shops on the street are usually open weekdays and all day Saturday till 8:30pm. Most stores and restaurants also open on Sundays but may have reduced hours Sunday evenings. This is similar to other popular pedestrianized streets like Rue Cler.
In the summer, the street comes alive with outdoor dining and music buskers. During the christmas holiday season, the street is decked out in festive decorations, and the patisseries and bakeries are full of holiday desserts, like buches de Noel and galettes des rois.
Either way, you can’t go wrong with a trip to this little corner of the City of Lights.
If you enjoyed that article, you may like to read more things to visit in Paris. A bientôt!
