rue Montorgueil
One of the most important shopping streets in Paris the rue Montorgueil is just 10 minutes walk from the island and well worth the journey to see the historic buildings, the busy cafes and local shops. A place for dining as much as for shopping the street is packed with locals, and a few tourists too, particularly at the weekend and when the weather is fine.
Experience a true slice of daily Paris life by visiting the rue Montorgueil.
Getting There
From the Ile de la Cite to the rue Montogueil is only about 10 minutes walk. Start from the westerly end of the island for a straighter route and cross to the bank via the Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in the city! Stay on the right side of the bridge as you cross for more convenience then cross the road towards the Conforama, a large department store. Walk along with the store on your right and turn the corner heading away from the river. You are now on rue de Pont Neuf and should continue staight on this road, not turning at all.
After two blocks you cross the major junction with rue de Rivoli but continue straight onwards, the road narrows and becomes quieter but there are still shops such as Pharmacies and a Best Western hotel, the Hotel Ducs de Bourgogne.
Continue on past the junction with rue Saint-Honore and the Creperie with the same name on the corner. Continue on then into the park of Les Halles. The route through the park may vary according to what exhibitions or special events are on while you are there, but a way through the park is always there, continue onwards as straight as you are able.
Once through the park you see the imposing pile of the Paroisse Saint-Eustache, and impressive and well visited churches in the city, it appears like a cathedral due to its massive size, bulk and styling but actually is a parish church. With a mix of original gothic, 18th century classic and Renaissance styles it is both eclectic and always interesting. The 'Martyre de Saint Eustache' by Vouet is on display here and can be seen any time of the day up until 7pm closing when services are not being held.
To continue towards rue Montogueil go to the right of the church, as you face it, as you come around the side of the church you find two roads, one to the left beside the church and the other to the right past a cafe. Take this rightmost path, but do not go up the broad steps, instead face away from steps. Then you will see a small street, with many cafes on either side with on your left La Pointe Saint Eustache and on your right L'Esplanade St Eustache.
This is the beginning rue Montogueil and it is purely for pedestrians at this point, there are no cars allowed which is why the cafes are able to place tables everywhere making it a great place to have a cafe while watching the world go by. But this is only the beginning, the road goes an gradually widens, and starts to have traffic after the junction with rue Etienne-Marcel, but with continuing Brasserie, Cafe, patisserie and more.
From independent shops to global brands there is all manner of shopping here, both practical such as supermarkets, fashion such as hair dressers and of course coffee, breads, sausage and more continue on until it ends at the junction with Rue Reaumur.
Find the lack of English menus and signs a little too difficult? Try then rue Cler with a similar vibe but due its proximity to the Tour de Eiffel there are rather more facilitates for the tourist.