Pass beneath the iron filagree gate and you’ll enter a street like no other in Paris. Trust me, you won’t make it through this neighborhood without buying something: fine pastries, cheeses, chocolates, rotisserie, charcuterie, flowers, all gourmet quality.  Not a shopper?, then take it all in at one of the cafes or restaurants dotting every corner. A happening place full of history and authenticity. Historic houses decorated with elaborate ironwork can be found at #17, #23, and #25, Rue Montorgueil. Many of the buildings on the street also feature painted facades.

Pedestrians rejoice. A few delivery trucks make their way through at times but mostly you’re free to saunter along sniffing and devouring all the colorful activity with your eyes. Cameras down, enjoy the moment and the buzz of the locals. Rue Montorgueil’s name translates literally to “Mount Pride”. Kids love this street; watch for the walking balloon vendor.

Tips: Charles Chocolatier,  Stohrer patisserie,  Le Rocher de Cancale, L’escargot are some of the places you’ll want to stop in. Streets including Rue Dussoubs and Rue Saint-Sauveur date to the 11th century.

How to get here:

Metro:
Etienne Marcel (Line 4)
Sentier (Line 3)
Réaumur Sebastopol (Lines 3 & 4)

Pages 85-86 in the No Worries Paris guidebook. Find it on Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com