To wander through rue Mouffetard is to walk through Parisian history.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One thing is certain: there is no shortage of beautiful streets in Paris. But one tiny street stands out among the rest: rue Mouffetard. As the oldest street in Paris, it exudes unparalleled charm and personality. If you\u2019d like to experience the authentic Parisian atmosphere, this is the right place to be.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Photo Credit: Fil.Al<\/a>, Text Overlay: Devour Paris Food Tours<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rue Mouffetard in the Past<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tucked away in the heart of the Latin Quarter, rue Mouffetard has stood here since Roman times. In fact, it\u2019s a remnant of a road that used to lead all the way to Rome! The first stones of the rue Mouffetard were laid down by Roman legionnaires more than 2,000 years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paris as we know it today started taking shape in the 19th century, after Baron Haussmann\u2019s full-scale remodeling of the city<\/a>. Medieval streets and houses, deemed overcrowded and unhealthy, were replaced by modern buildings, avenues and squares. In a matter of decades, medieval Paris all but completely disappeared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rue Mouffetard escaped the fate of most Parisian streets. Haussmann decided not to include it in his redevelopment, as it laid nestled at the foot of Mont Sainte-Genevi\u00e8ve with the Panth\u00e9on at the top of the hill. Still, rue Mouffetard was shortened to allow for the expansion of the nearby Avenue des Gobelins. Only about 600 meters of the old road remain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The name Mouffetard comes from mouffette<\/em>, the French word for \u201cskunk.\u201d In the 18th century, rue Mouffetard was the prime location for animal skinners, filled with the overwhelming stench of rot and decay, hence its name. Throughout the years the street was called Montf\u00e9tard, Maufetard, Mostard and even Rue Saint-Marcel, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Marceau and Rue de la Vieille Ville Saint-Marcel. Finally, it became rue Mouffetard\u2014or \u201cla Mouffe,\u201d as locals prefer to call it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n