Welcome to Rue Montorgueil! This central and historic food street in the heart of Paris gave its name to a charming quarter stretching from Sentier to Les Halles. The area forms a picturesque network of small pedestrian streets lined with cobblestones, which is a real delight to explore on foot. The surroundings are a haven for food enthusiasts. That’s why we’re embarking together on a food tour in Rue Montorgueil!
Rue Montorgueil: A Historical Food Street
Historically, Rue Montorgueil (extending into Rue des Petits Carreaux to the north) served as a vital axis for transporting goods from the north of France directly to the bustling fresh food market of Les Halles – which was moved to Rungis in 1969. Today, from Sentier metro station to St-Eustache church and Les Halles, the streets are paved with a dense concentration of grocery stores, food shops, restaurants, and patisseries (pastry shops). If you’re visiting on a Thursday or Sunday, don’t miss the food market taking place near St-Eustache church in the morning.
I’m excited to guide you through a selection of 10 must-try dishes and treats along Rue Montorgueil: we will walk past iconic eateries that have stood the test of time and newer, lesser-known gems that are my personal favourites.
This article contains a food tour map that you can download. Note that this tour focuses solely on food—we’ll explore food culture places on another occasion. For convenience, don’t forget to save the tour itinerary in your maps: whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just discovering Paris for the first time, this tour is crafted just for you!
10 treats & dishes to taste in Rue Montorgueil
I’m taking you along Rue Montorgueil, from the top of Rue des Petits Carreaux all the way down to Les Halles/St-Eustache. This itinerary is not ranked by preference but by the itinerary from North to South.
#1 A “Praluline” brioche at Pralus
Let’s kick off at Pralus, famous for its pink praline brioche. Invented in 1955, this brioche perfectly blends soft, sweet bread with crunchy sugar-coated hazelnuts (a specialty sweet from the region of Lyon). It’s a take-away treat only, perfect as a gift or, if you’re like me, a self-treat to savor quietly at home. Every bite brings a smile!
#2 A saucisson at Cul de Cochon
Next up, Cul de Cochon, a haven for “saucisson” lovers. This shop is a small treasure trove of French charcuterie. You’ll find classic dry sausages (I recommend the Targe “Prestige” saucisson) but also unique finds like the fig-infused saucisson that beautifully marries sweet and savory. For those who have never tried the French dry sausage before, this is your opportunity to discover a French “aperitive” icon!
#3 French cheese from the cheese shop
Cheese is serious business here – keep in mind that France is home to several hundreds different cheese. There are two fromageries in Rue Montorgueil, each quite tasty. Both offer an exceptional variety, but it’s the experience of choosing—maybe spending a good hour contemplating the perfect selection for a cheese plate—that makes it special anyway. Occasionally, they assemble small cheese plates outside the shop; perfect for a quick, delicious taste, if you don’t want to buy bigger parts.
#4 Oysters at Au Rocher de Cancale (a Montorgueil icon)
Step into a slice of history at Au Rocher de Cancale, known for its oysters since they were first carted down from Normandy in the 18th century. This place is a throwback to the old days of Les Halles and a nod to the gourmands of Balzac’s world, featured in his masterpiece “La Comédie Humaine”. Sampling oysters here can feel like you’re part of a French literary classic!
#5 Baba au Rhum at Stohrer
Beware of the line! Stohrer is the oldest patisserie in Paris, and is worth a visit of a glance at least for its beautiful decorum! It was founded in the 18th century by Nicolas Stohrer, who was originally from Poland and served as a pastry chef to King Louis XV. Nothing less! Famous for its Baba au Rhum, now available in convenient mini versions soaked in rum, the patisserie also showcases a range of traditional French treats like Saint-Honoré and religieuses, as well as Eastern European specialties such as kouglofs and babkas, reflecting Stohrer’s heritage.
#6 An ice cream at Bältis
Until Bältis opened, a great ice cream was the one thing I felt Rue Montorgueil was missing. This Lebanese ice cream spot, located at the angle with Rue Tiquetonne, has filled that gap since. Their flavors are original, not too sweet, and the thyme ice cream last summer soon became my favourite! It’s refreshing to find such innovative tastes in this old culinary quarter.
#7 Buttered snails at L’Escargot Montorgueil
Yes, snails! And yet another iconic establishment in Rue Montorgueil. Look for the big golden snail sign over the threshold. It always brings a smile and reflects the street’s heritage of old shop signs, that you can’t miss if you look up. In the French snail experience, it’s not just about the garlicky, buttery sauce; the snails themselves are a delicacy, trust me. There’s something indulgent about extracting the snails from their shells and savoring each one… you must try it at least once in your life!
#8 Coffee at Petibon
Forget the typical Parisian café—you don’t need my blog post to tell you how to sit down and people-watch like a Parisian on an outdoor terrace. Instead, head over to Petibon, where I recharge with a takeaway coffee. Ever since I bought their hot coffee bottle, which offers a 15% discount on refills, I’ve made it a point to come back. Their long black and filtered coffees are my go-to choices, perfect for perking up before continuing your food journey. Plus, their minimalist style is a breath of fresh air!
#9 Cream puffs (choux à la crème) at Odette
At first, I was skeptical about a place that focused solely on cream puffs, but now I’m somehow hooked! It’s a bit pricey, but I sometimes find myself indulging in a box of six, savoring each bite. The raspberry and classic vanilla flavors are must-tries. To me, Odette‘s cream puffs offer a sweet escape from the overly sugary macarons. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why I keep coming back!
#10 A pig’s foot at the Rue Montorgueil iconic Au Pied de Cochon
Our final stop: the renowned Au Pied de Cochon, near St-Eustache. This brasserie has evolved from a simple late-night haunt for market workers in the 19th century, into a celebrated, multi-level restaurant with stunning Art Deco interiors (recently renovated by Beaux-Arts students). Known for serving food nearly 24 hours a day, it’s the perfect spot to end our tour. This French brasserie serves everything pig, but you should definitely go for the pig’s foot that has made their reputation: I found it way tastier than all the rest of the dishes.
A Rue Montorgueil Food Itinerary – Get the map
To get your own map of this food tour in Rue Montorgueil, here are your options:
- You can use the personalized Google map to follow our delicious journey step-by-step. It’s viewable in Google Maps so you always have your tour with the various addresses handy.
- For those who prefer to have the map in a mobile-friendly photo format and want a handy reminder of what to eat, you can download the list of 10 must-try foods in Rue Montorgueil right below. Don’t forget to share your experiences and add your favorite treats to the list by connecting with me on Instagram @a.fab.journey.
Happy exploring, and enjoy your gourmand’s adventure through Rue Montorgueil!
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