Rue Mouffetard

Before we went to the Panthéon yesterday, we walked around the Rue Mouffetard area in the 5th district.  Since it was a Sunday, many of the streets were closed to traffic and there were lots of people strolling around.  We started off near the Place de la Contrescarpe.  From Rabelais in the 16th century to Hemingway in the 20th, many writers have found inspiration in the taverns and cafés around this square.  

Further down was the Mouffetard Sunday market.  For the most part it was just like every other street market we've been to -- a few stalls of produce, fish, butchers, etc.  However, something I saw in the street caught my eye.

At first I thought maybe this was just some cheeky street art.  But further investigation showed that there was, indeed, a bowling alley on Rue Mouffetard.

But after looking at this mural in the stairway, I'm not sure they play it the same way.

As we headed down the last flight of stairs we could hear the telltale sound of pins falling.  There were several groups down there enjoying a Sunday bowl, accompanied by loud techno music.

We went back up to the street and walked down to the end, following the sound of accordion music and singing.  There was a whole crowd gathered, and people were handing out song sheets for a big sing-along of French chansons.  A few couples were dancing, as well.

We hadn't been standing there more than a minute or two when one of the organizers approached and asked me to dance.  How could I refuse?  Stephane was very kind and didn't seem to mind that I can't dance to save my life.  It was very fun, though.  He sang along as we danced...the song is Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien.



Here's another short video of some much more talented dancers!