This small, three-days-a-week street market stands in the Latin Quarter and started operating in 1547, making it the oldest in Paris. Whenever I stay in the vicinity, I like to come by, not only to look at the offerings but to soak up the atmosphere. Pleasant vendors display everything from organic fruits and vegetables to charcuterie to sweaters. They often greet customers by name and chat with them for a while. Some offer samples of their products. Residents move among the approximately 40 stands, buying food and placing their purchases in large shopping bags with wheels. I find this to be a fine example of a local market, enough off the beaten tourist track to serve mostly residents.
On my most recent visit, I heard American English here. I turned to look and was surprised to see a Parisian friend leading three tourists through the area, discussing products and the market. He is a volunteer for Paris Greeters, an organization that offers free walks through various neighborhoods. This small group had indicated an interest in visiting markets.
In addition to the temporary stalls, there are permanent shops at the back of the market. These include a bakery and a butcher. The cheese shop there offers an outstanding assortment of possibilities.
The market is open Tuesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Morning is the best time to go, because many of the stands close early.
The Maubert-Mutualite metro stop (line 10) has an exit into one end of the market, which is set back from Boulevard St. Germain. There are enough street markets in Paris, however, that I do not recommend going out of the way to visit this one, but I think it is worth going to when in the area.