This is one of Paris's oldest and liveliest neighbourhoods. The area has many restaurants, shops, and cafés, and a regular open market.

It is centered on the Place Contrescarpe, at the junction of the rue Mouffetard and the rue de Lacepede.

Its southern terminus is at the Square Saint-Médard where there is a permanent open-air market. At its northern terminus, it becomes the rue Descartes at the crossing of the rue Thouin.

It is closed to normal motor traffic much of the week, and is predominantly a pedestrian avenue.