Car: not necessary
The neighborhood has every amenity; bank, drugstore, bakery, convenience store, restaurants, health club. There are two food and flower markets nearby - on Place Monge open 3 times a week and one at the foot of Rue Mouffetard open every day but at its most colorful on Sunday.
The food and flower open air market at the foot of Rue Mouffetard is open daily but is wonderful on Sunday. Alternately, the market at Place Monge is open 3 times per week. A visit to the Luxembourg Gardens is a must and the nearby Museum of Natural History is fascinating. The neighborhood has boulangeries, patisseries, fromageries, ethnic and French restaurants, bank, drugstore, cafes, convenience store - everything you need. Details are on page 210 of the Zagat guide in the study/TV room. Two Metro stations are within walking distance. If you aren't interested in the nearby health club, you can join the firemen on their fitness runs in the Luxembourg Gardens.
Other Activities: shopping