Discover Paris
Focus on the 2nd Arrondissement
Three main areas make up the 2nd arrondissement: Montorgeuil, to the east, with its trendy pedestrian streets full of local commerce, lively cafes, restaurants and bars; the business districts of the Bourse - Paris’ stock exchange - which becomes quite peaceful after hours, and Opera which remains busy day and night due to the number of converging main roads.
West of Rue de Richelieu is the theatre district. Little passageways and arcades full of shops and cafes, border Boulevard Montmartre and Rue Croix-des-petites-champs. To the East is the Sentier, better known for its fashion wholesalers.
Properties in the 2nd Arrondissement
The pedestrian area of Montorgueil is the main residential area and is much sought after for its lively atmosphere. Apartments in the older buildings often overlook calm courtyards away from the bustle of the streets. More ateliers are being converted into lofts, more streets are becoming pedestrian only and the prices in the area are rising to match rue Montorgueil.
The slightly quieter environment of the Bourse offers apartments that are more conventional. The Sentier is generally a little run-down and bustling with non-stop deliveries and traffic jams.
Around Opera are the more chic apartments but although the area is quite touristy, it can be quiet and residential after hours and is somewhat lacking in local commerce.
Ten things you should do in the 2nd Arrondissement
- Walk through the beautiful 19th Century glass covered passages such as La Gallerie Vivienne, Passages des Princes, Passage du Grand-Cerf, Passage des Panoramas or Passage Choiseul.
- Stop to eat at the fantastic French seafood restaurant Drouant, on Place Gaillon, and admire its 30’s Art Deco style while eating some of the city’s best Oysters.
- Walk up the lively pedestrian rue Montorgueil where Sarah Turnbull, Author of “Almost French”, learned to shop ‘the French way’ in its colorful cheese shops and butchers.
- Stop by an old favorite of Hemmingway’s, Harry’s New York Bar on rue Daunou, where the Bloody Mary was invented. It’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat.
- Wander through the rooms of the Tour Jean sans Peur, one of the last remaining medieval buildings in Paris. You will find interesting temporary exhibitions about medieval life.
- Visit the French Stock Exchange, ‘Palais de la Bourse’ and take a guided tour through the historical palace with remarkable ceilings where the city’s top financiers spend their day.
- Don’t miss out on watching your favorite sports and stop by Le Frog and Rosbif, a cross channel celebration of all things English and French where they brew their own beer.
- Visit the Musee du Cabinet des Medailles at La Bibliotheque Nationale de France on rue de Richelieu, one of the most impressive collections of currencies and medals in the world.
- Stock up on your reading materials at Brentano’s at 37 Avenue de l’Opera where you will find an extensive selection of Fine Art books in French and English.
- Spend an evening watching an opera-comique at the Salle Favart, a part of the lesser known theatre national de l’Opera-Comique located at Place Boieldieu.
