Of Paris’ 20 districts, the 2nd arrondissement is the smallest. However, this is also where you can get most of what you want in Paris. Many of the attractions offered in the other districts are also available here.
Despite its size, the 2nd Arrondissement has plenty of fabulous architecture, galleries, shops (antiques, jewelry, designer clothing and concept stores), markets, boulevards, bars, cafés, and all kinds of restaurant.
Crucially, it is also one of the largest financial districts in Europe. The 2nd arrondissement houses France’s Bourse (stock exchange). It is also the home of the city’s textile industry, the Sentier. And, indeed, if you want to look further afield, the rest of Paris is pretty much on your doorstep!
Sights
Its proximity to the 1st arrondissement will allow you to cross over and do your sightseeing nextdoor. And yet, despite its smallness, the 2nd Arrondissement houses some of the most beautiful buildings and monuments in all of Paris.
The Place des Victoires contains the extraordinary King Louis XIV statue, which is surrounded by 17th century buildings. The nearby Notre Dame des Victoires is also worth visiting, including the Tower of John the Fearless, and the Palais Brongniart which previously houses the the Paris Bourse (stock exchange)
Living
There are plenty of options for places to stay in the 2nd Arrondissement and renting an apartment in Paris has never been easier. Lodgis, the furnished rental specialists, has a fabulous selection of rental apartments in this district, to suit all budgets, needs and tastes.
Options range from 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom flats, duplexes triplexes and studios to rent for short or long stays. And the best news is you’ll never have to leave the district! Many of these apartments are located close the some of the city’s most famous streets: Rue Montorgueil, Rue Etienne Marcel, Rue Montmarte, Rue Leopold Bellan, to name just a few.
Here is an example of the kind of apartment you can rent… just imagine yourself enjoying breakfast on the terrace on a warm summer’s morning!
Galleries
The district’s galleries are a precious treasure, not only because of their preserved 19th -Century look , but also because you can see them all in a little over an hour!
These galleries are the period equivalents of today’s malls with their glass roofs and tiled floors that date back to when there was no electricity. ( French shopping malls were born when the Duke of Orleans rented out his opulent garden to a series of small shops in 1786.)
The Galerie Vivienne which retains its original décor, colors and mosaic floors. Its shops are relatively upmarket, whereas Passage Choiseul is more down to earth. The other galleries include the Passage des Panoramas, Passages des Princes and Du Grand-Cerf.
Not to be missed
The stylish Etienne Marcel and Rue Montorgueil are popular both with locals and tourists. Rue Montorgueil is a pedestrian street (almost) that’s filled with ‘’foodie’’ tourists (and locals) who are drawn in by the fresh markets, bakeries and lively atmosphere.
It is also full bars and cafes. The bustling cafes and food lovers’ delights extend along Rue Etienne Marcel. This is also the heart of the city’s textile district.
If you choose to stay in the 2nd arrondissement, you won’t be missing much of what the whole of Paris has to offer, because here you’ll be spoilt for choice thanks to the beauty, charm of a district that still possesses that elusive French flair.
See our next post: Paris’ 3rd Arrondissement — The Old, the New and the Chic!
