Test →
Testez →

Paris • City Guide • 2nd arrondissement

by | 8 Jan, 2021 | All, Getaway | 0 comments

Paris • City Guide • 2nd arrondissement

Must-see locations in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris

Published on January 8, 2021

Located in the heart of the Right Bank, the 2nd arrondissement is one of the oldest districts in Paris. It is also the smallest in the capital! Despite its small size, it is nonetheless attractive. As a major entertainment hub, the 2nd district is full of theatres and cinemas that are emblematic of Parisian cultural wealth. The district has few monuments and museums, but it’s covered passages, mansions and beautiful storefronts definitely make up for that. It’s the perfect place to take a stroll and discover the extremely rich and varied architectural and historical heritage. In this very lively and lively district, there are lots of hot-spots, including fashion boutiques, food shops and restaurants. Check out our recommendations and enjoy the 2nd arrondissement with all its Parisian charm.

Places to visit

The Jean Sans Peur Tower

This little known medieval tower is the tallest in Paris, located in the Les Halles district. At 27 meters high, this unique historical site traces the history of the Dukes of Burgundy. The ceremonial staircase and its vegetal vault alone are worth the detour, and there are also regular exhibitions on life at the end of the Middle Ages.

The National Library of France – Richelieu Site

The BNF has taken up its quarters on the left bank in the 13th arrondissement and the Richelieu site is its historic cradle. Located rue de Richelieu, in the heart of the 2nd arrondissement, this Parisian institution has reopened its doors to the public after almost 10 years of work. The Richelieu Library houses exceptional collections of writers’ manuscripts, prints, photographs, music and performing arts collections. It forms a prestigious ensemble of admirably renovated architectural buildings.

Places to stroll

Place des Victoires

This is one of five royal squares in Paris along with the Place des Vosges or de la Concorde. As a symbol of the power of the Sun King, the Place des Victoires is dotted with majestic mansions, all classified as historical monuments. These typical buildings of 17th century architecture now house haute couture houses and designer boutiques.

The Street of Peace – Rue de la Paix

This street links the Place Vendôme to that of the Opera and is one of the chicest streets in Paris. Rue de la Paix is ​​bordered by luxury hotels and the most prestigious jewellers. You may not be able to shop there, but you will be amazed!

The Sentier-Montorgueil

Located between the Grands Boulevards and Les Halles, the Sentier district and Rue Montorgueil make up one of the largest pedestrian areas in Paris. You can walk there, shop and eat at your leisure! As a former stronghold of Parisian textiles, the Sentier is still teeming with fashion boutiques. The district is also renowned for its gourmet restaurants, which are among the best in the capital.

The Covered Passages

Located between the Grands Boulevards and Les Halles, the Sentier district and Rue Montorgueil make up one of the largest pedestrian areas in Paris. You can walk there, shop and eat at your leisure! As a former stronghold of Parisian textiles, the Sentier is still teeming with fashion boutiques. The district is also renowned for its gourmet restaurants, which are among the best in the capital.

Places to shop

Kiliwatch

Kiliwatch is a cult Parisian thrift store. Over time, it has become a trendy, multi-brand store, housing a selection of new fashion pieces in addition to second-hand clothes. Despite this, Kiliwatch remains a temple of high-end vintage that still attracts fans of second-hand clothes.

Maison Sarah Lavoine

Interior designer Sarah Lavoine has opened a new showroom in the heart of the 2nd arrondissement, on the elegant Place des Victoires, not far from her stronghold on rue Saint-Roch. Through her furniture, decorative objects, crockery and linens, we find her universe mixing chic, sobriety and refinement.

Gourmet Bookstore

Located on rue Montmartre, the Librairie Gourmande is aptly named. Here you will find happiness in the form of gastronomy! Specialising in culinary and oenological books, this is the oldest Parisian bookstore of its kind offers more than 20,000 references. A true paradise for gourmets from all over the world.

Places where to eat

Daroco Restaurant

This restaurant is located in the Bourse district and gives pride of place to transalpine cuisine. Its tables are set up in place of Jean-Paul Gautier’s former boutique. In a trendy and warm setting, you can taste delicious pizzas and pastas perfectly al dente!

Terroirs of the Future

La Rue du Nil houses the best of fresh produce and you will find everything you need to cook up an excellent meal at home. Complete with a bakery, butcher, fishmonger, greengrocer, Terroirs d’Avenir has spread out its points of sale all along the rue du Nil to offer high quality products, from peasant agriculture, animal husbandry and sustainable fishing.

Coinstot Vino

Located on the Bourse side of the entrance to the Passage des Panoramas, this wine bar-restaurant will appeal to lovers of natural wines and all those who appreciate bistros. The warm atmosphere provides the perfect place to enjoy simple and gourmet cuisine over a drink.

Frenchie

The Michelin-starred Frenchie belongs to a young family of neo-bistros who made a dazzling breakthrough in the gastronomic landscape a few years ago. These bistronomic tables have succeeded in shaking up the norm to offer creative, elaborate and gourmet cuisine in a relaxed setting. Opposite the restaurant, chef Gregory Marchand opened his wine bar and a little further down in the same street – the famous Rue du Nil – a take-out counter, Frenchie To Go.

To Burgundy Crus

In the heart of the Montorgueil district, this institution has been given a facelift while retaining its mythical 1900 decor. Just like the place, the menu presents the great classics of the Parisian bistro: egg mayo, artichoke vinaigrette, chicken in yellow wine with morels, shallots or frogs tab in parsley

Nights out

The Grand Rex

As the largest cinema in Europe, the legendary Grand Rex hall also hosts concerts and shows in its monumental hall topped with a spectacular starry vault. Its art deco facade and baroque decor make it a unique place of Parisian heritage.

Comical opera

On Place Boieldieu, in the Vivienne district sits the National Theatre of the Opéra-Comique. Dedicated to the opera-comique genre – spoken theatre interspersed with songs – this Parisian institution reserves its program for lyrical productions.

Variety Theatre

Founded in 1807, this is one of the oldest performance halls in Paris still in operation. Listed as a historical monument, the Théâtre des Variétés is one of the many theatres that line the Grands Boulevards. Its mainstream programming attracts many spectators in search of entertainment!

Discover more good addresses in Paris

 

Access all the addresses given in this guide from your Yaago account in the “Good addresses” tab. You will also find other recommendations from the Yaago community and from myself of places to discover during your stay in Paris.

Published on January 8, 2021

About Madison

UX/UI Designer – Great traveler – Superhost in Paris since 2016 – His challenge number 1: to be the voice of the users!

Lastest Articles