Paris 2nd district is located on the right bank of the River Seine, close to the 8th and 9th arrondissements. It has 4 areas:
- Gaillon
- Vivienne
- Bonne-Nouvelle
The 2nd district hosts a great many business activities. In this arrondissement you will find the former Paris Stock Exchange (Bourse de Paris) located in the Palais Brongniard, and numerous banking headquarters, as well as a textile district (The Sentier) and the Opera-Comique concert hall.
History
This arrondissement was born during the 15th century when Paris was extended. It has always been characterized by the diversity of its activities and its inhabitants, who come from all social backgrounds. These characteristics refer to the evolution of Paris through the ages, and quite turbulent times. As a result, though less known to tourists than other Parisian areas, Paris 2 has retained a wealth of heritage and architecture.
Famous places
Palais Brongniard
Inaugurated in 1826, it hosted the French stock exchange until the computer era (circa 1986)which meant that stock trading companies began to trading online only. Nowadays, it is listed as a Historical Monument (since 1987) and hosts business events. (Metro station: Bourse)
Rue de la Paix
The rue de la Paix is one of the most expensive streets in the world. It was created by the Emperor Napoleon with the sole intention of making it the finest street in Paris. The rue de la Paix leads from the Opera Garnier to the Place Vendôme and is dedicated to luxury stores.
(Metro station: Opera)
Opera Comique
Founded in 1714 under Louis XIV’s reign by some of the popular theatres associated with Parisian fairs, the Opera Comique is a Parisian opera company. At the heart of the building, the auditorium has preserved original features. (Metro station: Richelieu – Drouot)
Basilique Notre-Dame-des-Victoires
This basilica was built in 1629 on Louis XIII’s orders, to celebrate his victory against the Protestants. (Metro station: Bourse)
Theatre des Variétés
Built in 1807 between Paris and Montmartre, the Theatre des Varietes was created by Marguerite Brunet. It was listed as a historic monument in 1975 and hosts a large variety of shows. Nowadays it remains one of the most important Parisian theatres. (Metro station: Richelieu – Drouot)
Population
In 2009, this arrondissement counted 21 417 inhabitants.
Restaurants and cafes
Les Alchimistes, rue Favart, 75002 PARIS, Tel: 01 42 96 69 86, €30-€60
La Cantoche Paname, 97, Rue Montmartre, 75002 PARIS, Tel : 01 40 41 09 62, €15-€30
Average price per square meter in the 2nd arrondissement:
€9,760/sqm (Source: Notaires de Paris)
Useful information
Tourism office in Paris:
www.francetourism.com
Maps of Paris:
www.ign.fr
www.viamichelin.com
Travel from the UK
By air: Easyjet flies from Belfast, Liverpool Newcastle and London Luton to Paris.
Ryanair flies from Shannon, Dublin and Glasgow to Paris.
By rail: Eurostar go from London to Paris in just 2h35.
By car: You can travel by car to Paris by taking the ferries which go from Dover to Calais and then you can take the Motorway to Paris.
You can also cross the channel with the Eurostar and stop at Calais. Then you will travel on the motorway directly to Paris.
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