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2nd Arrondissement Guide
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Streets
Place des Victoires
Built in 1865 to celebrate the victory of Louis XIV over Spain, Holland, Piedmont and Germany, it is now lined with designer shops such as 'Kenzo' and 'Thierry Mugler'. 'Victoire', a specialty store, introducing new Paris design talent, is particularly interesting.
Rue Montorgeuil
This is a trendy area with an eclectic mix of cafes, bars and food stores set amid old, interesting streets and houses. Of particular interest is the 'L 'Escargot Montorgueil' at #38 as it is one of the most authentic examples of 1830's decor in Paris and a well known restaurant specializing in snails. At #51 is 'Strohers', founded in 1730 by the former pastry chef of Louis XV.
Gardens
Jardin de Tuilleries
The Tuileries Gardens were designed by Andre Le Notre in 1664 and is one of the largest parks in Paris. It is bordered by the Louvre, Rue de Rivoli and, at the western end, the Orangerie and the Jeu de Paume. The Orangerie houses Monet's magnificent 'Nympheas' series of paintings of water-lilies which were painted at Giverny and donated to the nation by the artist as a 'spiritual testimony'. It also houses other great Impressionist and 'Ecole de Paris' artists. It is undergoing a major re-haul at the moment. The Jeu de Paume holds special exhibitions.
Palais Royal & Gardens
The Palais Royal was constructed for Cardinal Richelieu in 1628. On the southwest corner is the Comedie Francaise and on the northwest corner is the 4-star 'Grand Vefour', an haute cuisine restaurant since the 1760s. The Palais Royal was home to Colette and Jean Cocteau.
Districts Map
Local Connection©
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Paris 2nd Arrondissement - Montorgueil • Place des Victoires
The 2nd arrondissement is primarily a district of trade and commerce; the Paris Stock Exchange has its home here. The 19th century passages in this district make for an interesting afternoon's walk. Further east is the wholesale outlets of Paris' garment district. On rue St-Denis prostitution has thrived since the Middle Ages.
What to See
Sites, Covered Passages, Museums and more
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Interesting Sites
19th Century Covered Passages
Galerie Vivienne - opened 1823
Galerie Colbert - opened 1826
Passage des Panoramas - built 1800
Biblioteque Nationale
From the Middle Ages the kings of France collected manuscripts, but a copyright act in 1537 stated that a copy of ever book printed must enter the royal, now national, library. Today it includes records and photographs and is probably the largest library in Europe.
Chatelet
It was outside 11 Rue de la Ferronnerie in 1610 that Henri IV was stabbed to death in his carriage. Les Halles underground pedestrian concourse lined with shops and an RER and Metro Hub. It is on the site of the old "Les Halles" Central Market.
Famous Churches
Eglise St.Germain l' Auxerrois
The present church is on the site of an 8th century sanctuary and combines five centuries of architectural design. In 1572 the bells rang out the start of the St Bartholomew's Day Massacre, when Protestant Huguenots were invited to celebrate the marriage of Henri de Navarre, later Henri IV, to his cousin, Marguerite de Valois. It was a trap laid by the Cardinal Duke de Guise and Catherine de Medici, thousands were slaughtered.
Eglise de St. Eustache
Begun in 1532 and completed in 1647 it is one of the largest, most
famous and beautiful churches in Paris. It has a particularly noteworthy
organ and was the setting for the first performances of works by Berlioz
and Liszt.
Museums
Louvre
Once a royal Renaissance palace, the Louvre Museum houses some of the world's most famous works of art, highlights of which are the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory, 360 degree visit . Closed on Tuesdays.
Museum of Decorative Arts
In the Louvre complex, the Musee des Arts Decoratifs presents an exceptional collection of Italian primitives, tapestries from the Middle Ages and eighteenth century (220,000 items, objects, drawings, furniture, plate, jewels, ceramics, glassware, upholstery, old and contemporary posters, toys...). Six chronological departments are organized into period rooms marking out the stages in everyday life from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century.
Museum of Publicity
Housed in the same building as the Musee des Arts Decoratifs, the Musee de la Publicite houses 80,000 old and contemporary posters. The history of the poster from the end of the eighteenth century to the present day.
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What to Do
City Tours, Cooking, Wine Promenades, Photo Adventures, Private Guides & More
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Scheduled City Tours
Half and full day city tours leave from rue Rivoli by luxury coach. Some tours include guides and some, audioguides. See the selection or email us for a private driver/guide.
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Hop on Hop Off Bus Stops
Palais Royal - Comédie Française
3 Jardins du Palais Royal
Musée du Louvre
Place du Carrousel (opposite Pyramide du Louvre), Jardin des Tuileries.
Pont-Neuf - Quai des Orfèvres
Opposite 68, quai des Orfèvres, Conciergerie, Square du Vert Galant
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Wine Promenade
Our wine bar promeande is designed to introduce you to the discovery of french wines right where the french themselves do it.More Details
Guided Tour of the Louvre
See the highlights or take a private tour of a current exhibition or themed interest : From 39 euro.
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