Stories
2nd: Bourse
Paris - 2nd Arrondissement
First and foremost, the second is the financial district of France, housing the French stock exchange—La Bourse de Paris. The one site tourists tend to visit the most is the Bibliothèque Nationale—admittedly this it tends to be a spot people visit if they're going past it on their way to other destinations or they've been to Paris countless times and want to explore more.
Those who love to rent apartments when they visit Paris will often choose to rent on or near rue Montorgeuil, because the market is fantastic. The covered passages and shops (Galerie Colbert, Passage des Panoramas, Galerie Vivienne) are delightful places to happen upon, and, of course, Les Halles (watch out for pickpockets) and the Grands Boulevards are hot spots for shopaholics.
Destinations in the 2nd: Bourse
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Bibliotheque nationale de France BnF
National Library of France
The National Library of France is intended to be the repository of all that is published in France and traces its origin to the royal library founded at the Louvre by Charles V in 1368. It expanded under Louis XIV and opened to the public in 1692.
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Galerie Vivienne
Galerie Vivienne is a gorgeous, restored nineteenth century covered passage—complete with glass roofs, mosaic-tiled floors, and hand-carved wood—and is a perfect place to stop and take in a bit of tea and shopping.
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Maison Stohrer
At the World Expo in Shanghai, the French pavilion was assembled to present the emphasis the French culture puts on senses, among which taste cannot be neglected. Situated at 51 Rue Montorgueil is a house of the city’s oldest and most renowned pastry shop, La Maison Stohrer.
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Rue Montorgueil
One of the pleasures of being a local to an urban city with tourists swarming in regardless of the season is knowing where to go for some shopping très chic and authentic, fresh food in neighborhoods that are still somewhat hidden to newcomers.
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Tour Jean Sans Peur
Within the commercialized center around Etienne Marcel, the Tour Jean Sans Peur (“John the Fearless”) may seem a bit out of place with its rich history. Only this tower remains from the Palais Parisien des Ducs de Bourgogne. Its unique architecture dates back to the Middle Ages, and the tower was constructed for refuge from invading enemies. The home was one of the largest mansions in the area in the 15th century, and its view from documented sketches was quite fantastic. Unfortunately, the view from the tower now is nothing spectacular. In addition, the tower offers exhibitions in its basement such as information on health in the Middle Ages.
