Trs Chic Things To See And Do In The 2me Arrondissement

Tucked away behind the grand and sweeping Louvre lies the 2ème arrondissement, a quiet and largely overlooked business neighborhood. But the 2ème is home to several hidden gems ready to reward the determined traveler. Culture Trip reveals nine amazing things to see and do in this tiny corner of Paris.

Explore the City’s Covered Passages

Built during the 1800s, these passages acted as the city’s first shopping malls and retain unbelievable amounts of old-world charm and beauty. They also make a great refuge from the tourist hoards and even bad weather (they are covered with Victorian glass ceilings). Galerie Vivienne is one of the most beautiful, with a stunning mosaic floor and fabulous designer shops. Other delightful passages include Passage Colbert and Passage du Grand Cerf.
Galerie Vivienne, 6 rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris, France

1. Take in Place Des Victoires

Building, Park

This square may not be super happening, but it is exquisitely beautiful. Designed by Mansart, the genius behind Versailles’s Hall of Mirrors, this spot features a statue of the Sun King himself surrounded by a sweeping roundabout and grand noble townhouses. You can also do some great upmarket shopping, with Kenzo, Zadig et Voltaire, and Maje boutiques occupying the ground level of the gorgeous buildings.

Go to the Theater

Paris’ 2nd arrondissement is widely known as the theater district, with half a dozen venerable houses spinning stories for centuries. The Théâtre National de l’Opéra-Comique, also referred to as the Salle Favart, has been around since 1714, and notable performances have included La Bohème, Cavalleria Rusticana, Le Chalet, La Dame Blanche, Lakmé, Manon, Tosca, Wether, and Carmen, and most of them performed more than 1,000 times. Other famous theaters include the Théatre des Bouffes Parisiens, the Théatre Daunou, the Théatre De La Michodière and others.

3. See Paris’ Shortest Street

Building

Make a quick stop at rue des Degrès, a 5.75-meter stairway found between rue Beauregard and rue de Clery. It won’t take much time, promise!

4. Delight Your Senses with Wine Tasting

Charcuterie

Delight Your Senses with Wine Tasting

Caves Legrand, Filles et Fils, has been around since 1880—and they know their wine. They hold tastings on Tuesdays and Thursdays, crowned with beautiful plates of charcuterie to munch on. They also have a school of wine if you’d like to plunge in deeper!

Caves Legrand, Filles et Fils, 1 rue de la Banque, 75002 Paris, France, +33 01 42 60 07 12

Courtesy of Caves Legrand

5. Walk down Rue Montorgueil

Restaurant, French

This charming, pedestrianized street is a foodie’s delight, and the perfect spot to plunge into the French culinary scene. In the words of local chef David Leibovitz, ‘There’s a lot to see, and eat, in a very concentrated space.’ It’s lined with bakeries and restaurants, but even more exciting, it’s a restaurant and kitchen supply hot spot, where you can source high-quality French ingredients and kitchen tools. After shopping, relax in one of the cafés and indulge in fresh oysters or escargot!

6. Watch A Film At Le Grand Rex

Cinema, Theater, Concert Hall

This fabulous cinema is one of biggest in Europe and one of the most enchanting in Paris. Fabulously decorated in a style reminiscent of the Golden Age of Hollywood, the theater space is crowned with a star-encrusted ceiling and is so large (seating 2800!) that you feel like you are outside. Films are typically Hollywood blockbusters dubbed in French, so it’s a great opportunity to practice your language. Aside from films, this space also hosts concerts, comedy nights, and a range of special events.

7. Explore The Medieval Tour Jean-Sans-Peur

Archaeological site, Building

Built in 1409, this tower is the last Parisian vestige of the incredibly powerful and delightfully named Dukes of Burgundy (whose leaders included ‘Charles the Bald’ and ‘Mary the Rich’). This tower is named for ‘Jack without Fear’ and is a tiny bit of medieval Europe that survives in a bustling modern city. Visits are cheap and take you up a stunning spiral staircase adorned with fabulously preserved medieval sculpture.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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