Welcome to the centre of Paris: the second arrondissement. This is the smallest district of the city but there is an awful lot to find. Here’s what we suggest.

The interactive map

First, here’s an interactive map of everything we are about to recommend, to help you find it all easily.

The Earful Tower podcast episode

This podcast episode on the 2nd district of Paris includes an interview with Oliver Woodhead from l’Entente, Le British Brasserie and our final score for the neighbourhood out of 100.

Video guide to the 2nd arrondissement

Here’s our visit in video format via our YouTube channel. We’ll be making one of these travel vlogs every week, so be sure to subscribe (you can do it in one click via this link). 

The Earful Tower’s guide to the 2nd arrondissement

Stroll down the lovely Rue Montorgueil

Montorgueil is a pedestrianized paradise if you like sprawling cafe terraces and prime people-watching opportunities. Plenty of famous food shops too, including the oldest bakery in Paris (see below). Address: Rue Montorgueil, 75002 

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Stohrer

If it’s good enough for Queen Elizabeth the Second, it should be good enough for you! We love this place and heartily recommend their massive croissants and exquisite shop interior. @stohrer Address: 51 Rue Montorgueil, 75002

Coffee, brownies, and donuts at Boneshaker

Long-time friends of the show, the team at Boneshaker recently opened a bigger space down the road full of donuts and great coffee. Their original place sells the best brownies in town. @boneshakerparis  Address: 86 Rue d’Aboukir, 75002, Address: 77 Rue d’Aboukir, 75002

Wander through the Passage du Grand-Cerf

Each of the covered passages in the second arrondissement has its own personality, and this one offers something for the curiosity collector. Stunning passage too, exceptional light from that high glass ceiling. Address: 145 Rue Saint-Denis, 75002 

Get your brunch on at Zouzou 

Zouzou has been serving coffees in this minimalist cafe for the past five years and they’re not to be missed! @zouzou_paris  Address: 8 Rue Léopold Bellan, 75002

Explore the breathtaking Galerie Vivienne

This is the grand dame of Paris passages, mosaic flooring to stop you in your tracks, elegant restaurants, and beautiful bookshops. Address: 4 Rue des Petits Champs, 75002

Window shop through the Passage des Panoramas

The weird uncle of the district’s passages, you can find everything from a restaurant designed like a train carriage to a stuffed wolf with wings. Terrific photo opportunities in this glorious maze of madness. Address: 11 Bd Montmartre, 75002 

Snag an outdoor seat at La Fontaine Gaillon restaurant

A breathtaking outdoor terrace that’s built around an old water fountain. The food is pricey and wasn’t our favourite meal in the city – and we had an indoor table due to the rain – but if you have a nice day and can sit by that glorious fountain, you’re in for a treat. @lafontainegaillonparis Address: 1 Rue de la Michodière, 75002

Find the most beautiful Starbucks in the world

There surely can’t be a more stunning Starbucks on this planet, the interior looks more like a room for Marie Antoinette than for hipster coworkers. @starbuckscapucines Address: 3 Bd des Capucines, 75002

Visit the Tour Jean Sans Peur

As we said in the podcast episode, this museum is for Wallnuts and fans of the Middle Ages. If that’s you, you’re in for a treat. If not: A museum inside an ancient tower might not be for you. Address: 20 Rue Étienne Marcel, 75002

Enjoy French classics at Le Grand Colbert

We stopped for a dessert at the “We were featured in Something’s Gotta Give!!!” restaurant and it was excellent. The restaurant itself is marvellous, the same tiles from the nearby Galerie Vivienne, and the waiters put on a grand show. @legrandcolbert  Address: 2 Rue Vivienne, 75002

Try the world’s first Bloody Mary at Harry’s New York bar

They claim to have invented the Bloody Mary, and whether it’s true or not, you’re going to enjoy your drink at this American-themed bar. It’s a bit like the Bar Hemingway at the Ritz but a grittier, cheaper, friendlier, and more accessible version. @harrysbar_theoriginal Address: 5 Rue Daunou, 75002

That will do for now! Next week we’ll be taking you to the 1st arrondissement as part of this Paris Countdown series, where we’ve been spending a day in each Paris district.

A big thanks to Augusta Sagnelli for the photos.

Here’s the podcast episode again in case you missed it, tune in on Monday for the season finale!

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