Paris Map
2nd Arrondissement

The 2nd Arrondissement is delineated by Rue de Sebastopol on the east, Boulevards de Bonne Nouvelle, Poissoniere and Montmartre on the north, Boulevards des Italiens and des Capucines on the north-west, and Rues des Capucines, Danielle Casanova, des Petits Champs and Etienne Marcel on the south.

The 2nd Arrondissement is the smallest of the 20 arrondissements of Paris. It is primarily a district of business enterprises and has some interesting sites such as the Bourse and the very unique covered Passages.

During the 19th century most of the streets of Paris were muddy and poorly lit. Sidewalks were rare. A number of astute businessmen created glass covered passages that accommodated shops and restaurants, enabling people to shop and wander in a clean and inviting environment.

Many of these passages remain, some have been renovated and make for an interesting tour.

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