Buying an apartment in Paris's 2nd arrondissement, a mosaic of life and history
The 2nd arrondissement of Paris is often referred to for its economic dynamism in the capital. But to reduce this neighborhood to its sole economic pulse would be to omit all the richness of its history, its heritage and the diversity of its neighborhoods. We invite you to discover with a fresh eye this sector in the heart of the City of Lights, where the past and the present intertwine in harmony. We will begin with an update on the real estate market in the 2nd arrondissement.
The real estate market in Paris's 2nd arrondissement
The 2nd arrondissement is the smallest arrondissement in Paris. This explains why there are so few apartments for sale there. It is a micro-market where many properties are used for commercial purposes. Prices are high and beautiful apartments are rare. The average price is €12,000 per square meter, but for beautiful apartments, you will have to pay an average of €14,000 to €15,000 per square meter.
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Apartment hunter in the 2nd arrondissement
Thanks to our knowledge of the local market and our privileged network, our real estate hunters can find you the ideal property at the best price in one of the liveliest and most sought-after areas of Paris. But in this arrondissement, such properties are not always available, so it is important to be aware of this.
Advice for buyers: focusing exclusively on the 2nd arrondissement in your search for a bright, quiet apartment with a pleasant view and an elevator will expose you to a long search that may prove fruitless. Why not expand your search to the neighboring arrondissements: the 1st, 9th, and 3rd arrondissements?
The real estate market in the 2nd arrondissement
- 81% of the housing stock consists of 1- to 3-room apartments. 15% are 4-room apartments and only 4% are 5-room apartments or larger.
- There are few family properties in this arrondissement.
- 80% of the buildings were constructed before 1946.
- 34% of the housing stock is owner-occupied and 66% is rented.
Therefore, finding family apartments in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris is a challenge. For smaller apartments, there is no problem in principle.
The 2nd arrondissement, a preserved historical and architectural heritage
The 2nd arrondissement of Paris boasts an exceptional architectural and historical heritage. Strolling through its streets, you will discover a harmonious blend of buildings that tell the story of Paris, from medieval times to the present day.
Covered passages: old-world charm
Among the treasures of the 2nd arrondissement, covered passages hold a special place. These galleries, most of which were built in the 19th century, are privileged witnesses to the commercial and social history of Paris. The Passage des Panoramas, the first to be built in 1799, is an emblematic example. With its artisan shops, restaurants, and antique bookstores, it offers an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and lively. The Galerie Vivienne, with its mosaic floors and glass ceiling, is another splendid example of these passages.
Haussmannian architecture and beyond
The 2nd arrondissement is also marked by the influence of Haussmann, characterized by its buildings with aligned facades, ornate balconies, and mansard roofs. This architectural uniformity, desired by Baron Haussmann in the 19th century, gives the streets of the arrondissement a typically Parisian elegance. However, the architecture of the 2nd arrondissement is not limited to this style. There are also older buildings, witnesses to the medieval era, as well as more modern constructions, the result of the different phases of urban development in Paris.
Some examples of remarkable buildings in the 2nd arrondissement
- At 3 Rue de la Paix, an architectural detail: how the building number was treated like the coat of arms of the owner of a private mansion. Building from 1854.
- 3-5 Boulevard des Italiens, a building from 1994 by Christian Devilliers. A beautiful silent partition.
- 12 Rue Gaillon, a building from 1913 by architect Jacques Hermant. A remarkable combination of stone and a metal facade.
- 6 Rue de Hanovre: a concrete building with a facade clad in flamed sandstone.
Remarkable historical sites
The 2nd arrondissement is home to many sites steeped in history. The Bourse de Paris, built in the 19th century, was the financial heart of the capital. It is a fine example of neoclassical architecture. Other buildings, such as the iconic Place des Victoires, built in honor of Louis XIV's military victories, are among the architectural gems of Paris. It was inaugurated in 1686.
Economic and cultural sector of the 2nd arrondissement of Paris
The smallest arrondissement in Paris is a major economic center in the capital. It also has a rich and diverse cultural life.
An economic hub focused on finance and new technologies
Historically and economically, the 2nd arrondissement is marked by the presence of the stock exchange, which once symbolized the financial center of Paris. The stock exchange has evolved, and the arrondissement remains a financial center for the city. Many startups and tech companies are setting up shop in the Sentier district. This former textile wholesale district has been transformed into Silicon Sentier. Tech companies, incubators, and coworking spaces are attracting a new generation of businesses.
Culture in the 2nd arrondissement: historic theaters and new venues
When it comes to culture, the 2nd arrondissement is not to be outdone, with iconic performance venues that bring the neighborhood to life. These include:
- Le Grand Rex, a legendary cinema with Art Deco decor that hosts prestigious previews. Le Grand Rex is also a concert hall.
- Le Théâtre des Variétés, which offers an eclectic program combining comedies and contemporary plays.
- L’Opéra-Comique, a national stage and an essential part of French opera heritage.
The best places to visit in Paris's 2nd arrondissement
The 2nd arrondissement lives up to the capital's solid reputation for gastronomy and conviviality. We'll give you our favorite spots. Then it's up to you to discover them.
The market in the 2nd arrondissement
The Bourse market is open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Here you will find a butcher, fishmonger, greengrocer, baker, and caterers. It is very convenient for local residents, as it is one of the few markets in Paris that is open in the afternoon. The market is located on Place de la Bourse.
Rue du Nil
This tiny street in the 2nd arrondissement is a landmark for lovers of divine food. Here you will find a wine merchant, a fishmonger, a chocolate manufacturer and shop (Plaq), a greengrocer, and a producer and roaster of exceptional coffees (l'Arbre à Café, where you can regularly find us). Each of them offers top-of-the-line products. It is also home to the Frenchie restaurant and its wine bar (just across the street). We have never seen such a concentration of good taste per square meter in Paris.
Restaurants and cafés
Here are some of our favorite places in this neighborhood, which is full of great restaurants:
- Mám from Hanoï at 39 Rue de Cléry. Vietnamese cuisine at its best. Remember to book ahead.
- Dalmata at 8 Rue Tiquetonne: la vera pizza napoletana just the way we like it.
- La Bourse ou la Vie, at 12 rue Vivienne. Competitive bistronomy.
- Harry’s Bar at 5, rue Daunou. Not a wrinkle in sight at good old Harry’s. Legendary cocktails, still as well mixed as ever.
A final look at Paris’s 2nd arrondissement
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As you will have gathered from reading this, I really like the 2nd arrondissement. It's not the neighborhood where I most often buy apartments for my clients, because there is very little available. But it's a great idea to keep it in mind.
And I'm always up for a stroll (with some good food ;) in this charming neighborhood of our magical Paris.
We can only recommend and advise Parlez-moi de Paris for your real estate searches. We contacted them in September 2024 and our interlocutor, Olivier, was able to understand our request and refine our search criteria. He has shown patience and commitment to our project and thanks to him we have an apartment that we would not have had access to without his network and his knowledge. Thanks to Olivier and to the Parlez-moi de Paris team.
After having had a very disappointing experience with an apartment hunter for a year, given that we live abroad, in February I contacted “Parlez-moi de Paris” and from the first meeting with Susan we were reassured and comforted! And already in June, we signed the bill of sale! She immediately identified our priorities and needs, she has a gift for listening and feeling the other person. Very responsive, always available, calm and very professional, she accompanied us in all the procedures with the notary and even showed us the neighborhood that we did not know at all! A very nice experience!
I had the opportunity to collaborate with Suzan on two common issues and everything went well. She was very involved, available and efficient from start to finish, resulting in a smooth and timely transaction. It is a real pleasure to work with such a serious professional, whom I highly recommend!