Culture Francia

Table of Contents

9 Things to Do in 2nd Arrondissement Paris

Up-to-Date 2025

By Culture Francia Team

Table of Contents

Legend Key used on this page

What to See & Do

2nd arrondissement Overall Appeal ★★★☆☆

📍 Google Maps

📜 Wikipedia

Overview Table

  Name Appeal Type Cost
01

National Library - Richelieu Site

★★★☆☆ Museum + Library Either
02

Notre-Dame des Victoires Basilica

★★★☆☆ Basilica Free
03 Galerie Vivienne ★★★☆☆

Covered Passage

Free
04 Passage Panoramas ★★★☆☆

Covered Passage

Free
05 Passage Grand Cerf ★★☆☆☆

Covered Passage

Free
06 Passage Choiseul ★★☆☆☆

Covered Passage

Free
07 Rex Studios ★☆☆☆☆ Cinema Backstage Paid €
08 Tower Jean-sans-Peur ★☆☆☆☆ Museum - Medieval History Paid €
09 Passage des Princes ★☆☆☆☆

Covered Passage

Free

01. National Library - Richelieu Site

Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Museum + Library
Cost Free or Paid

French Names
Bibliothèque Nationale de France – Site Richelieu
BnF – SIte Richelieu

This impressive cultural landmark houses over ten million volumes, making it one of the world’s largest libraries.

Outside of its function as a library, its appeal lies in its museum of historical items and its large oval room.

📍 Google Maps

📜 Wikipedia

Museum

🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior

⚙️ Visitor Info (Official Website)

Oval Room

🏞️ Google Images Overview

⚙️ Visitor Info (Official Website)

02. Notre-Dame des Victoires Basilica

Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Basilica
Cost Free

French Name
Basilique Notre-Dame des Victoires

This basilica stands as a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, renowned for its stunning rose windows, intricate sculptures, and historical significance. Constructed over centuries, it has witnessed major events and renovations. The iconic structure remains a symbol of Paris’s religious and cultural heritage.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior

🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior

👀 Google View 360° – Interior

⚙️ Visitor Info (Official Website)

📜 Wikipedia

03. Galerie Vivienne

Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Covered Passage
Cost Free

French Names
Galerie Vivienne
Galerie Colbert

This elegant 19th-century covered passage offers a charming mix of boutiques, cafés, and vintage shops under a beautifully decorated glass ceiling. It is celebrated for its neoclassical architecture and vibrant mosaics. A stroll here feels like stepping into a different era.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images Overview

⚙️ Visitor Info (TI Website)

📜 Wikipedia

04. Passage Panoramas

Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Covered Passage
Cost Free

French Names
Passage des Panoramas
Galerie Saint-Marc
Galerie Feydeau
Galerie Montmartre
Galerie des Variétés

This historic covered arcade, dating back to 1799, is one of Paris’s oldest passages. Lined with antique shops, eateries, and quirky boutiques, it exudes an old-world charm. Its architectural features include intricate ironwork and nostalgic ambiance.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images Overview

⚙️ Visitor Info (TI Website)

📜 Wikipedia

05. Passage Grand Cerf

Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Covered Passage
Cost Free

French Names
Passage du Grand Cerf
Passage du Bourg l’Abbé

This covered passage boasts soaring glass ceilings and a unique 19th-century design. It’s home to artisan workshops, galleries, and quaint shops. While less crowded than other passages, it offers a peaceful retreat for exploration​.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images Overview

⚙️ Visitor Info (TI Website)

📜 Wikipedia (Fr)

06. Passage Choiseul

Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Covered Passage
Cost Free

French Names
Passage Choiseul
Passage Sainte-Anne

This lively passageway features an eclectic mix of shops, cafés, and theaters, with a lively neighborhood vibe. Its glass roof illuminates the interior, enhancing its bustling atmosphere. It offers a slice of Parisian daily life in a historical setting.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images Overview

⚙️ Visitor Info (TI Website)

📜 Wikipedia

07. Rex Studios

Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Cinema Backstage
Cost Paid

French Name
Le Grand Rex

An interactive backstage visit reveals the inner workings of the legendary Grand Rex cinema. Visitors can explore its history, projection techniques, and sound effects. This immersive experience provides a glimpse into Paris’s cinematic heritage.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior

⚙️ Visitor Info (Official Website)

📜 Wikipedia

08. Tower Jean-sans-Peur

Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Medieval History Museum
Cost Paid

French Name
Tour Jean sans Peur

A rare remnant of medieval Paris, this fortified tower highlights the city’s medieval history through exhibitions. Its spiral staircase and decorative vaulting reflect 15th-century craftsmanship. It serves as an intriguing window into the past​.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior

🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior

⚙️ Visitor Info (Official Website)

📜 Wikipedia

09. Passage des Princes

Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Covered Passage
Cost Free

French Name
Passage des Princes

This picturesque passage, reconstructed in 1860, combines traditional charm with modern flair. It features toy stores and small boutiques beneath an elegant glass roof.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images Overview

⚙️ Visitor Info (TI Website)

📜 Wikipedia

Plan an Amazing France Trip ! 👉 Home Page