Paris’s 2nd arrondissement, sometimes known as Bourse, is one of the city’s most central neighbourhoods and technically the smallest district in France’s capital. A centre for ‘la mode,’ this arrondissement is a fashionista’s fantasy, home to many shopping streets and a plethora of high-end boutiques. Also known as Paris’s business centre, Bourse translates to ‘exchange’, an appropriate name for an arrondissement that hosts banking headquarters as well as Euronext Paris - the capital’s stock exchange. As indicated in Honoré de Balzac’s ‘Notre Dame de Paris,’ this area was once the site of the city’s infamous red-light-district, so the 2nd arrondissement has always been a centre for business. Housing in this neighbourhood ranges from very luxurious to extremely luxurious and for the right reason - you will be living just a short walk away from the Jardin des Tuileries as well as plenty of museums and other attractions. The 2nd arrondissement features an eclectic range of eateries and a fantastic mix of atmospheres, a vibrant area that is perfect for anyone who likes to live in the centre of a diverse, urban environment. Whilst residents may prefer to walk and stretch their legs, the 2nd arrondissement is well served by plenty of public transportation lines. Unfortunately car parking can be limited due to heavy traffic. Interesting fact: This district is home to Rue des Degrés, the shortest street in France’s capital that measures a mere 5.75 metres!
