The historic Montorgueil district, located in the 2nd arrondissement on the right bank of the Seine, is a former administrative district. It is now essentially a network of pedestrian streets centered on Rue Montorgueil. It encompasses the administrative districts of Mail and Bonne-Nouvelle.
Indeed, the Montorgueil neighborhood is charming with its narrow pedestrian cobblestone streets. Rue Montorgueil, the main thoroughfare, is dotted with local food shops, bars, and restaurants, as well as stylish clothes stores. Early in the morning, delivery vehicles and a bustling ambiance evoke memories of old Paris. New restaurants, cocktail bars, and bobo shops have arisen along the streets parallel to Rue Montorgueuil, most notably at Rue Saint-Sauveur, Rue Bachaumont, Rue Greneta, Rue Mandar, and the Passage du Grand Cerf.
The name Rue Montorgueil translates as "Mount Pride," after the mound on which the street is located. During your stroll you’ll meet Jean-Sans-Peur, Paris's lone fortified tower, built in the early 15th century by "Fearless Jean," the infamous Duke of Burgundy who assassinated his cousin, the Duke of Orléans. You can climb the stairs and explore some of the original rooms for a nominal entrance fee. However, the route is most recognized as a market street that only locals and tourists know about.
Lively streets, crowded with local restaurants, near the Forum des Halles and the Saint Eustache church, this district is known to be one of the best places to eat. In the center of Paris's smallest arrondissement. At midday, bankers and start-up geeks who work nearby eat there. During the day, tourists and locals share the sidewalks respectfully.
You can find the notorious “ Au Rocher de Cancale”, a classic atmospheric French bistro noted for selling oysters. It serves good, reasonably priced meals. It's ideal for a leisurely lunch with some people watching or an elegant evening meal. Reservations are strongly advised because this is a popular neighborhood hangout.
Another notorious place is Stohrer, which opened in 1730, it is famous for its exquisite Baba du Rhum, which was named after Ali Baba from “ Arabian nights” and King Stanislas of Poland. The exquisite pastries, cakes, savory tarts, and chocolates will have your eyes popping and your taste buds dancing with delight. The shop's décor, which goes back to 1864, is as lovely as the pastries.
L’escargot Montorgueil, as per its name, serves a broad variety of versions of the French classic, snails with parsley and garlic butter, as well as equally delectable main courses and desserts, all served at a leisurely pace in a traditional atmosphere.
Also worth a visit: Sainte-Eustache church was built at the beginning of the 16th century instead of a small chapel to accommodate a growing population, this magnificent church is a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Continue straight until the Passage du Grand Cerf, a very small Parisian covered passage (closed on Sundays). At the end of the alley, you will come to the other main street of the Montorgueil district, Via Sandoni. Turn right and walk along Rue Sandoni to Place Joachim du Bellay (commonly known as Place des Innocents).
