Guide Tour of Sentier and Montorgueil district, Paris, France

The Sentier district and the Montorgueil district was former district spans the administrative districts of Mail and Bonne-Nouvelle in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris. The Sentier de Paris district is an important traditional textile manufacturing district in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris. It takes its name from the rue du Sentier. The Montorgueil district known for its cuisine, which is a set of pedestrian streets that revolves around rue Montorgueil.

Unlike the western part of the 2nd arrondissement, which is the financial centres of Europe, the eastern part of the 2nd arrondissement retains the life atmosphere of the old town of Paris. In vibrant Bonne-Nouvelle, chain stores line busy boulevards and trendy international eateries edge narrow streets amid classic French cafes and hip cocktail bars.

At the eastern end of the 2nd arrondissement, explore the Sentier neighborhood, Paris’s newest hot destination, still filled with wholesale textile stores and garment manufacturers although they are now losing ground to hip bistros, bars, and upscale hotels, from the French restaurants, to the market on rue Montorgueil, and the small museum where you can learn about the history of the city…

Textile wholesalers in the Sentier district give way to hip stores around the Rue Montorgueil street market. Market street Rue Montorgueil is home to Stohrer, a beloved cake shop dating from 1730, while the Sentier area is devoted to textile wholesalers, many filling 18th-century covered arcade Passage du Caire. Tour Jean-sans-Peur is a famed medieval tower.

In the developing Sentier area, lively bars and chain stores line busy boulevards, and bistros edge narrow streets amid wine bars, Internet start-ups, and textile wholesalers. Major movie premieres and concerts take place at Le Grand Rex, an art deco cinema with an interactive film-themed museum and a basement nightclub, Rex Club, known for its international DJ lineups. Hip hotels are scattered through the district.

Rue Sainte-Anne with many popular Asian restaurants offering cheese, wine, and baguettes in the wonderful pedestrian-only Rue Montorgueil market street. Rue de Nil, renowned Frenchie restaurant and other eateries, bars, and shops featuring locally-sourced produce, meat, fish, and cheese.

History
In the 1980s, the district reached its peak in terms of textile activities; several manufacturers and SMEs exploit the principle of the short circuit: as quickly as possible from the producer to the consumer, or here from the workshop to the shop. These textile trades, sometimes linked with the Jewish community, make Le Sentier one of the Jewish quarters of Paris.

Due to the proximity of the former Palais Brongniart stock market, AFP and many financial companies, with the opening of the French telecommunications market to competition (January 1, 1998), several operators have deployed broadband networks based on fiber optics in the basement of the district.

At the same time, specialized companies opened large data processing centers intended for telephone operators, Internet service providers and large companies, allowing them to directly connect their multiple telecommunications networks to each other. This type of center is fitted out in a suitable way for the reception of all kinds of computer and telecommunications equipment such as active equipment, in particular optical equipment for data transmission, Web servers, computer servers for online application providers. or telephone exchanges.

The Telehouse-1 center opened by the Telehouse companyEurope in 1996 in the rue des Jeûneurs, is the first of its kind in France, with a surface area of 1,000 m², it was also the largest telecom hosting center in the country until 1999. It is still used today by some thirty operators, in particular specialists in services to large companies such as Neuf Cegetel, Completel, Verizon or Orange Business Services.

During the rising phase of the internet bubble (1997-2000), about fifty start-ups settled in the Sentier district (Yahoo!, Nomade, Lastminute.fr, Net2one, Buycentral, Webcible, MandrakeSoft, etc.) because on the one hand, it is economically interesting to be close to these arteries of communication and on the other hand the district has many empty premises following the shutdown or relocation of clothing workshops.

At the beginning, the rents are affordable. However, after a few months, free space becomes scarce, which causes prices to soar in the district. For several years, La Cantine, one of the epicenters of the Web community in France, has settled in the Passage des Panoramas. The negative effect on the public and on the bankers of the cavalry business in the Sentier, combined with the bursting of the internet bubble lead from March 2000 to the closure of many businesses which had been established in the district.

Since 2010, the Sentier has undergone a strong revival. Start-ups are settling there en masse, attracted by the hyper central character of this district (200 m from the hub of Les Halles) and the very large volumes of its buildings. Among the best-known new economy companies that have moved to this district since 2010 are Doctolib, Qonto, Klaxoon, Devialet, Alan, Back Market, Blablacar, Ledger, PayFit… Maddyness magazine, specialist in current affairs start-ups are also located in this district.

Restaurant and hotel entrepreneurs are also taking this area by storm. Hélène Darroze sets up her restaurant Joia on rue des Jeuneurs, Maelia Weger sets up her new restaurant Echo on rue d’Aboukir, Jason Gouzy obtains a star in his restaurant Le Pantagruel on rue du Sentier. The Ennismore hotel group set up a large hotel for him on Rue des Jeuneurs under the brand name The Hoxton. This exceptional dynamic of restaurateurs and hoteliers reinforces the attractiveness of the district.

Sentier district
The Sentier district covers the corner of the 2nd arrondissement that lies roughly east of Rue Montmartre and north of Rue Réaumur and is a fascinating mix of Paris’s traditional wholesale fabric and clothing district, tech companies, and foodies. Today, the Sentier is associated with ready-to-wear due to the strong presence of textile stores, it is also a popular place for start-ups.

But it is also a district that offers pleasant walks thanks to its pretty covered passages which plunge us into the Paris of yesteryear, but also thanks to its historic alleys and its popular atmosphere. The wholesale shops make for fun window-shopping. In addition to Chef Marchand’s mini-empire, also many other appealing spots for a meal or quick drink.

This rectangle of buildings is today a breeding ground for textile shops… These last years, commercial activity has diversified. Many Internet start-ups have also taken up residence, renaming the district “Silicon Sentier”. The district is also crossed by the streets of Cairo, Aboukir and Nil. They evoke Napoleon’s expedition to Egypt in 1798. The Sentier district is particularly popular for a street well known to Parisians: rue Montorgueil. Greengrocers, cafes, restaurants, grocers…

By crossing a few sidewalks, Sentier district surprising changes in atmosphere that operate in certain districts, which takes on several faces: the Place des Victoires and the surrounding streets (rue des Petits Pères, rue la Vrillière, rue Hérold, etc.) constitute the part of the corner, while towards the Eglise St Eustache, it is the “bobos” who come to seek out the sunny terraces.

St. Denis Street and its surroundings are much more noisy and popular. Crossed among others by rue d’Aboukir, rue du Caire, its square of the same name and rue du Nil (the names of these streets are a reminder of Napoleon Bonaparte’s fabulous expedition to Egypt in 1798), the district of Sentier is traditionally the Parisian place for the manufacture and the wholesale and retail trade of multi-ethnic textiles.

Sentier, a district steeped in history. On the left sidewalk, the charming little square of Cairo is a former court of miracles. A little further on, at number 20 rue Etienne Marcel, lies a vestige of medieval Paris with a very curious name: the Tour Jean Sans Peur. Former fortification tower erected in the 15th century, it was built under the will of Duke Jean I of Burgundy, known as Jean Sans Peur. On November 23, 1407, Jean sans Peur had his cousin, Louis d’Orléans, assassinated.

A little further on, the elegant Place des Victoires dedicated to the military victories of Louis XIV (whose equestrian statue stands in the middle) is one of the four royal squares of the capital (along with Place Dauphine, Place Vendôme and the Place des Vosges). The arcades of the square are home to a few luxury boutiques whose superb windows continue to attract tourists and wealthy Parisians. A little further north, the Place des Petits Pères hides the Roman basilica of Notre Dame des Victoires. Dedicated to Mary since 1836, it has an impressive number of offerings and relics.

Montorgueil district
The Montorgueil district, named after the Mont-Orgueil hill, whose origins date back to the 15th century, the district has a gourmet and popular history. Montorgueil is one of the oldest districts of the capital. In the heart of the smallest Parisian arrondissement, rue Montorgueil and those that cross it form the largest pedestrian area in the capital.

The district is the extension, to the north, of the pedestrian district of Les Halles. It is comprised between rue du Louvre to the west, rue d’Aboukir and rue Réaumur to the north, rue de Palestro to the east, rue de Turbigo and Etienne-Marcel to the south. The district having been little affected by the transformations of Paris under the Second Empire, Montorgueil has preserved the urban and architectural features of Old Paris. It was after the construction of the enclosure of Charles V, in the 14th century, that its location was within the limits of Paris.

This district with a village atmosphere, very lively during the day and in the evening, quieter at night, sees a heterogeneous population strolling: residents, Parisians, tourists, suburbanites… attracted by numerous shops, sports halls, cafes and restaurants with a trendy reputation. The highly concentrated habitat and the narrow streets led to the pedestrianization of the district from the end of the 20th century. The section of rue Montmartre between rue Étienne-Marcel and rue du Louvre has been pedestrianized since 2007.

An essential place for Parisian strolls, with its small pedestrian and cobbled streets, the Montorgueil district represents the charm of Paris. It is now a set of pedestrian streets that revolves around rue Montorgueil. It extends over the administrative districts of Mail and Bonne-Nouvelle. The main artery, rue Montorgueil, brings together both greengrocers and food shops, bars and restaurants as well as trendy clothing boutiques.

Thanks to its food shops and restaurants, in the early morning, delivery trucks and the surrounding bustle reflect the Paris of yesteryear. At noon, bankers and geeks from start-ups who work nearby come to eat there. In the streets parallel to rue Montorgueil, new restaurants, cocktail bars and bohemian shops have opened, notably rue Saint-Sauveur, rue Bachaumont, rue Greneta, rue Mandar and even in the Passage du Grand Cerf.

This lively street in the heart of the district offers one of the most famous permanent markets in the city. It includes a butcher, fishmonger, fruit and vegetable store, cheese dairy, bakery (La Maison Stohrer, one of the best in Paris), a florist… You can find all types of fresh and organic food there.

Rue Montorgueil can Learn about a country’s culture through its food buy the best cuisine like cheeses, charcuterie, wines and baguettes, or a tasty cheese or an excellent wine. Rue Montorgueil the food shops are passed down from generation to generation. At n°38, the Escargot Montorgueil, which was the favorite table of Sacha Guitry, Marcel Proust or even Salvador Dali, has been delighting Parisians since 1832.

This street and the streets surrounding it are lined with wine and cocktail bars, such as REDD and the Experimental Cocktail Club. There’s a lively vibe, especially on summer evenings when the bars open their doors to the street. It’s true that they don’t always offer low prices, but it’s a great place to find a bar and have a good night out in the capital.

Place des Victoires
The Place des Victoires is a circular place in Paris, located a short distance northeast from the Palais Royal. The area surrounding the Place des Victoires is now an upmarket neighborhood. Fashion designers Kenzo and Cacharel have boutiques there, as have the ready-to-wear chains Maje, and Zadig et Voltaire. The German Forum for Art History (Deutsches Forum für Kunstgeschichte) is on the Place and the French Institut national d’histoire de l’art is in nearby Galerie Colbert.

At the center of the Place des Victoires is an equestrian monument in honor of King Louis XIV, celebrating the Treaties of Nijmegen concluded in 1678-79. The original statue, of Louis XIV crowned by Victory and trampling Cerberus underfoot, in gilt bronze, stood on a high square pedestal with bas-relief panels and effusively flattering inscriptions; dejected bronze figures were seated at the corners. The sculptor was Martin Desjardins, part of the team that was working cooperatively at the Château of Versailles and its gardens.

La Tour Jean-Sans-Peur
Only a few feet away from the metro exit at Etienne Marcel is a medieval-era tower known as the Jean-Sans-Peur. This is Paris’ only fortified tower. You can climb a spiral staircase to visit some of the tower’s original rooms. The tower was erected in the early 15th century by “Fearless Jean”, the Duke of Burgundy, notorious for having assassinated his cousin, the Duke of Orléans.

Rue du Nil
Picturesque, quaint, and situated just a couple of streets away from one of the most famous shopping streets in Paris, that of rue Montorgueil, rue du Nil is a quaint road featuring many an independent store and produce shop. The road was largely residential and little frequented. All of this changed, however, with the arrival of the chef, Gregory Marchand, when he opened an iconic ‘Frenchie’ restaurant on the road. The dining venue soon became a sought after hotspot and from then on out, more foodie spots popped up on the street. Today, rue du Nil is a must-visit for authentic French food lovers and those wishing to cook back at their accommodation.

Rue Etienne Marcel
Rue Etienne Marcel is very long and has many cool shops. Discover new clothes in the image of Parisian elegance, be delighted by the items sold in the stores on rue Etienne Marcel like Les Temps des Cerises, ba&sh, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Guess, Diesel, Replay, The Kooples…

Gourmet
Rue Montorgueil, Rue Pierre-Lescot, and Rue Etienne-Marcel are lined with restaurants and brasseries that, even if picked at random, are mostly decent, while the surrounding Metro Bourse has several renowned restaurants. The neighborhood is dotted with the city’s best bakeries, fruit and vegetable vendors and gourmet caterers. At no.38, l’Escargot Montorgueil, which was the favourite dining spot for Sacha Guitry, Marcel Proust and even Salvador Dali, has been feeding Parisians since 1832.

At no.51, you can find the Stohrer bakery and cake shop, the oldest in Paris, founded by King Louis XV’s pastry chef, Nicolas Stohrer, in 1730. Rhum babas (a house invention), puits d’amour, religieuses à l’ancienne, sublime bouchées à la reine….here, you’ll taste the best of France’s old-world cakes while sitting in the sumptuous café designed by Paul Baudry, who designed the interior of the Opéra Garnier.

At no.78, Au Rocher de Cancale opened in 1848 when the street was just a row of catering businesses specialising in oyster sales, and it still offers up tasty seafood fare and fish as well as delicious sweet and savoury creations. Just like many of the street’s buildings, it is a listed historic monument. It is said that Balzac liked to go there, taking inspiration from the clientèle. In fact, the restaurant is cited in many of his works.

Halfway down the bijou Rue du Nil, Frenchie garnered a Michelin star for its dazzling and dazzlingly beautiful food. With its pretty Morocco-inspired decor, Jacques’ Bar in new and hip London export The Hoxton – brings a bit of exotica to the streets of the old textile district.

Shopping
Rue Etienne-Marce l and Rue Tiquetonne (Metro Etienne Marcel) are lined with designer boutiques, boutiques from established designers like Agnes B and Barbara Bui, and up-and-coming fashion brands. The Espace Kiliwatch concept store offers a variety of new and used yarns and is popular with style-conscious bohemian professionals. Petite Egypte is a hub of neatly ordered creativity in the heart of the Sentier. The old ornate passages (including Passage de la Cerf near Rue Montorgueil and Rue St Denis and Passage Vivienne near Metro Bourse) for unique and glamorous gifts. Passage du Caire in the Sentier is the longest, oldest shopping arcades. A short walk away you’ll find textiles and bric-à-brac under an elaborate glass roof in the Passage du Grand-Cerf or stamp-shop heaven in Passage des Panoramas.