By taking the Rue Sartine we shall arrive at the Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and there find the Hotel des Postes or General Post Office; it was formerly an Hotel belonging to the Duke d’Epernon, and was afterwards inhabited by different proprietors, until 1757, when it was purchased by government, for its present purposes.  It is an extensive building but badly situated amongst narrow streets, many additions have been made since it has become government property.  Taking the Rue Verdelet, the street which runs along the north side of the building, and proceeding westward, we come to the Place des Victoires, which was built in 1685; in the centre is a very fine equestrian statue of Louis XIV, in bronze, which although weighing 16,000 lbs is entirely sustained by the hinder legs and the tail.  It is the work of Bosio, and was modelled in 1822.

Proceeding to the south-west, by the Rue de la Petite-Vrilliere, the Bank of France is before us.  It was formerly the Hotel de Toulouse, erected by Mansard, in 1720; for the Duke de la Vrilliere; it is well situated, and adapted to its present use, but it has no striking architectural beauty.  The Rue Vide Gousset, to the north-west of the Place des Victoires, leads to the Eglise des Petits-Peres, or de Notre-Dame des Victoires, erected in 1656.  It was called Petits-Peres, or little fathers, on account of Henry IV, on two of the community of small stature having been introduced into his antechamber, asking, “who are those little fathers?” The convent which was attached, is now used as barracks for infantry.  The portal of the church was built in 1739, and is composed of columns of the ionic and corinthian orders.  The interior has some handsomely decorated chapels and altars; the pictures by Vanloo also are fine.  Lulli, the musical composer, lies buried here.  In the Rue Notre-Dame des Victoires is the immense establishment of the Messageries Royales, from whence start diligences to all parts of France; we will pass through the yard into the Rue Montmartre, at No. 44, is the Marche St. Joseph, at 166, the Fontaine de la Rue Montmartre, and at No. 176, the Hotel d’Uzes erected by Le Doux, considered one of the finest hotels in Paris.

We will now enter the Boulevard Poissonniere, by turning to the right, and in passing along to the Boulevard Bonne-Nouvelle must notice the very handsome Bazaar called the Galeries de Commerce, and the noble building called Maison du Pont de Fer with its curious iron bridge, uniting the back and front premises with the Boulevard.  Taking, the Rue de l’Echiquier, to the left, will conduct us to the Rue du Faubourg-Poissonniere, and opposite, at No. 23, we find the Garde Meuble de la Couronne, containing all the furniture of the crown not in use, the regalia, and other articles of immense value, but to obtain admission is extremely difficult.  Annexed to this building is the Conservatoire de Musique and the Salle des Menus Plaisirs.  In this street are several handsome mansions particularly