The Covered Passages of Paris (Les Passages Couverts de Paris) are often overlooked but are true gems, offering a unique escape from the usual tourist crowds. These historic arcades provide a glimpse into the past, with their elegant architecture and charm. By the late 18th century, Paris had developed a network of commercial passages, designed with stunning stained-glass ceilings, intricate mosaic floors, and wrought-iron latticework. These arcades were created not only to protect shoppers from the muddy streets and unpredictable weather but also to cater to the bourgeois class, providing a sheltered space filled with shops and cafés. At its height, Paris boasted over 70 passages, though today, only 21 remain open to the public. Most are concentrated in the 2nd and 9th arrondissements, preserving the atmosphere of 19th-century Paris.
Galerie Véro-Dodat (Paris 1st)
Address: 19 rue Jean-Jacques-Rousseau / 2 rue du Bouloi Hours: Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Located near the Louvre Museum, this elegant gallery has been a historic monument since 1965. The gallery's black-and-white marble flooring and intricate glass ceiling create a sense of depth and grandeur. Since its opening in 1826, it has been home to luxurious boutiques, including Louboutin shoes. The chic atmosphere persists, but the prices are as high as the fashion.
Passage des Panoramas (Paris 2nd)
Address: 10 rue Saint-Marc / 11 boulevard Montmartre / 38 rue Vivienne / 151 rue Montmartre Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. – 12 a.m. Built in 1799, this was Paris’s first covered passage and remains one of its most iconic. It connects to the Galerie des Variétés, and its name comes from the two panoramic rotundas that once featured trompe-l’œil paintings. While these were destroyed in 1831, the passage still exudes historic charm.
Galerie Vivienne (Paris 2nd)
Address: 4 rue des Petits-Champs / 6 rue Vivienne / 5 rue de la Banque Hours: Daily, 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Known for its neoclassical Pompeian-style decor, glass roof, and colorful mosaic floors, Galerie Vivienne is one of the most luxurious covered passages. Opened in 1826, it now houses upscale boutiques, antique bookstores, and cafés. Fashion houses like Kenzo have previously hosted shows here, further enhancing its prestige.
Passage du Grand-Cerf (Paris 2nd)
Address: 145 rue Saint-Denis / 10 rue Dussoubs Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. This 1825 passage underwent significant transformation when it gained its glass roof in 1845. It’s known for its designer boutiques, artisan shops, and decorators. Film enthusiasts might recognize it from Louis Malle’s Zazie dans le Métro.
Passage du Caire (Paris 2nd)
Address: 33 rue d’Alexandrie / 2 place du Caire / 237-239 rue Saint-Denis Hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. This is the oldest and longest covered passage in Paris, built in 1798 during Napoleon’s campaign in Egypt. Today, it’s mostly filled with wholesale textile shops, but you can still admire the Egyptian-inspired statues of the goddess Hathor at its entrance.
Galerie Colbert (Paris 2nd)
Address: 6 rue des Petits-Champs / 2 rue Vivienne Hours: Open daily A close competitor to Galerie Vivienne for the title of the most beautiful passage, Galerie Colbert features a magnificent rotunda topped by a glass dome. It’s home to institutes and research centers related to art history and heritage.
Passage des Princes (Paris 2nd)
Address: 5 boulevard des Italiens / 97-99 rue de Richelieu Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. The last passage built during Haussmann’s transformation of Paris, Passage des Princes features metal arches and a beautiful glass roof. Destroyed in 1985 and rebuilt 10 years later, it’s now home to a famous toy company.
Passage Choiseul (Paris 2nd)
Address: 40 rue des Petits-Champs / 23 rue Saint-Augustin Hours: Daily, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. At 190 meters long, Passage Choiseul is among the largest in Paris. Though it has lost some of its former charm, it still boasts unique architectural features like chiseled wooden walls and marble pilasters. Writer Louis-Ferdinand Céline once lived here.
Galerie de la Madeleine (Paris 8th)
Address: 9 place de la Madeleine / 30 rue Boissy-d’Anglas Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Close to the Place de la Madeleine, this gallery features a stunning glass roof and two beautiful caryatids at its entrance. Since its inauguration in 1846, it has housed many luxury boutiques.
Passage Jouffroy (Paris 9th)
Address: 10-12 boulevard Montmartre / 9 rue de la Grange-Batelière Hours: 7 a.m.-9:30 p.m. This bustling passage, built in 1836, was the first to feature a metal and glass structure and radiant heating. It’s home to the famous Grévin Museum and many charming shops. Renovated in 1987, it is a classified historic monument.
Passage Verdeau (Paris 9th)
Address: 6 rue de la Grange-Batelière / 31 bis rue du Faubourg-Montmartre Hours: Daily, 7:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Less popular than its neighbors, Passage Verdeau features a beautiful two-part glass roof and metal frame. Known for its antique dealers and bookstores, it’s a haven for collectors.
Passage Brady (Paris 10th)
