What is a covered passageway in Paris?
A covered passageway in Paris is a special place, often overlooked by tourists, that has retained its charm of yesteryear. It is a sheltered, covered shopping mall, which connects two streets. Covered passageways are generally narrow, with glass roofs and cobbled floors, giving the impression of a "street". go back in time by strolling through these authentic places. They are home to boutiques, restaurants, bookshops and art galleries, offering a unique insight into Parisian life.
On this guided tour, you'll discover the atmosphere of the place, which is warm and intimate, This is an invitation to stroll and discover an authentic and little-known Paris.
How old are they and what is their history?
For most of them, they were built in the 19th century, They were built at a time when Paris was expanding rapidly, to protect pedestrians from the rain and mud that clogged the city's streets. Covered passageways enjoyed their golden age in the first half of the 19th century, but then declined in popularity with the rise of department stores. Today, Paris's covered passageways have been restored to their former glory.charming places, popular with tourists and Parisians looking for a unique, authentic experience.
Your Paris tourist guide is passionate about the capital and its history. He'll take you on a tour of the covered passages. There are about 20 that can be visited. Some of them have been restored and are now very popular with tourists and Parisians alike, while others are less well known and harder to find. Take a guided tour and you won't miss a thing! An unusual tour of the capital that will amaze you.
Each passage has its own charm and history, This is a unique experience for visitors seeking authenticity in Paris. It is interesting to note that some covered passages specialize in certain types of stores, such as antiquarian book stores, and antique stores. This adds to the unique atmosphere of each covered passage, making it a must-visit for shopping, culture and gastronomy enthusiasts.
During your guided tour, you'll move from one atmosphere to another, from one style to another. And always, your guide will be there to make the connection and tell you about the particularities of each of the covered passages.
It should also be noted that dozens of covered passageways are today totally closed or disappeared.
Over the years, many of them have been demolished to make way for larger streets, cinemas, theaters...
Where to visit Paris's covered passageways?
Paris's covered passageways are scattered throughout the city's various arrondissements, but the majority of them are to be found in the city's central and historic districts, such as the 1st, the 2nd and the 3rd. 2nd, the 9th and the 10th arrondissement.
The most beautiful and famous are to be found mainly in the 2ème and 9ème arrondissement of Paris. Some are less well known and popular... you'll just have to find them!
Don't rack your brains trying to figure out which itinerary to follow or which tour to organize, But there's always the risk of missing out. Our guided tour of Paris's covered passageways will lead you logically and practically through the maze of stores and buildings.
What are the most beautiful covered passageways in Paris?
On this guided tour, your guide will show you the most beautiful covered passageways in Paris. You'll plunge into the 19th centuryth century and stroll through the historic heart of Paris.
Here are some of the most beautiful to visit:
- Passage des Panoramas
- La Galerie Vivienne
- The Cairo Passage
- Le Passage Vendôme
- Le Passage Jouffroy
- Le Passage Verdeau
- Véro-Dodat Gallery
This unusual guided tour will show you all the must-see corners and details.
Paris's longest covered passageway
Visit passage Choiseul, the longest of Paris' covered passageways, extends over 190 metres and is a jewel of Parisian architecture. Imposing columns support arcades housing a myriad of stores and restaurants. The second floor is reserved for residences, one of which hosted writer Louis Ferdinand Céline for eight years. The gallery was renovated in 2012, including the glass roof and two canopies at either end. The wooden walls harmonize with the marble pillars, while the luminous vaults give the gallery a unique atmosphere.
For a time, the Passage Choiseul was shunned by Parisians in favor of the Grands Boulevards, but enjoyed a revival in the 1970s when fashion designer Kenzo opened a trendy boutique.
Today, it is once again one of the most emblematic places to visit when you're in the capital.
The most famous
It's certainly the Passage des Panoramas!
Built in 1799, it was the first covered passageway in Paris. Because of its reputation, it constantly attracts visitors. Stamp collectors can rejoice, as many stores specializing in the sale of collectible stamps can be found in the passage.
Continuing along the promenade, visitors can reach the Galerie des Variétés, which is connected to the Passage des Panoramas.
The passage's name derives from two large illuminated rotundas, offering panoramic views, which housed trompe-l'œil frescoes at the passage's main entrance on Boulevard Montmartre. Sadly, however, both were destroyed in 1831.
Why visit with a guide?
A guided tour of Paris's covered passageways with a professional guide is your guarantee of an enjoyable experience. Your guide, a true connoisseur of the city's history, will help you organize the ideal tour. He will explain the anecdotes and key moments of these passages, and how they have evolved over the decades.
Relive the history of Paris in the 19th centuryth century. Find out which famous brands and boutiques have set up shop here. Which personalities are linked to these places.
Whether you're a family, a couple or a group of friends, you'll love this unusual tour.
Would you like more ideas for unusual visits to Paris? Visit guided tour of Père Lachaise, or the guided tour of Montmartre will delight you! Ideal for combining with the covered passages.
