Paris is full of hidden treasures, and among them are the covered passageways, veritable witnesses to a bygone era. These galleries, built between the late 18th and 19th centuries, offer a glimpse into Parisian history with their majestic glass roofs, mosaic floors and timeless charm. While some passages, such as the galerie Vivienne or the Passage des Panoramas are well known, others remain little-known but are just as well worth discovering. Here’s a selection of forgotten covered passages you absolutely must explore.
Passage du Grand-Cerf
Located near the Montorgueil district, the Passage du Grand-Cerf is distinguished by its impressive height and luminous glass roof. Long neglected, it has been given a second lease of life thanks to its artisanal and design boutiques. Among them, don’t miss “Rickshaw”, a boutique specializing in handmade objects.
Galerie Véro-Dodat
This elegant gallery, located near the Louvre, is a neoclassical gem. It houses the famous Louboutin boutique. With its dark wood columns and subdued lighting, it offers a chic, intimate ambience.
Passage Verdeau
A natural extension of the Passages Jouffroy and Panoramas, the Passage Verdeau is often overlooked despite its unique charm. Its fishbone glass roof illuminates the many antique stores and antiquarian bookstores.
Brady Passage
Known as Paris’s “Little India”, this passage is a true sensory voyage with its Indian and Pakistani restaurants. Although it has lost its lustre of yesteryear, it remains a lively place where cultures and exotic flavours mingle.
Passage Choiseul
Less frequented than its neighbors, this passage is nevertheless one of the longest in Paris. It has recently been restored to its original splendor. Here you’ll find specialist bookshops, art galleries and discreet cafés perfect for a quiet break.
These covered passages are more than just places to stroll; they tell a rich story of the rise of the Parisian bourgeoisie in the 19th century. At the time, they served as elegant shortcuts away from the muddy streets, while offering a shopping area protected by their luminous canopies.
Unfortunately, many disappeared under Haussmann’s major renovations or were forgotten over time. Today, only around twenty passages remain in Paris, mainly on the right bank. Thanks to preservation efforts undertaken by the City of Paris since the 2000s, these architectural gems are gradually being given a second life. Let’s make the most of it!