There’s no better way to discover a city than on foot. Our legs are the best way to explore a neighborhood at a leisurely pace, taking the time to linger over every detail. Paris, despite its large size, is no exception.Paris Secret has selected the most beautiful covered passages throughout the capital!
This is the perfect outing for rainy days, days when it’s too hot and you’re looking for a little shade, or days when you want to travel back in time. Parisian passages are full of small, idyllic tea rooms, antique shops, and other fascinating secrets waiting to be discovered. In fact, we recommend taking this guided tour to really get to know them! On the agenda: a guided walk through a dozen hidden galleries, among restored wonders, forgotten places, and well-kept secrets.
The Passage des Panoramas
GARDEL BERTRAND / HEMIS.FRhemis.frHemis via AFP
One of countless galleries clustered between central and northern Paris, the Passage des Panoramas is also a real gold mine for anyone curious about the capital. Whether you go there to grab a bite to eat, hunt for curiosities, or simply enjoy the stroll, one of the oldest covered passages in Paris is brimming with places of interest to discover.
The Passage du Caire
WILFRIED LOUVET / ONLY FRANCE / Only France via AFP
Far from being the most touristy passage in the city, the Passage du Caire has a buzzing atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Paris, making it one of those places you have to see at least once! And although it is the longest covered passage in the capital, it is not the widest, far from it—in fact, it is the narrowest in the city! Just imagine the commotion that takes place there every morning.
The Galerie Vivienne
When talking about Parisiancovered passages , how can we not mention the Galerie Vivienne? This majestic passage was built in 1823 according to the plans of architect Jean-François Delannoy. Its elegance and beauty even earned it a place on the list of Historic Monuments in 1974.
The Passage Verdeau
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Long overshadowed by the Panoramas and Jouffroypassages, Verdeau has nothing to envy its neighbors. A witness to a rich history, it is also home to thousands of curiosities and therefore the ideal place to enjoy an enchanting stroll. Built in 1846, it is in fact a direct extension of the Panoramas and Jouffroy passages. For a long time, it was neglected in favor of its neighbors, despite its almost incomparable charm and its great luminosity due to its immense glass roof.
Passage Jouffroy
Passage Jouffroy, Shutterstock
Among the most beautiful covered passages in Paris, how can we not mention the Passage Jouffroy? The first Parisian passage built of metal and glass, it was also the first to benefit from underfloor heating, beneath its black and white checkered paving. At that time, like many other Parisian passages, visitors could find linen shops, tailors, and reading rooms there.
The Passage du Bourg-l’Abbé
David Pendery – CC BY-SA 4.0
After an unfortunate fire and renovation work, today we can stroll through a passage that has retained all its old-world charm, with its pretty colorful facades and wooden shop windows. As soon as you enter the covered passageway, you can immediately sense the unique atmosphere of the place and imagine the hustle and bustle that once took place there. With its superb glass roof, the Passage du Bourg-l’Abbé is a must-see for a sunny stroll in the neighborhood.
The Passage Brady
Always on the lookout for places off the beaten track, this time we head to one of the most exotic locations in the capital. We are referring to the magnificent Passage Brady, a pillar of Indo-Pakistani culture in Paris. With its good restaurants, colorful shops, and little curiosities, it has everything you need to transport you far, far away from the hustle and bustle of Paris!
See also: A culinary stroll through the best restaurants in the Passage des Panoramas