Step Back in Time: The Covered Passages Paris Keeps Secret

A Quick Guide to the Best Covered Passages in Paris (Map Included!)

All about the most charming covered passages Paris still hides. A quick guide to the best covered passages in Paris, map included, and walking tour ideas. If you are in a hurry, jump to the list of the best passages in Paris here.

The Covered Passages of Paris (Les Passages Couverts de Paris in French) are hidden gems in Paris, a world apart from the crowded tourist attractions or busy Grands Boulevards.

By the end of the 18th century, town planners created a labyrinth of commercial passages in Paris with beautiful stained-glass ceilings, mosaic works, and iron latticework, all bathed in natural light.

Apart from its dominating merchant role, Paris’ covered passages were also the new bourgeois’s favorite stroll, the place to show up and socialize in its endless cafés, traditional bistros, or small theaters.

Over the years, only a few walkways survived. Restored to their former glory, the Paris covered passages are today real Art Nouveau / Neoclassical architectural gems, and if you know where to look, you will find a hidden world of delightful ancient boutiques, cute cafés, and other curiosity shops.

These charming and secret passages in Paris are free to visit, and they are the perfect shelter for a rainy day in Paris and a trip back in time to the beautiful Belle Époque.

The Covered Passages of Paris are one of my favorite secret places in the city. Click here for the list of the most beautiful hidden places in Paris.

Best Passages in Paris

1. Galerie Vivienne, Paris 2 – 4 rue des Petit-Champs
2. Galerie Colbert, Paris 2 – 2 rue Vivienne
3. Passage du Grand Cerf, Paris 2 – 145 rue de Saint-Denis
4. Passage des Panoramas, Paris 9 – 11 boulevard de Montmartre
5. Passage Jouffroy, Paris 9 – 10 boulevard de Montmartre
6. Passage Brady, Paris 10 – 43 rue du Faubourg-Saint-Martin
7. Passage Choiseul, Paris 2 – 40 rue des Petits-Champs
8. Passage du Bourg-l’Abbé, Paris 2 – 120, rue Saint-Denis
9. Passage des Deux Pavillons, Paris 1 – 6, rue de Beaujolais

Paris Covered Passages Map

Here is the Paris Covered Passages Map, with the most beautiful covered passageways Paris has to offer. Click on the link below to enlarge and navigate through the map.

Click here to view this Paris’ Covered Passages Map on Google

Luckily for us, most of the best Covered Passages in Paris are located in the most central Arrondissements of Paris (Paris 1 and Paris 2), so you can go from one walkway to the next on foot. With few exceptions, they are open from Monday to Saturday, during business hours.

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Covered Passages Paris Travelers Shouldn’t Miss

Here is the list of the best covered passages in Paris – secret covered passages Paris has to offer for the curious wanderer. These Paris passages are all beautiful and elegant, but each passage is unique in its own way:

1. Galerie Vivienne, Paris 2 – The Most Elegant

Address: 4 Rue des Petit-Champs, Paris 2; Metro station Bourse Line 3 or Palais Royal Musée du Louvre Lines 1 and 7.

Start your Paris covered passages walking tour with Galerie Vivienne (also known as Passage Vivienne). Built in the 1820s near the Palais Royal, Galerie Vivienne is for many the best passage in Paris, well known for the elegance of its boutiques. If you have time to visit only one Parisian walkway, choose this one.

Today, Galerie Vivienne gathers luxury boutiques, bookshops, fabric shops, and lovely cafés. Don’t miss its elegant architecture and the original mosaic floor with the names of the former businesses at the entrance of each shop.

» MY MUST SEES: check the world-renowned Wolff & Descourtis (#18) for its cashmere shawls and fashionable fabric designs. Legrand Filles et Fils (1 Rue de la Banque) is considered the best wine shop in Paris, with more than 3,000 labels (come with your wine tote bag!). Librairie F. Jousseamme (#45) is a beautiful bookshop with ancient editions and rare books, which also sells beautiful old postcards.

» THE PERFECT BREAK: Bistrot Vivienne (access through Rue des Petits Champs) is a typical Parisian bistro with good traditional food. A Priori Thé (#35) is a lovely café and tearoom.

» GALERIE VIVIENNE OPENING HOURS: Every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

2. Galerie Colbert, Paris 2 – The Eternal Rival

Address: 2 Rue Vivienne, Paris 2; Metro station Bourse Line 3 or Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre Line 1, Line 7.

As you can see on the map of covered passages in Paris above, the entrance to Passage Colbert (also known as Galerie Colbert) is on the same street as Galerie Vivienne, so you can’t miss it!

Actually, Passage Colbert (1826) was built to compete with Galerie Vivienne, but in the end, it was less successful than its rival.

Don’t miss the richness of its neoclassical architecture, featuring a 15-meter-diameter dome. Today, this covered walkway has no shops, but it is interesting to visit for its history and elegant decoration. Passage Colbert hosts the Institut National d’Histoire de l’Art and the Institut National du Patrimoine.

» THE PERFECT BREAK: the restaurant Le Grand Colbert (2 Rue Vivienne), with its unique Art Nouveau atmosphere, is perfect for a good meal or a hot chocolate in the afternoon.

» GALERIE COLBERT OPENING HOURS: Every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

3. Passage du Grand Cerf, Paris 2 – The Hidden Gem

Address: 145 Rue de Saint-Denis, Paris 2; Metro station Étienne-Marcel Line 4.

The Passage du Grand Cerf is another of the most beautiful covered passages Paris has to offer. However, it remains one of the most secret Paris walkways because it is not easy to find.

The Passage du Grand Cerf was built in 1825 on the site of the Hôtel du Grand Cerf, from which it took its name. Its pleasing interior is home to many artisan shops and high-quality jewelry boutiques.

Don’t miss its spectacular 12-meter-high structure made of metal and wrought iron with a beautiful glass roof and its flourished balconies on the first floor.

» MY MUST SEES: Eric et Lydie (#7), contemporary jewelry designers. Pour Vos Beaux Yeux (#10) specializes in vintage eyewear. Rickshaw (#7) sells curious objects from all around the world.

» THE PERFECT BREAK: Le Pas Sage (#1) is a wine bar perfect to finish your shopping in style.

» PASSAGE DU GRAND CERF OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday from 8.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. Closed on Sundays.

4. Passage des Panoramas, Paris 9 – The Oldest

Address: 11 Boulevard de Montmartre, Paris 9; Metro station Richelieu-Drouot, Lines 8 and 9, or Grands Boulevards, Lines 8 and 9.

Passage des Panoramas was built in the year 1799, and it is located between the districts of Paris 9 and Paris 2.

Passage des Panoramas is the oldest of the surviving covered passages of Paris and the first one illuminated with gas lamps in 1816. Its name comes from the two large rotundas built at the entrance of the Passage (disappeared today) to display panoramic paintings of Paris, Toulon, Rome, Jerusalem, and other famous cities.

This labyrinthine passage is home to the Théâtre des Variétés, which has entertained the Parisians since 1807. But most of all, Passage des Panoramas is known for its philately shops. If you like old stamps, postcards, and coins, Passage des Panoramas is the place to go.

» MY MUST SEES: the French engraver and printer Henri Stern (#47) set up business in this passage in 1834. Today, the shop is working as a fancy café, but you can still see the original details of the former shop. Check out the artists’ entrance to Théâtre des Variétés (#17). Tombées du Camion (#44) is a cute shop with interesting (sometimes weird) collectibles.

» THE PERFECT BREAK: Restaurant Noglu (#16) is one of the few gluten-free eateries in Paris. Enjoy some of the best French wines at Les Racines (#8), which specializes in natural wines. La Crêperie (#62) offers yummy crêpes and ice creams.

» PASSAGE DES PANORAMAS OPENING HOURS: Every day from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m.

5. Passage Jouffroy, Paris 9 – The Most Authentic

Address: 10 Boulevard de Montmartre, Paris 9; Metro station Grands Boulevards, Lines 8 and 9.

If you want to see what these secret Paris passages looked like in their heyday, Passage Jouffroy is the place to go. Crowded and packed with quirky boutiques, this covered passage is always fun to walk through. This passage is also the most touristy thanks to the Musée Grevin, Paris’s version of Madame Tussaud’s, whose exit leads directly into it.

Don’t miss the architecture: this was the first Parisian passage built entirely from metal and glass, with wood used only for decorative elements. I also love the floor, paved in a geometric pattern of white, gray, and black squares

» MY MUST SEES: Pain d’Épices (#29) and La Boite à Joujoux (#41) are two old-fashioned toy shops worth a visit even if you don’t have kids. Quirky Segas (#34) specializes in antique walking sticks. Librairie du Passage (#48) proposes second-hand books and beautiful vintage posters.

» THE PERFECT BREAK: stop at Café Zéphyr (12 Boulevard de Montmartre) for a slice of cake in an elegant Art Déco setting. For a truly immersive experience, stay at the charming Hôtel Chopin (#46) for a unique Belle Époque experience, with good deals if you book in advance.

» PASSAGE JOUFFROY OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday from 8.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

6. Passage Brady, Paris 10 – The Most Exotic

Address: 43, Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Martin, Paris 10; Metro station Chateau d’Eau Line 4 or Strasbourg Saint-Denis Lines 4, 8, and 9.

Passage Brady is the most exotic of all the covered passages in Paris. It’s easy to see why locals call it ‘Little India’ – this vibrant, fragrant walkway is lined with Indian, Pakistani, Mauritian, and Réunionese curry restaurants, spice shops, and bustling bazaars.

Passage Brady was built in 1828 by the merchant M. Brady, from whom it takes its name. Originally, it featured a beautiful glass roof and an elegant dome designed to offset its irregular layout. In 1854, during Haussmann’s renovations, the passage was split in two to make way for the newly constructed Boulevard de Strasbourg.

Today, only the section between Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis and Boulevard de Strasbourg remains covered. Don’t miss the beautiful Art Nouveau sign bearing the passage’s name at the entrance. For a unique perspective, grab lunch at one of the first-floor eateries – the view over Passage Brady is well worth the stop.

» MY MUST SEES: Épicerie Velan (#87) to buy Indian and Pakistani specialties (and any kind of species).

» THE PERFECT BREAK: La Reine du Kashmir (#80), a restaurant recognized with multiple awards for Indian cuisine.

» PASSAGE BRADY OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday from 9.30 a.m. to 11.30 p.m.; Sunday from 6 p.m. to 11.30 p.m.

7. Passage Choiseul, Paris 2 – The Longest

Address: 40 Rue des Petits-Champs, Paris 2; Metro station Pyramides, Lines 7 and 14.

Passage Choiseul was named after d’Étienne-François de Choiseul-Beaupré-Stainville, who served as War Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister under King Louis XV. As you can see on the Paris covered passages map above, this walkway is almost as long as his name! Stretching 190 meters, it is the longest of all the covered passages in Paris.

Thanks to an extensive recent restoration, the beautiful glass roof now floods the walkway with natural light. Shops occupy the first and second floors, while the third floor is primarily residential. The Théâtre des Bouffes-Parisiens (est. 1857) has a secondary exit in the passage, bringing a lively atmosphere after performances.

» THE PERFECT BREAK: Go to Bio Burger (#46) for a fast-food break, 100% organic. There is no better place to relax than the Zzen – Bar à Sieste (#29), where you can take a good nap.

» PASSAGE CHOISEUL OPENING HOURS: From Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed on Sundays.

8. Passage du Bourg-l’Abbé, Paris 2 – Unique Atmosphere

Address: 120 Rue Saint-Denis and 3 Rue de Palestro, Paris 2; Metro station Étienne Marcel, Line 4.

Passage du Bourg-l’Abbé was built in early 1828 by architect Auguste Lusson to connect Passage du Grand Cerf and Passage de l’Ancre. It created a covered walkway that provided shelter from bad weather and busy street traffic.

Years later, the passage was shortened by several meters during the construction of Boulevard de Sébastopol and Rue Palestro. The new entrance on Rue Palestro was designed by Henri Blondel, the architect behind the Paris Stock Exchange. Flanking the entrance are two caryatids symbolizing Industry (left) and Commerce (right). At the keystone of the arch, a hive carved into a cartouche further reflects the passage’s economic significance.

After the 1980s, the Passage was in deplorable condition. The commercial spaces did not seek to attract visitors or enhance the passage; they were used primarily as warehouses.

Damaged by a fire in the 1990s, the passage was nearly abandoned until the condominium secured funding for restoration. Between 2002 and 2008, the covered passage underwent a complete renovation, and little by little, Passage Bourg-l’Abbé is reclaiming its lost charm.

» MY MUST SEES: admire the floor, canopies, and interior façades adorned with beautiful painted decorations. All of these elements are listed as Historic Monuments and are protected. At the end of the passage, a clock faces a barometer that is no longer functional.

» PASSAGE DE BOURG-L’ABBÉ OPENING HOURS: From Monday to Saturday from 7.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. Closed on Sundays.

9. Passage des Deux Pavillons, Paris 1 – The Victim

Address: 6, Rue de Beaujolais, Paris 1; Metro station Bourse, Line 3.

Passage des Deux Pavillons is the shortest of all the covered passages Paris has to offer, and it connects the Gardens of Palais Royal in Paris 1 to Rue des Petits-Champs in Paris 2.

Passage des Deux Pavillons was built in 1820 by piercing one of the buildings, and just like the building, it’s 33 meters long.

The current layout of this passage is a consequence of the eternal fight between the owners of Galerie Vivienne and Galerie Colbert to attract visitors.

Originally, the passage was cross-shaped and naturally ended in front of Galerie Colbert, coming from the Gardens of the Palais Royal. However, the owner of Galerie Vivienne purchased the passage and altered its layout so that it now terminates directly in front of his gallery.

Today, Passage des Deux Pavillons remains a convenient shortcut to Galerie Vivienne, and while it may not be extraordinary on its own, it’s worth a short visit – especially now that you know its history!

Sleep in and Around the Covered Passages of Paris

Hotel Chopin Paris is located inside the Passage Jouffroy, in Paris 9. Experience the lively atmosphere of the passage by day, and enjoy its unique charm and tranquility at night once the shops close. Rest peacefully away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets. The hotel also offers excellent deals when you book in advance – Click here for the Latest Prices

Accommodation near the Louvre Museum is also a good option for exploring the secret covered passages of Paris and many other tourist sights. Check out some of the best hotels near the Louvre Museum, with something for everyone.

And there you have it, the list of the most charming covered passages Paris has to offer. Which one would you choose for a stroll right now?

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