12 Secret Covered Passages In Paris To Visit
Paris secret covered passages are an essential part of Paris’ history and architecture and a great activity to do in Paris and I want you to uncover all their secrets!
Paris is well known worldwide for its beautiful architecture; it has hundreds of impressive buildings and streets. From the amazing Boulevard Haussmann to the more modern architecture of the Centre Pompidou, it is passing by its beautiful secret-covered passages. Here you’ll learn everything you need to know about the secret covered passages in Paris to visit!
The city counts the remaining 20+ covered passages that are still open to the public, while back in the 19th century, you could find more than 70 covered passages in Paris.
The main goal of those passages was to gather the more affluent part of the population away from the mud of Paris, which was undergoing significant architectural transformations and offer them beautiful places with all the restaurants and shops they needed.
12 Beautiful Secret Covered Passages In Paris To Visit
Of course, some of those Parisian-covered passages are more famous than others and can’t be qualified as “secret-covered passages of Paris” due to their locations or history.
But there are so many covered passages in Paris that can qualify as secrets that you shouldn’t miss out on when visiting Paris.
Exploring all these covered passages and learning about their history or taking amazing photos (those places are some of the best instagram photo spots in Paris; make sure to respect their rules) are great free activities to do in Paris.
One of my favourite activities when I am out and about in the city is to walk through those covered passages in paris and see what they offer. They are also perfect when I want to escape the rain or check out new restaurants hidden there.
You must check out the magical Christmas decorations in the covered passages during Christmas time!
If you’re visiting Paris on a budget, check out my travel guide about the 50+ best things to do in Paris for free for more ideas to add to your bucket list.
In this list, you’ll find the most famous covered passages in Paris and all the secret covered passages in Paris!
Galerie Vero-Dodat – Paris 1st
Nestled among Paris’s enchanting web of covered passages, Galerie Vero beckons with its timeless charm and vintage boutiques.
As you explore the hidden treasures of covered passages in Paris, don’t miss Galerie Vero, the embodiment of the city’s historical elegance.
Galerie Vero, a secret gem among the covered passages in Paris, invites visitors to step back in time and discover a world of unique shopping and French architectural beauty.
Galerie Vero is conveniently located near the Louvre Museum, making it an ideal starting point for exploring one of the world’s most famous art collections. Additionally, the Palais Royal and its beautiful gardens are within walking distance, providing a serene spot for a stroll.
Address: 19 rue Jean-Jacques-Rousseau / 2 rue du Bouloi
Galerie Vivienne – Paris 2nd
Galerie Vivienne, one of Paris’ most famous covered passages, is an iconic covered passage that captivates visitors with its undeniable charm, adorned by mosaic floors, exquisite boutiques, and stunning glass ceilings.
As you step into this historic gem, you’re not just visiting a passage but traversing the heart of Parisian history, making it an essential stop among the city’s enchanting covered passages.
Immerse yourself in the elegance of Galerie Vivienne, a true hidden treasure within Paris’s covered passages, where 19th-century Parisian architecture and a delightful shopping experience transport you back in time.
Galerie Vivienne is also amazing to visit in winter, as it dresses up for Christmas, and it is magical to stroll around the Galerie; it’s also an excellent way to fight the cold!
Address: 4 rue des Petits-Champs / 6 rue Vivienne / 5 rue de la Banque
Passage des Panoramas – Paris 2nd
Passage des Panoramas, one of the oldest covered passages in Paris, offers a delightful blend of history and gastronomy with its charming arcades and gourmet restaurants.
Passage des Panoramas was the first covered passage in Paris to be illuminated by gas lighting in 1817. This innovation added to the passage’s charm. It became a popular nighttime destination, setting a trend for other passages to follow suit and earning the nickname “Le Passage des Lumières” or “The Passage of Lights.”
Home to some of the oldest surviving restaurants in Paris, including the renowned “Le Grand Véfour.”
Immerse yourself in the timeless allure of this Paris’s covered passages, where every elegant corridor echoes the essence of Parisian culture and the legacy of centuries past.
Address: 10 rue Saint-Marc / 11 boulevard Montmartre / 38 rue Vivienne / 151 rue Montmartre
Passage du Grand Cerf – Paris 2nd
Passage du Grand Cerf, a lesser-known gem among Paris’s covered passages, welcomes you with its stunning wrought-iron arches and artisanal boutiques.
Passage du Grand Cerf is renowned for its stunning wrought-iron architecture. Its elegant, ornate design and soaring glass ceiling make it a true masterpiece of 19th-century Parisian architecture.
This passage was constructed in 1825 and is one of Paris’s last remaining covered passages. It has been beautifully restored, allowing visitors to revisit and experience the city’s history.
The passage underwent significant restoration efforts in the late 20th century to preserve its historical character, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy its unique atmosphere.
The passage’s beautiful architecture, natural light, and eclectic shops make it a favourite spot for photographers; it’s a great Instagram photo spot in Paris (all the covered passages are, to be fair, though!)
Address: 145 rue Saint-Denis / 10 rue Dussoubs
Passage des Princes – 2nd arrondissement
Passages des Princes, tucked away among the hidden treasures of Paris’s covered passages, beckons with its romantic charm and boutique shopping experiences. It boasts a charming and colourful interior with decorative tiles, glass roofs, and intricate ironwork.
Passage des Princes has a historical association with toy shops. It was once renowned for its concentration of toy stores, making it a favourite destination for families and toy enthusiasts.
While the passage is no longer exclusively dedicated to toys, it remains a haven for collectors and those seeking unique and collectable items, including antique toys and vintage memorabilia.
The passage was named in honour of the Princes of Orléans, who were members of the French royal family in the 19th century.
Explore the Parisian elegance of Passage des Princes, a secret haven within the city’s covered passages. It offers a glimpse into the city’s history and culture through its charming arcades and eclectic shops.
Address: 5 boulevard des Italiens / 97-99 rue de Richelieu
Galerie Colbert – Paris 2nd
Galerie Colbert, a true hidden gem among Paris’s covered passages, enchants visitors with its neoclassical architecture and a rich blend of bookshops and fine dining. Grand pillars, detailed frescoes, and a stunning glass roof characterise its architecture. It’s a visual delight for architecture enthusiasts.
Galerie Colbert is home to the Institut National d’Histoire de l’Art (INHA), a research institute dedicated to art history. This adds an intellectual and academic dimension to the passage.
Galerie Colbert is conveniently located near the Palais Royal and the Louvre Museum, making it an ideal starting point for exploring some of Paris’s most iconic cultural attractions.
Address: 6 rue des Petits-Champs / 2 rue Vivienne
Passage Du Caire – Paris 2nd
Passage du Caire, a hidden gem in the tapestry of covered passages in Paris, beckons with its Middle Eastern-inspired architecture and a vibrant array of shops. It was designed to resemble the bazaars and covered markets of the Middle East, reflecting the historical trade connections between France and the Middle East.
Experience the exotic allure of Passage du Caire, a lesser-known treasure among Paris’s covered passages, where you can explore a world of textiles, spices, and cultural diversity.
The passage boasts a unique blend of Egyptian, Moorish, and oriental architectural styles. Its intricate details, including decorative tiles and patterns, transport visitors to a different world.
Passage du Caire may not be as well-known as some other covered passages in Paris, making it a hidden gem for those seeking a quieter and more authentic experience.
Address: 33 rue d’Alexandrie / 2 place du Caire / 237-239 rue Saint-Denis / 14, 34 et 44 rue du Caire
Passage Choiseul – Paris 2nd
Passage du Choiseul, a delightful covered passage in Paris, transports you to a bygone era with ornate architecture and charming boutiques. The passage is celebrated for its elegant architecture, featuring a glass roof that allows natural light to illuminate the interior, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.
Passage Choiseul is home to the Théâtre des Bouffes-Parisiens, a historic theatre founded in the 19th century. It has a rich history of showcasing operettas and plays, adding to the passage’s cultural appeal.
The passage and its surroundings are said to have inspired various artists and musicians over the years, capturing the essence of Parisian life and culture.
While some covered passages in Paris are more famous, Passage Choiseul offers a quieter and more intimate experience, often appreciated by those seeking a tranquil escape from the bustling streets.
Address: 40 rue des Petits-Champs / 23 rue Saint-Augustin / 40 rue Dalayrac Passage Sainte-Anne
Passage Verdeau – Paris 9th
Passage Verdeau, a famous covered passages in Paris, invites you to wander through its vintage charm and antique treasures.
Like many of the covered passages in Paris, Passage Verdeau has a rich historical legacy, dating back to the 19th century when these passages were bustling centres of commerce and culture.
The passage is renowned for its numerous antique shops and boutiques, making it a paradise for collectors and vintage enthusiasts. You can find many antique furniture, books, art, and collectables.
Address: 6 rue de la Grange-Batelière – 75003 Paris
Passage du Bourg L’Abbe
Passage du Bourg l’Abbé, a hidden gem amidst Paris’s covered passages, invites you to step back with its historical charm and eclectic boutiques.
Discover the enchanting allure of Passage du Bourg l’Abbé, one of Paris’s lesser-known covered passages, where you can explore a world of vintage treasures and Parisian elegance.
Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Passage du Bourg l’Abbé, a secret haven within the heart of Paris’s covered passages, and uncover a rich tapestry of history and culture through its hidden corridors.
It feels older than the other passages built in the same period.
Address: 20, rue Saint-Denis – 3, rue de Palestro, 75002 Paris
Passage Joufroy – Paris 9th
Passage Jouffroy, a captivating gem among Paris’s covered passages, enchants visitors with its ornate glass roof, charming boutiques, and the enchanting Musée Grévin nearby.
Step into the fairytale-like world of Passage Jouffroy, one of the most picturesque covered passages in Paris, where you can stroll among quaint shops and immerse yourself in the city’s artistic heritage.
Explore the timeless elegance of Passage Jouffroy, a hidden treasure in the heart of Paris’s covered passages, and experience a unique blend of history, shopping, and cultural richness that defines the essence of this enchanting city.
Address: 10-12 boulevard Montmartre / 9 rue de la Grange-Batelière
Passage Brady – Paris 10th
Passage Brady, a hidden gem in the heart of Paris’s covered passages, enchants visitors with its vibrant Indian culture and a kaleidoscope of exotic flavours.
Embark on a culinary journey through Passage Brady, one of Paris’s lesser-known covered passages, where you can savour the rich aromas and tastes of Indian cuisine in an authentic setting.
Explore the multicultural charm of Passage Brady, a secret treasure within Paris’s covered passages, and experience a delightful blend of Parisian ambience and the vibrant essence of India’s street markets.
Address: 43 rue du Faubourg-Saint-Martin / 22 boulevard de Strasbourg / 33 boulevard de Strasbourg / 46 rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis
Bonus: Pretty Outside Passages In Paris
Passage de l’Ancre
Passage de l’Ancre, a hidden gem nestled among Paris’s covered passages, captivates visitors with its charming ambience and artisanal boutiques.
Experience the delightful blend of tradition and craftsmanship at Passage de l’Ancre, one of Paris’s lesser-known covered passages, where history and creativity come together.
Explore the timeless beauty of Passage de l’Ancre, a secret treasure among Paris’s covered passages, and immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural tapestry through its unique shops and atmosphere.
Passage Du Desir
Passage du Désir, established in the 19th century, has seen various transformations. It was once an industrial area but has become a lively passage housing unique shops and businesses.
This passage offers a fascinating mix of old and new. From vintage boutiques to modern concept stores, it showcases the city’s evolving character while preserving its historical roots.
Passage Molière
Another cute outdoor passage of Paris, Passage Molière, is nestled within the heart of Paris.
This historic covered passage, dating back to the 19th century, beckons visitors with its timeless charm and architectural beauty. As you enter its elegant corridors, you’ll discover a captivating blend of boutique shops, charming cafes, and a slice of Parisian history waiting to be explored.
This concludes my travel guide on all the most astounding secret (not so secret)-covered passages of Paris you need to explore when you visit the capital of France. Let me know in the comment what is your favourite Paris-covered quotes!
Make sure to check out my other paris travel post to help you plan your perfect Parisian vacation:
- Best things to do in Paris in Spring
- Pros and cons of visiting Paris in Winter
- Stunning Spots To See Cherry Blossoms in Paris
- Travel Apps You Need When You Visit Paris
- Scams To Avoid When You Visit Paris
- 17 Things To Know Before Visiting Paris
- Where To See Beautiful Christmas Lights In Paris
- How To Spend A Magical Christmas In Paris
Also, follow me on Instagram to check out my travel adventures around Europe and more lifestyle content @cpt_lyne!
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Secret Covered Passages In Paris To Visit
✈ Best Travel Ressources To Plan Your Next Trip
✈ How To Find Flights?
– Skyscanner; it is a good comparator for finding the cheapest flights.
– Google Flights is also a good help when comparing flights.
✈ Where To Book Accommodations?
– Booking.com: plenty of options and ways to get discounts the more you book.
✈ Best Sites To Book Activities
– GetYourGuide when I can’t get a ticket directly on the website or if it’s easier to go through them.
– Klook if you need to book more than just activities and would like to get everything from the same website or different day trips—(i.e. transport cards, car rental, hotel…).
✈ Other helpful travel resources
– Radical Storage: If you need a place to keep your luggage for an extended period when you travel, I recommend using them.
– TheTrainline: If you love to travel by train like me, then TheTrainline needs to be your go-to website for train travel in Europe.
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Wow! Who would have thought of a blog with this list. You truly captured the very essence of Paris.
Great post, such lovely spots. I miss Paris.
These are so charming. Will definitely need to check a couple of these out on our trip to Paris!
I love this listicle of passages to explore in Paris! I’ve only been to Paris once but I’d love to go back and explore more underrated spots like this. Thanks for sharing!