Have you ever heard of Les Passages in Paris? They are shopping galleries or covered passages which became popular in the 19th Century and which preserve till today the charm and the intellectual and architectural innovation of that time. Even though big shopping malls are well established, Les Passages in Paris keep being vital for the character of the French capital.
These covered passages are very quiet and incredibly fascinating as they are far away from noisy high streets and overcrowded museums.
They were first built in the 19th Century and their stained-glass ceilings, mosaic floors and iron lattice work will whisk you right back to the Belle Époque.
In these galleries, you will find many shops including classique boutiques, cafés, away from time and the worldly chaos and bathed in natural light.
Let’s find out the most charming passages in Paris
The Galerie Vivienne
The Galerie Vivienne is a wonderful passage just a step away from Palais Royal. It was built in 1823 by Marchoux (who tried to get the passage named after him, but to his disappointment, it was called Galerie Vivienne).
It was an extremely popular shopping area until the Haussmann renovations attracted the majority of popular shops away to Madeleine. However, in the 80s it came back in vogue thanks to the opening of Jean-Paul Gaultier boutique.
Today the extraordinary Galerie Vivienne hosts luxury boutiques, art shops, books, special fabrics, a cosy tea room and delicious bistrot.
Its elegant canopy and marvellous colours offer a rare light inside the passage; and the original mosaic floor and the artistic details make this gallery one of the most worthy places to visit in Paris.
The Passage Choiseul
The Passage Choiseul is a monument registered as a historic one – and it is not surprising considering its story. It was built in 1825 and it was here where the well-known 20th Century French novelist Louis-Ferdinand Celine spent his childhood.
In the 70s, the passage became trending when Kenzo opened there a boutique (now located in Place des Victoires). Today Passage Choiseul is famous for its restaurants and boutiques, art galleries, book shops, an original bar à sieste (bar for sleeping) and the Théâtre des Bouffes-Parisiens.
The Passage du Grand Cerf
The Passage du Grand Cerf, known for its arcades of neat glass, was built in 1825 on the site of the Hotel du Grand Cerf.
Without a doubt is one of the most beautiful passages in the city. Its interior is rich in craft products, craft shops, fashion items and high-quality jewellery, making it an ideal place for whoever wants to purchase unique gifts.
Even though it is not easy to find, it is definitely worth it. You can access the passage through rue Saint-Denis or Place Goldoni.
Passage des Panoramas
Passage des Panoramas is one of the most ancient covered passages in Paris. It was built in 1799 and crosses the second and ninth arrondissements.
Originally the passage hosted a bazar full of souks that sell exotic oriental products, nowadays is full of bars and typical restaurants among which Noglu (one of the few gluten-free restaurants in Paris). It is also famous for its boutique dedicated to philatelics. So if you are a stamp, postcards or coin collector, you should seriously consider the option of visiting this charming vintage place.
The Galerie Véro-Dodat
The Galerie Véro-Dodat features a neoclassical style and it is located in the beating heart of Paris, near the Louvre and the Palais Royal.
Compared to other covered passages, it is not very big, however, to enlarge the space a clever trompe d’œil was conceived: to convey a sense of depth the designers of this passage used a grid of diagonal black and white tiles on the marble floor.
When you walk across the passage, you can stare at the decorated ceiling with inscriptions and light blue paintings. Inside the passage, you can find many shops, art galleries, restaurants and, for those more interested in fashion, two flagship boutiques by Christian Louboutin.
