Paris and the Ville Lumière are crossed by a series of covered galleries and a system of historic passages preserved in magnificent. Come and read about the most beautiful passages in the city of Paris and find them during your city trip.
Today I will tell you one of the secrets I discovered here at Paris: the Ville Lumière is crossed by a system of historical passages and covered galleriesand wonderfully preserved. In the first half of the XNUMXth century, at the height of the Belle Epoque, Parisian urban planners created this fascinating system of labyrinths, galleries and covered passages, characterized by elegant environments and a very chic touch.
They were made above all to provide the ladies of the Parisian aristocracy with an ideal indoor place for their strolls; Apparently Paris was the first European city to try its hand at this type of architecture, then exported first to the province and then to all of Europe.
Over the years, some of these passages have been demolished, but luckily many of them have survived to this day. Let's see where to find some of the most beautiful: admission is strictly free and the magical atmosphere… in case of rain they will also be a wonderful shelter!
Galerie Vivienne
My favorite: glittering and sumptuous architecture, including mosaics and large decorative statues, the Gallerie opened its doors in 1826. Before the Champs-Élysées became the official Parisian shopping street, the swankiest shops in the French capital were all here. Wonderfully preserved, it is full of shops, glass windows and even the historic Bistrot Vivienne. In the evening its shops close, but the restaurant remains open: having dinner here you will have the impression of having the passage all to yourself!
<br>• Start: 4 rue des Petits-Champs, XNUMXnd arrondissement, metro: Bourse
Galerie Colbert
Continue your walk and connected to the Galerie Vivienne you will also discover the wonderful Colbert Gallery, which now belongs to the National Institute of Art History.
<br>• Start: from 6 rue des Petits-Champs to 2 rue Vivienne, XNUMXnd arrondissement, metro: Bourse
Galerie Véro-Dodat
Also in these parts, do not miss the Galerie Véro-Dodat, a real gem. Among high-class perfumeries, antique dealers and art galleries, it will leave you speechless: it is not among the longest galleries, but it is certainly among the most luxurious. The ceiling and the play of black and white perspectives of the polished marble floor are splendid. In the last few months it has become even more famous: Christian Louboutin, the talented designer of luxury shoes, has opened a new boutique right at the entrance to the gallery.
<br>• Start: 19 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, XNUMXnd arrondissement, metro: Bourse
Passage de Choiseul
In the heart of Parisian Little Tokyo, dusty and a bit battered by time, the Passage de Choiseul still has its charm, among antique shops and a swarm of delicious Asian restaurants.
<br>• Start: 40 rue des Petits-Champs, at 23 rue Saint-Augustin, XNUMXnd arrondissement, metro: Quatre-Septembre
Passage du Grand Cerf
Here's another one of my super favorites: opened in 1823, the Passage du Grand Cerf is one of the most spectacular in the capital. Recently restored and restored to its former glory, it is little known and never too crowded, as it is located outside the classic tourist routes, between the rue Saint Denis and the Montorgueil district. Between glistening stained glass windows and a red carpet you will feel transported back in time to the heart of the Belle Epoque. Inside you will find fantastic little shops and vintage shops, super-Parisian designers and florists. There is also a bistro that I recommend: Le Pas Sage, with excellent wines and delicious homemade cheesecake.
<br>• Start: 145 rue Saint-Denis, XNUMXnd arrondissement, metro: Etienne Marcel
Passage Brady
The Passage Brady is not the most spectacular, but it is still worth seeing, especially if you love Indian flavors: here it is all a triumph of incense, spice shops and curry restaurants.
<br>• Start: 43 rue du Faubourg-Saint-Martin, XNUMXth arrondissement, metro: Chateau-d'Eau, Strasbourg - Saint-Denis
Passage Jouffroy
Always crowded and very fun, just a stone's throw from the Grand Boulevards, Passage Jouffroy is home to colorful shops, art libraries, a museum and even a hotel that is nothing short of special: the Hotel Chopin.
<br>• Start: 10 boulevard Montmartre, XNUMXth arrondissement, metro: Richelieu-Drouot
The Cours du Commerce-Saint-André
The Cours du Commerce-Saint-André is one of the few passages on the Left Bank of Paris: inaugurated in 1776, it includes one of the oldest cafes in Paris, the famous and historic Procope (1686).
<br>• Start: From 59 rue Saint-André-des-Arts, to 21 rue de l'Ancienne Comédie, XNUMXth arrondissement, metro: Odeon
