A local’s guide to the most beautiful covered passages in Paris; historical shopping arcades and places filled with elegance and French poshness!
Shopping in Paris is not just about the Rue de Rivoli and the Champs-Elysees.
It’s also the small shops of Montmartre, Le Marais, and of course, covered arcades.
Long before department stores like La Samaritaine and Printemps, the city gave birth to covered passages, many with glass roofs and vintage shopfronts.
9 Beautiful Covered Passages in Paris With Old World Charm
At their peak in the 1840s, Parisians could enjoy a stroll in over 150 of these shopping arcades; today, you’ll only find about twenty.
From Passage Verdeau to Passage des Panoramas and Galerie Vero-Dodat, exploring these secret spots offers a journey into 19th century Paris.
Covered Passages in Paris: Passage Jouffroy, Grands Boulevards
Passage Jouffroy was built in 1845, and was a pioneer of the Industrial Revolution, constructed entirely of iron and glass whereas previous passages like Passage des Panoramas used wooden frames.
It’s located close to the Musée Grévin with its wax statues (the exit is right inside the passage).
Other shopping arcades like Passage Verdeau located right out the back of Passage Jouffroy, famous for its antique dealers, postcards and rare photography books.
One of the most beautiful bookshops in the city, Librairie du Passage, makes for the perfect destination if you’re looking for fine art books.
Many Parisian landmarks are located close to Passage Jouffroy:
- Bouillon Chartier, a must-visit for the Belle Epoque decor
- The Grand Rex, a famous cinema and great example of Art Deco architecture
- Palais Garnier, just a few minutes’ walk away
- The Galeries Lafayette and Printemps department stores with their secret, free rooftops
Read: Lavirotte Building, Paris: Art Nouveau near the Eiffel Tower
Shopping Arcades in Paris: Passage des Panoramas
Passage des Panoramas is located right across from Passage Jouffroy and makes for the oldest of the covered passages in Paris.
It was indeed built in 1799, at the beginning of the ‘shopping mall’ concept.
Read: Brentano’s, The American Bookstore in Paris Filled With Wonders
There are lots of things to see nearby, like the famous Théâtre des Variétés, Place de la Bourse and Passage Verdeau.
Passage des Panoramas has been a protected Historical Monument since 1974, and feels like an intoxicating whiff of old-time Paris.
Read: Cité Florale, A Secret Village in Paris 13th Arrondissement
Covered Passages in Paris: Passage Verdeau
Passage Verdeau is the third of the trio of arcades at the Grands Boulevards.
It was constructed by the same architect as Passage Jouffroy, with a high glass roof and now-vintage shopfronts.
Passage Verdeau was built in 1847, one of the most magical old places in Paris, with curiosity shops, bookshops and galleries.
Read: Free Things to Do in Paris: 15 Places to Visit on a Budget
Shopping Arcades in Paris: Galerie Vero-Dodat
Galerie Vero-Dodat was built in 1826 during the Bourbon Restoration, and makes for another one of the most beautiful shopping arcades you’ll find in Paris.
It’s located just a short walk away from the Louvre and the Jardin des Tuileries, and was designed to be exclusive – today, you’ll find the likes of Christian Louboutin and By Terry nestled inside.
Read: 11 Most Beautiful Neighborhoods in Paris to Walk Around
Covered Passages in Paris: Passage du Grand Cerf
The Passage du Grand Cerf is one of the best preserved, most beautiful photo spots in Paris.
It was built in 1835 and is located really close to picturesque Rue Montorgueil, where you’ll find the historic Stohrer bakery.
This covered arcade is one of the highest passages in Paris, standing nearly 12 meters tall: its glass roof lets a dim light in, making the Passage du Grand Cerf incredibly gorgeous.
Don’t miss the stag’s head at one entrance of the passage, nor the really secret cafes located inside!
Read: Secret Villages in Paris: 10 Pretty Neighborhoods to Visit
Covered Passages in Paris: Passage de Choiseul
Passage de Choiseul is located in the 2nd arrondissement near the Opéra Garnier, and was built in 1827 to connect Rue des Petits-Champs (where you’ll find Galerie Vivienne) and Rue Saint-Augustin.
If you’re looking to go on a literary itinerary of Paris, you’ll love to know that famous writer Louis-Ferdinand Céline lived here as a child.
Passage de Choiseul is one of the longest covered passages of Paris.
It’s filled with bookshops, stationery shops, clothing and souvenir shops – a wonderful place to tread.
Read: 6 Free Museums in Paris To Visit With Beautiful Decor
Shopping Arcades in Paris: Passage Bourg-l’Abbé
Passage Bourg-l’Abbé is located in the 2nd arrondissement like Passage de Choiseul, and was built to connect Rue de Palestro with Rue Saint-Denis.
The entrance on Rue de Palestro features two of the most beautiful caryatids in Paris, sculpted by Aimé Millet and representing ‘Trade’ and ‘Industry’.
It’s located close to Passage du Grand Cerf and L’Escargot Montorgueil, a 1875-established restaurant with beautiful decorative faiences.
We’re also close to the Marais area, with its hidden gems like the colorful Stravinsky fountain and the medieval Cloître des Billettes – proper eye candy!
Read: Hidden Flavors: 5 Secret Places to Eat in Paris You’ll Love
Covered Passages in Paris: Passage Brady
Passage Brady is located close to Château d’Eau and was built in 1828.
Unlike other arcades made to showcase luxury in symmetrical neoclassical architecture, Passage Brady has evolved into a ‘Little India’.
We’re in the heart of the 10th arrondissement, and you’ll find many beauty shops and Indian restaurants inside what makes for one of the most colorful alleys of Paris.
Read: Floral Paris: 8 Pretty Places in Paris From Spring to Fall
Covered Passages in Paris: Passage du Havre
The Passage du Havre is located in the beautiful 9th arrondissement, directly across from Gare Saint-Lazare.
It was built in 1845, originally designed to serve travelers arriving from Normandy.
Unlike other covered passages I’m showing you in this guide, the Passage du Havre was radically reconstructed in the late 1990s, and looks – and feels – very modern.
Close by are located Printemps with its Art Deco stairs and Galeries Lafayette, in addition to a curious, soaring clock sculpture right in front of Gare Saint-Lazare – L’Heure de Tous.
Read: 9 Aesthetic Streets in Paris To Wander Around and Snap Shots
9 Beautiful Covered Passages in Paris With Old World Charm
Every one of these covered passages contributes to the soul of Paris; they’re not just relics of a bygone commercial area: they’re also architecturally striking.
Today, beautiful bookshops and other souvenir shops dot these shopping arcades, and feel like poetry close to some of the most bustling streets in Paris.
Check out other covered passages of Paris on: Passages et Galeries
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