Passage du Grand Cerf: A Parisian Passage Near Montorgueil

A local’s guide to visiting the historical Passage du Grand Cerf on Rue Saint-Denis in Paris; a beautiful covered passage close to Rue Montorgueil and Châtelet!

When you wander a bit further from Châtelet and stroll lazily near Rue Montorgueil, you will find, just a few minutes away, the Passage du Grand-Cerf.

This is where I want to take you today – to one of the most beautiful covered passages in Paris, and one of the few located closer to Rue de Rivoli than to the Grands Boulevards.

In the past, I’ve often spoken to you about these covered passages, such as Passage Brady in the 10th arrondissement or Passage des Panoramas near the Grands Boulevards.

Well, today’s all about the wonderful Passage du Grand Cerf.

Passage du Grand Cerf: A Parisian Passage Near Montorgueil

The Passage du Grand-Cerf, built in 1825, has the distinction of being one of the tallest in Paris; at nearly 12 meters high, you can admire a true masterpiece just by looking up.

Indeed, the ceiling – made entirely of glass and wrought iron – is one of the finest architectural achievements of the 19th century, designed to let maximum light pour into the shops and restaurants below.

It is, moreover, one of the places I would recommend visiting if you are looking for a spot to take photos, or simply to feel projected back in time to the era of the very first covered passages.

At one of the two entrances to the Passage du Grand-Cerf, you can admire an imposing stag’s head, which is a nod to the history of the passage.

In its early days, it was a transit hub for the royal postal service and for travelers arriving from the North.

Today, the Passage du Grand-Cerf is one of the most visited in Paris, unlike others such as the Passage du Caire or the very secret Passage Sainte-Anne in the Japanese Quarter, which see very few visitors and have many closed shops.

Closer to the Grands Boulevards, the Passage des Panoramas, Passage Verdeau or Passage Jouffroy are now very famous on social media and filled with souvenir shops.

In contrast, in the Passage du Grand-Cerf, you will find knitting boutiques, fashion, and even a vintage eyewear shop along with spots to have coffee.

Once you’ve finished visiting the Passage du Grand-Cerf, a walk of just a few minutes will take you to Rue Montorgueil, one of the most beautiful streets in Paris.

There, you’ll find magnificent bakeries and cafes, such as Stohrer, founded in 1730, featuring some of the most beautiful earthenware decor in Paris.

You’ll also find Odette with its famous cream puffs, alongside other world-renowned cafes.

With the Passage du Grand-Cerf, you can add other historical sites to your list, such as the secret Cloître des Billettes in the Marais or the Musée Carnavalet, a completely free museum dedicated to the history of Paris.

Read: Paris Fashion Vintage, The Essence of Past-Era Elegance

Passage du Grand Cerf Paris Photo Gallery

Passage du Grand Cerf: A Parisian Passage Near Montorgueil

Now, if you wish to leave the center of Paris for somewhere calmer, you can also visit one of the secret villages, such as the Cité Florale, or perhaps a colorful alley like the vibrant Passage Molière or Rue Crémieux near Gare de Lyon.

Regardless, I advise you to spend as much time as possible exploring Rue Montorgueil and neighboring streets like Rue Tiquetonne or Rue Montmartre.

There, you can see some of the most beautiful facades in Paris, as well as a metro station with a magnificent entrance: Sentier.

Visiting Paris can take just a few days, but it can also take a lifetime – and the Passage du Grand-Cerf is a wonderful place to start.