A local’s guide to visiting the historical Passage de L’Industrie, a hidden alley in the 10th Arrondissement of Paris close to many shops and restaurants!
Two years ago, before moving back to Paris this year, I lived on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis for a while.
I really loved this lively street in the 10th arrondissement with all its amazing cafes, Turkish restaurants, beautiful bakeries like Julhes, and local supermarkets.
There is always so much to do nearby in the 2nd arrondissement too.
In the past, I’ve mentioned a few places that are really close to my heart, like Rue Montorgueil and the historic Stohrer bakery, or the Passage du Grand Cerf and the beautiful Galerie Vivienne and Galerie Colbert.
Today, I want to focus on a secret passage that is much more down-to-earth called the Passage de l’Industrie, in one of the liveliest neighborhoods of Paris.
Passage de l’Industrie, A Hidden Alley in Paris 10
This spot was built back in 1827 and has a vibe that feels much more like “working Paris” than anything too sophisticated.
What really catches your eye from the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis are the arches at the entrance.
That’s actually the main highlight of the passage because, unlike places like Passage des Panoramas, Passage Jouffroy or Passage Verdeau, this one was built with industry specifically in mind.
It’s an L-shaped path that connects Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin to Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis.
As the name suggests, it was originally created to house small workshops and local industrial businesses.
Unlike many other passages, this one still has its original aesthetic. It hasn’t been renovated, so you get to see the authentic architecture exactly as it was in the beginning.
In the 2nd arrondissement, where you find Galerie Vivienne or the Passage des Deux Pavillons leading to the Palais Royal, the passages were designed for the bourgeoisie.
But when the Passage de l’Industrie was built, it was made for the proletariat.
We are in the 10th arrondissement here, which became the beating heart of the Indo-Pakistani, Kurdish, and Turkish communities toward the end of the 20th century.
There aren’t many shops inside the passage itself today, but the whole area around the 10th is great for authentic Parisian shopping.
The neighborhood really focuses on beauty and aesthetics.
You’ll find tons of makeup shops like LA Girl, along with hair salons and boutiques filled with wigs and hair products.
Inside the Passage de l’Industrie, you’ll find the famous Delorme store.
It’s a beauty supply shop with all sorts of professional products, and it was actually recommended to me back when I was in makeup school.
I don’t personally love walking through the passage in the evening since it’s one of the darkest in Paris and isn’t very well lit at night.
During the day, though, it’s one of those alleys that has remained a very well-kept secret.
Passage de L’Industrie Paris Photo Gallery
Passage de l’Industrie, A Hidden Alley in Paris 10
Once you’re finished exploring the passage, there are a ton of cool spots to visit nearby.
You could start your day with a great coffee at one of the minimalist cafes on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis.
Then, you can check out Passage Brady right next door, which is famously known as Little India.
After that, definitely go see the Porte Saint-Denis and Porte Saint-Martin, which are two triumphal arches built for Louis XIV that are much older than the famous Arc de Triomphe.
You’ll also find plenty of shops near the passage, like the Gibert bookstore for affordable books or Monoprix for classic French makeup and beauty products.
Bonne Nouvelle and the Grands Boulevards are super close too.
You might want to track down some beautiful cafes and restaurants with an Art Nouveau decor nearby, like Julien or the famous Bouillon Chartier.
From there, you can head toward Châtelet to discover the shopping center, the Saint-Eustache church, or even the stunning Rue Montmartre.
And, if you’re looking for unique souvenirs from Paris, I’d definitely also recommend Shakespeare and Company, Marin Montagut, and Brentano’s!
Passage de L’Industrie Paris
Address: 42 rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis, 75010 Paris
Website: SityTrail