The 15 Most Beautiful Covered Passages in Paris (with a Map)

The 15 Most Beautiful Covered Passages in Paris (with a Map)

You just arrived in Paris, and you’re already fed up with the crowded boulevards? Maybe you just looked at the weather and got scared of spending your whole vacation under the rain? Don’t worry, Paris is full of secret covered passages! In this article, I will take you away from the famous Parisian landmarks and show you the charming covered passages that each have their own atmosphere.

The covered passages of Paris are shortcuts from one street to another that were constructed in the early nineteenth century inside the existing buildings. They all have beautiful glass ceilings that let the sun shine in and allow you to enjoy the beautiful architecture of the passages.

Before the Champs-Elysées took all the spotlight, the covered passages were actually the place to go to find the latest trendy clothes! Today, the covered passages welcome very diverse shops, from luxurious clothing stores to little French restaurants. I will give you all the good addresses and you can check out our map on where to find these fascinating passages.

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Whether you want to discover a hidden part of Paris or you just want to find a nice spot to take a coffee, this article is made for you. So, if you’re ready to take a trip to the past in the Paris of the nineteenth century, this is the top 5 covered passages not to miss in Paris>.

1. Galerie Vivienne: the fancy one!

The first gallery in our top 15 covered passages not to miss in Paris is, of course, the Galerie Vivienne. This gallery is definitely one of the prettiest passages you’ll find in Paris! This passage was inaugurated in 1826 under the direction of François-Jacques Delannoy.

Take a look at the ground: you’re standing on a beautiful mosaic created by Giandomenico Facchina that gives all its charm to the gallery. I like to just walk in this beautiful passage and admire the view, but this is also the perfect covered passage to do a little shopping.

If you’re looking to renew your wardrobe in Paris, this gallery is full of clothing stores with very luxurious brands such as Jean-Paul Gaultier. However, if you’re on a budget, this gallery may not be for you.

My personal favorite is the wine store, Legrand Filles & Fils, where you can be sure to find the perfect bottle of wine to bring back home.

4 Rue des Petits Champs – Metro stations: Pyramides, Louvre-Rivoli, Bourse
Opening hours: 8:30 am – 8:30 pm

2. Passage Colbert: the rival to Galerie Vivienne

Image sourced from Wikimedia Commons

The enormous success and popularity of the inauguration of the Galerie Vivienne inspired architects to quickly design an adjacent second arcade parallel to it. As such, the Galerie Colbert was built in 1826 in an attempt to duplicate the splendor and beauty of the previous one.

Built to rival its predecessor, Galerie Colbert never found the success it desired and was not as successful. It was eventually closed but then opened again in 1985 under the direction of the Bibliothèque nationale and attempts to preserve its original designs and architecture. Today it houses the Passage Colbert hosts L’Institut National d’Histoire de l’Art and L’Institut National du Patrimoine. Also, the two passages were built separate from each other but are today architecturally joined.

Rotunda of the Galerie Colbert (Colbert Galleria), Paris, 2nd arrondissement

 The Galerie’s artistic refinements, its glass roof, marble columns and various paintings and statues of the interior distinguish its from other passages. The passage’s main attraction is a beautiful rotunda. You can also enjoy a meal at the art nouveau brasserie Le Grand Colbert.

2 rue Vivienne, 1 Pass. Colbert – Metro stations: Pyramides, Louvre-Rivoli, Bourse
Opening hours: 8:30 am – 8:30 pm

3. Passage des Panoramas: the philatelists’ favorite passage

The second stop on our list is the Passage des Panoramas, one of the oldest covered passages of Paris: it was opened in 1799! A lot of the original facades of the stores have been kept, which gives it a charming atmosphere. This passage is quite famous among stamp collectors. So, if you’re in love with old stamps and postal cards, you should definitely go check out this gallery and add a Parisian souvenir to your collection!

If you’re looking for a place to eat, I recommend the Gyoza bar. This Japanese restaurant only serves gyozas, a sort of Japanese raviolis: they are delicious and not too expensive!

11 Boulevard Montmartre – Metro stations: Grands Boulevards, Richelieu-Drouot
Opening hours: 6 am – 00 pm

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4. Passage Jouffroy: the “modern” one

Constructed in 1845, this passage is right after the Passage des Panoramas. It was the first one to be built only with metal and glass, which made it really modern at the time. Just at the entrance of the passage, you can see the famous Grévin Museum where you can take a selfie with your favorite singers’ wax statues! If you decide to go to the museum, the exit is actually in the passage so you have no excuse not to visit it afterwards.

This is also the perfect passage to find an original gift to bring back home. I personally love the old book stores and the beautiful Pain d’Epices toy shop that sells old-fashioned dolls, wooden toys or tiny furniture for dollhouses. This shop will definitely bring back your childhood memories!

By the way, if you still haven’t tried French pastries, the tea room Le Valentin is a good place to start. They make delicious “millefeuilles“, my personal favorite.

10-12 boulevard Montmartre – Metro stations: Grands Boulevards, Richelieu-Drouot
Opening hours: 7 am – 9:30 pm

5. Passage Brady: the Little India of Paris

To follow with our top 15 covered passages not to miss in Paris, let’s talk about Passage Brady. This covered passage is pretty original. Its nickname “Little India” is a big hint! Although it was also constructed in the early nineteenth century, this passage doesn’t quite have the same spirit as the other ones on the list.

Indeed, Passage Brady soon became an Indian passage: the beautiful colors and the delicious smell will definitely make you forget the Parisian streets! If you’re an Indian food enthusiast, you should go inside the Velan grocery shop which sells Indian spices and specialties. You’ll find everything you need to make your own Indian recipes!

If you’re like me and don’t really like to cook but prefer to sit down at a nice restaurant, this passage is full of Indian restaurants. I would recommend the restaurant Pooja, which serves really good (but spicy!) Indian food for a really reasonable price (around fifteen euros).

46 rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis – Metro stations: Strasbourg-Saint-Denis, Jacques Bonsergent
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:30 am – 11:30 pm; Sunday: 6 pm – 11:30pm.

6. Passage Choiseul: the longest one

Image sourced from Wikimedia Commons

Another great passage of Paris, the Passage Choiseul is known for its length at 190 meters long and only 3.7 meters wide. A registered historical landmark, today it’s a place for food and shopping.

It can be considered a calmer and hidden corner of the city where you can take a break and relax in the colder days. Its restaurants, cafes, books and jewellery shops, boutique art galleries and art supply shops is a good alternative for all tastes and budgets. It also has the entrance to the Théâtre des Bouffes-Parisiens is located in the passage.

6-8 Pass. Choiseul, Paris – Metro station: Pyramides, Quatre-Septembre          Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 am – 8 pm; Closed on Sundays

7. Galerie Véro-Dodat: the hidden gem of the neighborhood

To end this list, the Galerie Véro-Dodat is not the most famous covered passage in Paris but it’s definitely worth checking out. The passage really surprises with its calmness and silence, which is perfect if you just spent the day in the crowded Louvre Museum, really close to the Galerie. The charm of the passage resides in the beautiful decorations: you’ll see the beautiful shops’ facades, and I also like the ceiling that is not entirely made of glass like most of the covered passages but also has nice engravings.

In this passage, you’ll find art galleries and luxury shops; it was also chosen by the famous shoe designer Christian Louboutin who created the well-known red soles shoes. If you’re a musician, you should stop by the François Charles music shop that sells beautiful guitars, ukuleles or banjos. Keep an eye open: really famous French musicians stop in this store!

This passage also has a nice little restaurant, with affordable prices, called Restaurant Véro-Dodat. If you like the quiet ambiance of the gallery, this restaurant is the perfect spot to end your visit!

> Read about the best way to visit the Louvre Museum.

19 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau – Metro stations: Louvre-Rivoli, Palais Royal Musée du Louvre
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 7 am – 10 pm; Closed on Sundays

8. Passage du Grand Cerf: with the wrought-iron structure

ThomasGarel, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Passage du Grand Cerf, built in 1825, is called after a stag’s head-on exhibit near the Rue Saint-Denis entry. The route has one of the highest ceilings of any covered route in Paris, which, along with its opulent red carpet, lends the tunnel a sense of grandeur.

Despite this, it has a quirky personality, with plenty of fascinating characteristics such as animal models and funny signage. Visitors can take a stroll around it and find charming stores selling handcrafted jewelry, furniture, and clothes.

In addition, novices will find edgy stores selling kitting items, illumination, and a variety of other products. A must-see for anybody visiting Paris!

145 Rue Saint-Denis, 75002 Paris, France- Metro stations: Etienne Marcel (line 4) or Réaumur Sébastopol (lines 3 and 4)

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday, 8:30 am-7:45 pm; Closed on Sundays

9. Passage des Princes: the paradise for Children

Moonik, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In 1860, Passages des Princes was the final covered route erected in Paris. It was then demolished in 1985 and rebuilt in 1995. It has an unappealing modern entrance on Boulevard des Italiens, but the interior is fairly nice, with period characteristics and an attractive stained glass dome in the center.

This covered arcade, known as the Mecca of Gaming, however, has a unique appeal because the stores only sell children’s toys, scale models, video games, and other items. A delight for both youngsters and adults who are still children at heart. 

Pass. des Princes, 75009 Paris, France, Metro station: Richelieu – Drouot, Quatre-Septembre.

Opening hours: Monday -Saturday; 8 am-8 pm

10. Passage Molière: the peaceful one

Ralf.treinen, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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Passage Moliere is not a covered gallery, but rather a charming cobblestone open-air road. Each entrance-exit porch slashes through the buildings that line Rues Quicampoix and Saint-Martin.

There are only a few of these antique cobblestone pathways left in Paris. Most are now covered in tarmac and have lateral gutters! One of Paris’ best-kept secrets is the Passage Moliere.

It has kept the antiquated beauty of a village lane. It is not particularly lovely in terms of architecture, yet it is lined with unique shops. There are a few small restaurants and cafes with gorgeous terraces.

On a sunny day away from the bustle, this is a perfect spot for a café crème. There are also some great antique bookshops and some unique art and craft shops, such as one that offers foot and hand molds. There’s a lot to learn here!

161 Rue Saint-Martin, 75003 Paris, France- Metro station; Rambuteau

Opening hours; Monday -Saturday; 9 am-6 pm, Closed on Sundays.

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11. Passage du Caire: the oldest one

Poulpy, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Passage du Caire, built in 1798, is Paris’s oldest covered arcade. It gets its name from the Egyptian capital because of three statues of the goddess Hathor with cow ears that adorn the entrance.

The arcade is famous for being Paris’s longest and narrowest. Under its huge glass ceiling in the shape of a fishbone, business is nonstop. The Passage du Caire, located in the Sentier neighborhood, is nearly exclusively devoted to ready-to-wear wholesalers.

It’s worth seeing for the architecture of the upper floor’s lovely façade, which has retained its original beauty. If you walk down Rue Saint-Denis, you will uncover even more amazing things. 

239 Rue Saint-Denis, 75002 Paris, France- Metro station; Bonne Nouvelle, Étienne Marcel.

Opening hours: Monday-Friday; 7 am-6:30 pm.

12. Passage Verdeau: the continuation of Les Panoramas and Jouffroy

Vinceloo, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you like old books, you’ll enjoy Passage Verdeau, which was built in 1847 and contains a number of vintage booksellers, antiques, and art prints. With these antique shops and many of its original design elements, it feels like a time capsule from the nineteenth century.

This passage is one of the most attractive covered arcades in the capital. It connects to two additional well-known arcades: Les Panoramas and Jouffroy. These locations are ideal for taking a unique walk.

It does, however, have some modern eateries that contribute to the pleasant environment. Overall, it’s a nice area to go browsing and shopping.

6 Rue de la Grange Batelière, 75009 Paris, France- Metro station; Richelieu – Drouot

Opening hours: Monday -Friday; 7:30 am-9 pm, Sartuday-Sunday; 7:30 am-8:30 pm

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13. Passage de l’Ancre: the unusual one

Poulpy, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The passage de l’Ancre (passage of the Anchor) is a modest and unusual private alley to visit without hesitation while strolling through the relatively close neighborhoods of Beaubourg or the Marais.

It is located a few steps from the Musée des Arts et Métiers (Museum of Arts and Skills – 3rd arrondissement). This passage, which is slightly over 50 meters long, is unlike the conventional covered passages of Paris.

You will not find large windows or old stores for collectors, but rather a flowery landscape with attractive colorful windows. There is one Pep’s store in the middle of the tunnel, which specializes in the repair and sale of umbrellas and parasols.

30 R. de Turbigo, 75003 Paris, France- Metro station; Réaumur – Sébastopol, Étienne Marcel.

Opening hours: 24 hours

14. Passage du Bourg-l’Abbé: the unique one

MOSSOT, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This brief yet nice-to-the-eye-covered tunnel, located in the 2nd Arr, is not the loveliest but is worth a visit. The Passage du Bourg l’Abbé is not as showy as some of Paris’ other passages; rather, it is subtle, beautiful, and understated.

The majority of Paris’ covered passages have a pitched ceiling, and those with an intersection have a rotunda in the center, but this solitary stretch, measuring 47 meters long, is remarkable in that it is curved.

Two towering statues, allegories of commerce and industry, flank the entrance of Passage Bourg-l’Abbé on the Rue de Palestro. Today, the short passage is mostly occupied by offices and art galleries, as well as Les Cariatides, a long, thin pub with a retro décor that hosts concerts in its welcoming basement.

120 Rue Saint-Denis, 75002 Paris, France- Metro station; Étienne Marcel, Bonne Nouvelle

Opening hours: Monday-Sartuday; 7:30 am-7:30 pm, Closed on Sunday.

15. Passage Ponceau: the narrow one

Mbzt, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Passage Ponceau may not be the oldest, largest, or most exquisite of Paris’s nineteenth-century passages couverts, but it has survived. The 2.5m wide corridor is one of the smallest and shortest covered galleries in Paris.

This very basic, covered passageway, located in the 2nd Arr between Rue Saint-Denis and Boulevard de Sabastopol, is now used to warehouse fabrics. There are also a few businesses and restaurants there. Nothing out of the usual.

212 Rue Saint-Denis, 119 Bd de Sébastopol, 75002 Paris, France- Metro station; The Sentier 

Opening hours: Mon-Fri; 8 am-7 pm

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There you go! Now that you know about this top 15 covered passages, you’ll be able to brag about knowing “the hidden Paris” to all your Parisian friends! My advice: look around when you walk in Paris, there are more than twenty covered passages just waiting for you to discover them! Join our tour if you want a local guide to show you around and explore the best covered passages!

Updated by Farah in March 2022 and Vanessa M in June 2023.

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