The most beautiful covered passages in Paris

The covered passages of the French capital, mainly located on the right bank of the Seine river, near the Grands Boulevards, represent a series of paths crossing the buildings and usually contain shops, restaurants and theaters.

If you have the opportunity to stroll through these passages, you will see that they are often covered by a canopy that brings them a special light. They are both an architectural curiosity typical of Paris and also make Parisian charm.

Historical background

Originally, nearly 150 passages were built at the beginning of the 19th century. They were meant to protect the wealthy Parisian clientele from bad weather and various shops were offered to them. Many passages then disappeared following Haussmann’s works allowing the opening of the districts. The oldest passage dates back from 1798. It is the Caire Passage, located near the Sentier metro station in the 2nd district which owes its name to the three statues bearing the effigy of the goddess Hathor. Subsequently several large French cities were inspired and built their own passages.

Today every passage has its specialty. Here is a selection of the most beautiful parisian covered passages:

Passage of Le Havre

109 Rue Saint-Lazare, 75009 Paris
Built in 1845 it is known for its numerous shops that will satisfy every shopping addict. The shopping center was renovated in 2012 and even has an interior garden

Verdeau Passage

6 rue de la Grange-Batelière, Paris, 75003  This passage is in the extension of the passages Panoramas and Jouffroy. It has a high glass roof in the shape of a fishbone and a neoclassical purified drawing. It is intended for books collectors and postcards because many antique sellers are present.

Passages of the panoramas

11 Boulevard Montmartre, 75002 Paris
For gastronomes

Vivienne Gallery

4 rue des Petits-Champs, Paris, 75002  It is adorned with mosaics. There is even a Jean-Paul Gaultier boutique.

Brady Passage or Little India

46 rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, Paris, 75010
It hosts Indo-Pakistani, Mauritian and Reunionese restaurants and shops.

Véro-Dodat Gallery

19 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Paris, 75001  It is full of chic boutiques such as the famous Christian Louboutin workshop

Passage of the Grand Cerf

145 rue Saint-Denis, Paris, 75002
If you like great spaces, we advise you this passage whose canopy culminates at more than 12 meters high. It makes it one of the most spectacular.

Passage of the Princes

5 boulevard des Italiens, Paris, 75002

Passage Jouffroy

10-12 boulevard Montmartre, Paris, 75009

Passage Colbert

4 rue Vivienne, Paris, 75002

You can stroll through some of these Parisian passages during a guided walking tour: from Palais Royal to Opera Garnier