Discovering 20 Secret Passages in Paris • Dream Plan Experience

Want to know where to find the secret passages in Paris? I’ve found the best ones!

Tucked away from the bustling boulevards in Paris are beautiful covered passages. These secret passages built in the early 19th century are undeniably charming. Gaze upon the incredible architectural details of glass ceilings, iron latticework, and mosaic-tiled floors.

Rainy day in Paris? Take shelter in these hidden gems and browse the delightful French shops and cafés.

Each time I visit Paris (8 trips, and counting!) I visit these wonderful hidden passages Paris is famous for.

You can visit them too! Here’s how to find the secret covered passages in Paris and discover the best ones to visit by arrondissement.

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History of the Covered Passages in Paris

The covered passages of Paris, or passages couverts, were mostly built during the first half of the early 19th century.

By 1850, there were approximately 150 covered passages in Paris but that number was vastly reduced during the Haussmann reconstruction of Paris in the late 19th century. Considered an early form of a shopping mall they all shared common characteristics in their design – glass ceilings and pedestrian-only laneways lit by gas lamps, connecting two streets. They are lined with small shops, each ornately designed with beautiful details.

Today, only a couple dozen of these 19th-century Paris arcades remain, and almost all are on the right bank. This is what makes these secret-covered passages fun to seek out, giving you a window into the past.

Are the Secret Covered Passages Worth Visiting?

vaulted glass ceiling with mosaic tile floor

Oh, absolutely! The secret covered passages in Paris are a true gem waiting to be discovered.

These historic shopping arcades, built in the 19th century, offer a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage and are a testament to the elegant architecture of a bygone era.

Strolling through these covered passages is like taking a step back in time, where you can imagine the hustle and bustle of a vibrant commercial district from the past. From the charming Galerie Vivienne with its mosaic floors and glass ceilings to the enchanting Passage des Panoramas, home to some of the city’s finest gourmet shops, these hidden gems are a must-visit for any traveller with an eye for history, architecture, and unique experiences.

Paris Covered Passages in 1st Arrondissement

#1 Les Passages des Deux Pavillons

Known as the smallest in Paris, Passages des deux Pavillons, was built in 1820. It’s often overlooked, and not as grand, but it has an interesting history.

Until 1826, the passageway was straight and led you directly to Galerie Colbert. The owner of Galerie Vivienne, its competitor, purchased it and reconstructed it so that you have a direct line of sight to his shopping arcade when you exit. This crooked passageway is now part of its charm.

Try and visit on a Sunday at 4 pm, as it has been known to be a favourite among local opera singers who come to warm up their vocal cords due to the great acoustics this alleyway offers.

passage with lanterns and black moulding secret passages in paris

Address: 6 rue de Beaujolais and 5 rue des Petits Champs

#2 Galerie Vero-Dodat

A short walk from the Louvre, Galerie Véro-Dodat was built in 1826 and is full of Parisian charm. The black and white checkerboard floor gives you the illusion that this covered passage is long, yet it’s really not. This covered passage houses many elegant boutiques – from antiques to decorations to art. Fashionistas will know that Galerie Vero-Dodat is home to designer Christian Louboutin’s workshop. And, yes a store his store is still there!

store with red velvet drapes in secret covered passages in paris

Address: 19 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau and 2 rue du Bouloi

Paris Covered Passages in 2nd Arrondissement

#3 Passage du Bourg l’Abbe

Built in 1828, between Les Passage du Grand Cerf and Les Passage de l’Ancre, is Passage du Bourg l’Abbé. Most of the passages in Paris have a pitched ceiling with a rotunda at the centre. Not this one.

This covered passage is a bit unique in that it’s a single stretch with a slight curve from one entryway to the other. Another interesting detail to look out for is the original and still working barometer and clock at opposite ends. There are not a lot of shops in this passage, except one very interesting one – Lulli & Sons, established in 1965 which is a woodworking shop.

The sculpteur, Ivan Lulli, invited me in for a tour. En français, he told me he is the last cabinetmaker or sculptor in central Paris. That he took over the business from his father and his pieces, both small and large projects, can be found in galleries in the city. His signature piece is a music note, which combines his other passion, music. Ivan is curious about me and in very broken French I reciprocate and share my love of Paris and travel. Merci Ivan, et à bientôt.

man standing in woodworking shop in secret passages in paris

Address: 120 rue Saint-Denis and 3 rue de Palestro

#4 Passage Choiseul

You can enter this covered passageway by multiple streets- rue Saint-Augustin, rue Dalayrac, and rue Petits-Champs. Passage Choiseul, built in 1826 and 1827, is considered the longest covered passage.

It feels a bit more modern than others. Shops for art, books, jewelry, vintage clothing, and many eateries. In 1855, composer James Offenbach opened Threatre des Bouffres Parisiens to house opera and operettas with the entrance being in the arcade, which is still here to this day.

covered passages paris with signs and glass vaulted ceiling with people walking

Address: 40 rue des Petits-Champs

#5 Galerie Colbert

Galerie Colbert, built in 1826, belongs to Bibliothèque Nationale and houses national cultural institutes. Unlike other Paris passages, there are no shops here. Still, you’ll want to visit this pretty Parisian arcade to see the incredible rotunda topped with a glass dome and statue.

Dine at the historic Le Grand Colbert brasserie and gaze upon the amazing art nouveau style details. It’s often the restaurant of choice for any major cultural events in the city, including Paris fashion week.

glass dome with statue passages covered paris

Address: 6 rue des Petits-Champs and 2 rue Vivienne

#6 Passage du Grand Cerf

The Passage du Grand Cerf, built in 1825, is the tallest covered arcade in Paris at almost 12 metres. Gaze upon the intricate glass roof made of metal and wrought iron as you stroll through this passage. Be on the lookout for the different animal motifs here.

The wooden stag’s head, or cerf, is easy to spot, the others you will notice above the independent shops – an elephant, crab, and dragonfly were among some I noticed. This must-see covered passage has some pretty shops – jewelry, antiques, and furniture.

tall passage with iron glass ceiling with checkered floor in covered passages paris

Address: 145 rue Saint-Denis and 10 rue Dussoubs

#7 Les Passage des Panoramas

Mere steps away from the Grands Boulevards is the Passage des Panoramas, built in 1800. This covered passage is unique in that it crosses through the 2nd and 9th arrondissements. It’s wonderfully charming with such a vintage feel. I love the wrought iron signs suspended over the storefronts and eateries.

Passage des Panoramas is so iconic that it appeared in Emile Zola’s 1880 book, ‘Nana’. Passage des Panoramas is a popular arcade to visit in Paris and always draws a crowd for its amazing eateries.

Address: 10 rue Saint-Marc, 11 boulevard Montmartre, 38 rue Vivienne, 151 rue Montmartre

#8 Galerie Vivenne

Steps from Palais Royal is where you will find the iconic Galerie Vivienne built in 1823. You can’t help but fall in love with the pretty details here – the mosaic tile floor and beautiful glass roof.

Light pours through the glass canopy roof even on the dreariest of days. It’s easy to see why this is known as one of the best Parisian covered passages in the city. There are many wonderful shops to stroll through. An old bookshop, art gallery, fabric, and antique shop to name a few.

Sit and stay awhile in one of the cafés or lovely tea room. This is a must-see passage in Paris.

Address: 4 rue des Petits-Champs; 6 rue Vivienne and 5 rue de la Banque

More Paris Covered Passages in 2nd arrondissement

Other covered passages in the 2nd arrondissement, that aren’t as glamorous but you may wish to seek out include:

#9 Passage du Caire (1798) can found at multiple streets: 33 rue d’Alexandrie; 2 place du Caire; 237-239 rue Saint-Denis; 14, 34 and 44 rue du Caire
#10 Passage du Ponceau (1826) is located at 119 boulevard de Sébastopol and 212 rue Saint-Denis
#11 Passage Princes (1860) can be found at 5 boulevard des Italiens and 97-99 rue de Richelieu
#12 Passage Sainte-Anne (1829) is located at 59-61 rue Sainte-Anne and Passage Choiseul

Paris Covered Passages in 3rd Arrondissement

#13 Passage Moliere

Passage Molière isn’t technically a covered passage, it’s an open-air laneway. It does have an interesting history. It was created with the opening of the Molière theatre in 1791. The artists used this laneway to enter and exit the theatre out of sight of the public.

Today, this tiny passage is full of cute colourful shops making it a true hidden spot in Le Marais Paris worth visiting.

colourful buildings down a laneway covered passages in paris

Address: 82 rue Quincampoix and 157, 159, 161 rue Saint-Martin

One More Paris Covered Passage in the 3rd arrondissement

#14 Passage Vendôme (1827) located at 16 rue Béranger and 3 place de la République

Paris Covered Passages in 6th Arrondissement

#15 Cour du Commerce Saint Andre

Cour du Commerce Saint Andre is known as one of the oldest passages built in 1776. It is also where you can find one of the oldest restaurants in Paris, Le Procope. Stroll through here and you can just feel the history.

This hidden gem of Paris runs along a former 12th-century fortified wall. It is also one of the few streets in Paris that have retained their original cobblestones. Cour du Commerce Saint Andre is also the only remaining passage on the left bank making it one of the best things to do in Saint Germain.

Address: 59 rue Saint-André-des-Arts, 21 rue de l’Ancienne-Comédie and 130 boulevard Saint-Germain

Paris Covered Passages in 8th Arrondissement

#16 Galerie de la Madeleine

Situated near the iconic Eglise de la Madeleine, is Galerie de la Madeleine. This refined arcade was constructed during the 19th century and was named after the adjacent square and church. Nowadays, it houses a variety of specialty shops and food sellers. Upon arrival, take a moment to admire the intricate caricatures that adorn the entrance on both sides.

Address: 9 Place de la Madeleine

Paris Covered Passages in 9th Arrondissement

#17 Les Passages Jouffroy & Verdeau

The Passage Jouffroy, built in 1845, is unique in that it offers two passages in one, as Passage Verdeau was added as an extension. Passage Jouffroy is known as the first to be built entirely of metal and glass and heated by the ground.

The main draw to visiting this pretty arcade is Librairie du Passage, one of the oldest bookshops in Paris. Dating back to the 1850s, this tiny vintage store is filled to the brim with books. Books even spill out into the marble floors that line the perimeter of the shop. Booklover or not, you can’t help but fall under its spell.

Another gem is to visit the Valentin Team Room for that ultimate afternoon tea experience in Paris.

Address: 10-12 boulevard Montmartre and 9 rue de la Grange-Batelière

More Covered Passages Paris in the 9th arrondissement

Other covered passages in the 9th arrondissement that you may wish to seek out include:

#18 Passage du Havre (1845) can be found at 69 rue de Caumartin and 109 rue Saint-Lazare
#19 Passage Brady (1828) is located at streets 43 rue du Faubourg-Saint-Martin; 22 boulevard de Strasbourg; 33 boulevard de Strasbourg (covered section); 46 rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis
#20 Passage Prado (1830) can be found at 16 boulevard Saint-Denis and 16 rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis

FAQ: Secret Passages in Paris

What were the covered passages in Paris?

The covered passages in Paris were 19th-century shopping arcades lined with shops, restaurants, and theatres, providing sheltered pedestrian walkways.

What are the oldest passages in Paris?

The oldest passages in Paris are Passage du Caire (1798), Passage des Panoramas (1800), and Galerie Vivienne (1823) which are still open to the public today.

What are the best covered passages in Paris?

Some of the best covered passages in Paris are the Galerie Vivienne, Passage des Panoramas, Galerie Colbert, and Passage du Grand Cerf, among others.

How many passages are there in Paris?

Paris has around 20 remaining covered passages, also known as “passages couverts,” which are historic shopping arcades from the 19th century.

More Paris Inspiration

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As a Holidaymaker

Finding these secret covered passages is one of the best things to do in Paris. They are like windows into the past. Strolling through these off-the-beaten-path arcades are glimpses into quintessential Parisian life. They ooze with charm and it’s one of my favourite things to do when in Paris.