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The most beautiful covered passages in Paris where you can take shelter

undefined undefined 23 octobre 2023 undefined 10h00

undefined undefined 18 avril 2025 undefined 16h21

The Editor

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During the first half of the 19th century, nearly 150 passages emerged within the Parisian walls to shelter the wealthiest while they strolled. The city was the first to embrace this kind of architecture, which would later be exported to the provinces and then abroad. 

Baron Haussmann and his bold interventions flattened many of these glass corridors. The grand department stores also contributed to their popularity. Today, only about thirty remain, accessible and more or less lively. Some aren't really worth the detour, while others are true gems of Parisian heritage. In each of them, the glass roofs bring in that same zenithal light that eventually led to their designation as historic monuments. Come on, let's take a stroll!


The most beautiful: the Galerie Vivienne

Nestled between rue des Petits-Champs, rue de la Banque, and rue Vivienne, Galerie Vivienne has enjoyed remarkable success since its opening in 1826. Wine merchants, candy makers, booksellers, and shoemakers attracted the fashionable crowds of the capital at the time, before they turned their attention to… the Champs-Élysées.

Start: 4 rue des Petits-Champs, 5 rue de la Banque - 2nd
End: 6 rue Vivienne - 2nd

 
The longest: the Passage du Caire

In the 2nd arrondissement, the Passage du Caire is the longest in the capital. This 360 meters of gallery is now mostly filled with ready-to-wear wholesalers, and doesn't attract as many strollers anymore.

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Start: Place du Caire, Rue du Caire - 2nd
End: Rue Saint Denis, Rue d'Alexandrie - 2nd


The most exotic: Passage Brady

It stretches from Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis to Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin: the Passage Brady is one of the few passages in Paris made up of two sections, separated by Boulevard de Strasbourg, since 1852. A true invitation to travel, you'll find mostly Indian, Pakistani, and Réunionese restaurants, as well as costume shops. It's a party!

Start : 43, rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin - 10th
End : 46, rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis - 10th


The most renowned : the Passage des Panoramas

Built in 1799, the Passage des Panoramas is one of the first covered passages in Paris and also one of the most famous ! In fact, it's quite simple: it’s always bustling with life. Located right across from the Musée Grévin, each of its shopfronts reflects a piece of the city’s history. Sheltered by a stunning glass roof, this shopping arcade is even listed as a historical monument. Here, you'll find food shops as well as artisan crafts : it's actually the favorite spot for all philatelists in France, as it hosts numerous shops dedicated to the selling of collectible stamps, postcards, and other pieces of art.money.

Start: 10, rue Saint-Marc – 2nd
End: 11, boulevard de Montmartre – 2nd


The Oldest: the Cour du Commerce-Saint-André

Oldest, but still covered! In the 6th arrondissement...In fact, the Cour du Commerce-Saint-André is the oldest passage of its kind. Opened in 1776, many of the façades, roofs, and skylights are authentic and well maintained. Notably, it features one of the oldest cafes in Paris, Le Procope (1686).

Start : 59 rue Saint-André-des-Arts - 6th
End : 21 rue de l'Ancienne-Comédie and 130 boulevard Saint-Germain - 6th


The most luxurious : the Colbert gallery

Just a stone's throw from the Vivienne passage lies a competitor of great elegance. The Colbert gallery is now owned by the National Institute of Art History and houses many institutions and research laboratories in the arts.

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Start : 6, rue des Petits-Champs - 2e
End : 2, rue Vivienne - 2e


The most authentic : the Choiseul passage

Since its construction in 1827, the Choiseul passage has remained almost intact. More or less popular, trendy, and at times abandoned over the past two centuries, this gallery is quite well-preserved for its age.

Start : 40 rue des Petits-Champs - 2nd
End : 23 rue Saint-Augustin - 2nd


The most luminous : the Passage du Grand-Cerf

Opened in 1825 at the Place de l'Hôtel du Grand Cerf, the Passage du Grand-Cerf didn’t always look like this since it was only in 1845 that its large glass roof was installed. Its structure of metal and wrought iron allows for plenty of natural light, making the stroll quite delightful. Here, you'll find charming artisan shops (jewelry, furniture, and design) as well as shops for knitting and lighting fixtures. 

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Start: 10, rue Dussoubs – 2nd
End: 145, rue Saint-Denis – 2nd