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Hi Paris Traveler, are you searching for information on the most gorgeous covered passages of Paris? You’ve come to the right place! Read on to know which arcades of Paris are actually the most beautiful ones and where to find them exactly. Because locating them can be tricky! You require some Paris insider knowledge to find them.
But I’ve got you: at the end of the post, you find a downloadable map where I indicated all covered passages that I mentioned in this article.
The Covered Passages in Paris: 14 historical shopping arcades not to miss
The charming covered passages belong to the cityscape of Paris, like the street cafés and the splendid boulevards. Exploring them is a perfect activity for a rainy day in Paris, especially if you are looking for hidden gems in Paris. But they are also a great location if you visit Paris during winter or spend autumn in Paris, or even on a sunny day! Thanks to the glass roofs, the passages couvertes are light-flooded and simply stunning.
If you are keen on exploring Paris off the beaten path, don’t miss these articles:
Arcades in Paris: What’s the story behind the covered passages?
Most of the passages are dating back to the 19th century. Back then, Paris was lied out with unpaved roads, that transformed into a muddy mess on rainy days. Conditions that thwarted any shopping and strolling endeavors of the Parisian High Society.
To counter unpleasant weather and to continuously attract the rich and wealthy, narrow passages between buildings got covered with glass windows. By 1860, more than 180 of these covered arcades existed in Paris, and you could say that the arcades are an early form of modern shopping malls.
Today, more or less 20 of the famous passages couvertes resisted the current of time and are now popular as ever. They are offering you the perfect opportunity to get a glimpse of past times. But the passages are also a fantastic place to look for original souvenirs and gifts, or to enjoy a night out in Paris in one of the many restaurants and bars that are located there.
Or you do what the arcades are made for: flâner (fâner: someone who walks around not doing anything in particular but watching people and society)
Passages in Paris: Don’t miss these beautiful Arcades
Most of the arcades of Paris are located in the 1st and 2nd arrondissements. They are all relatively close to each other, so you perfectly can spend an easy morning just strolling from one to the next.
I listed all arcades in this text in an order that, I believe, is the easiest and most convenient if you intend to visit them. You find the exact route in this Google Map that you find also at the end of this article.
Note: the opening times are referring to the passage itself, not to the stores and restaurants that are in it.
Passage Verdeau
6 rue de la Grange-Batelière – 9. Arrondissement
The Passage Verdeau is one of the three passages of Paris that you can visit in order, since the exit of one is, in a way, directly linked to the entrance of the next. All you have to do is cross a street. Even though I call it first in this city tour, it’s basically the extension of the other two passages I’ll mention hereafter.
The Passage Verdeau got built in 1846 together with the Passage Jouffroy. Even though it can’t really keep up with the beauty of the Passage Jouffroy, it is clearly one of the nicest arcades in Paris.
You find here mainly antique and vintage bookshops, but also a few restaurants and collector stores.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 7h30 – 21h, weekends from 7h30 to 20h30
Passage Jouffroy
10 – 12 Boulevard Montmartre – 9. Arrondissement
Passage Jouffroy is a wonderful place to discover the Passages of Paris, walk in the shoes of a 19th-century flâneur, and find some amazing Parisian souvenirs.
This gorgeous passage, built in 1846, is located right in between the Passage de Verdeau and the Passage des Panoramas. Named after one of its builders, this passage is truly a sight to behold. Thanks to its location on structurally difficult terrain, the passage bends in the middle and has steps that go both up and down.
This covered passage is home to a variety of unique boutiques, each selling high-quality merchandise that captures the true spirit of the city. For instance, in the store Paris est toujours Paris, you’ll find an array of cute and unique Paris souvenirs that are light years away from those cheap Eiffel Tower pendants.
The Passage Jouffroy is one of the best Arcades in Paris for souvenir shopping
If you’re looking for something truly unique, why not pick up a vintage Air France poster or vintage book? And if you’re in the market for something really quirky, be sure to swing by Galerie Fayet, which specializes in walking sticks and umbrellas.
The Passage Jouffroy remains one of the most visited passages in all of Paris – second only to the Galerie Vivienne. So next time you’re in the city of lights, make sure to swing by and check it out for yourself! You won’t be disappointed.
Opening times: Daily, 7h to 21h30
Passage des Panoramas
11 Boulevard Montmartre, 2. Arrondissement
The Passage des Panoramas is the continuation of the Passage Jouffroy and is a hidden gem in the heart of Paris. Tucked away behind the hustle and bustle of the city, this quaint passage was already built in 1799, making it one of the oldest passages in Paris.
Today, it retains its original charm, with quaint stores and many nostalgic signs. The passage is a paradise for all collectors, and seekers of postcards, coins, stamps, old photos, and other treasures. Even if you’re not a collector, the passage is worth a visit for its unique atmosphere. So next time you’re in Paris, be sure to take a stroll down this historic passage. Who knows what treasures you might find!
Opening Times: daily, 6h until midnight
Passage des Princes
5 Boulevard des Italiens – 2. Arrondissement
One of the “newer” passages in Paris is the Passage des Princes. It was opened in 1860, but it was actually destroyed in 1985. Only to rebuild it exactly 10 years later.
In recent years, all the retail spaces in the Passage des Princes have been occupied by the French toy store chain JouéClub and the gallery was a paradise for children. Since March 2022, the chain has completely withdrawn its stores from the Passage and the arcade is closed for renovations since then. You can still take a peak through the gates though.
Tip: If you are traveling to Paris with children or teenagers, check out Europe’s biggest Games Arcade La Tête dans les Nuages which is just next to the Passages des Princes.
Opening Times: temporarily closed
Passage Choiseul
23 Rue Saint-Augustin und 40 rue Dalayrac – 2. Arrondissement
The Passage Choiseul is named after the Minister of War and Foreign Affairs Étienne-François de Choiseul-Beaupré-Stainville, who served under Louis the 15th. It was built between 1825 and 1827 and is 190 meters long and 3.7 meters wide.
This Parisian arcade is often described as boring and uninteresting, but I cannot agree at all. Maybe it’s not an architectural masterpiece of a passage, and not in the best state either, but it has great vibes. Contrary to many other Passages in Paris, the Passage de Choiseul is very lively with many stores and cafés.
The Passage Choiseul is a great Arcade in Paris to have lunch or a coffee
It’s a great place if you want to find a souvenir or have a good lunch. The passage is home to many businesses, including several cafés and restaurants, a wine shop, a florist, a pharmacy, and a number of other small shops that sell decoration, art, jewelry, and clothing.
Tip: from Passage Choiseul you can pass through the small Passage Sainte-Anne to end up on Rue Sainte-Anne, the Japanese quarter of Paris. An excellent place to eat authentic Asian food.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 8h to 20h
Galerie Vivienne
4 Rue des Petits Champs – 2. Arrondissement
Gallery Vivienne is one of the most famous and beautiful shopping arcades in Paris. It was built in 1823 and is well-preserved, with floor mosaics that are still attractively intact.
The shops in the arcade range from boutiques of famous fashion designers to more traditional bookstores with old and new books and also toy stores. Namely, the toy store Si tu Veux (Jouer) is a wonderful place to get some thoughtful presents for children.
The gallery is also a good place to visit in the evening, as there are many restaurants that stay open late. I can recommend the Italian restaurant Daroco. The food is not only fantastic, but it also has a secret: a hidden bar in the back of the restaurant that serves some of the best cocktails in Paris and is even on the list of the world’s best cocktail bars. (Read our article about speakeasy bars of Paris to know more)
Open Times: Daily, 8h30 to 20h30 (Restaurants open longer)
Galerie Véro-Dodat
19 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau – 1. Arrondissement
The Galerie Véro-Dodat was built in 1826 by the investors Benoît Véro and François Dodat. It was designed to be an elegant and luxurious passage, with refined stores that would require an upscale budget.
And indeed, the Galerie Véro-Dodat is today by far the most elegant passage in Paris. The stores located there include antiques, jewelry, art, and chic boutiques, all of which are impeccably designed and maintained.
The stores of this shopping arcade in Paris are on par with the location. The Louvre is only a few minutes away, and so it Rue Saint-Honoré, a well-known street if you want to shop designer items from Chanel, Gucci, or Prada.
Even if you don’t have the budget to shop at the Galerie Véro-Dodat, it’s worth a visit just to window-shop and appreciate the beauty of this Parisian gem.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7h to 22h
Passage du Bourg l’Abbé
120 Rue Saint-Denis – 2. Arrondissement
The Passage du Bourg l’Abbé may not be the longest or most impressive covered gallery in Paris, but it does have a bit of history. It was built in 1828 and named after a nearby monastery. The monastery is long gone, but the passage remains.
The covered gallery is quite short, only 47 meters, and perhaps a bit unspectacular. However, as it leads directly into the beautiful Passage du Grand-Cerf, it can be easily incorporated into any sightseeing tour of the arcades in Paris.
The Passage du Bourg l’Abbé is home to a variety of artisans, including printers, carpenters, decorators, and upholsterers. There’s also a small café at the junction with the Passage du Grand-Cerf.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7h30 – 19h30
Passage du Grand Cerf
145 Rue Saint-Denis – 2 Arrondissement
If you find yourself in the Passage du Grand-Cerf, you might feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. This historic covered passage was built in 1825, and it houses a variety of small businesses, including antique stores, vintage boutiques, and stores selling handicrafts and jewelry.
The Passage du Grand-Cerf is the continuation of the Passage Bourg-l’Abbé, and it is considered to be one of the most beautiful covered passages in Paris. If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, or simply want to admire some charming architecture, this is the place to be.
If you are interested in yarn and knitting, I can recommend the store Lil Wasle. It’s one of the nicest yarn stores in Paris.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8h30 to 20h30
Passage Ben Aiad
8 rue Mander – 2. Arrondissement
If you’re looking for a beautiful Parisian passage to explore, add the Passage Ben Aiad to your list. Though its private property and not open to the public, you can still appreciate its beauty from the outside.
The passage is located on the Rue Montorgueil, which is already a stunning street to walk down. And if you take a peek through the gate, you’ll get a glimpse of the Passage Ben Aiad’s lovely interior.
The Passage Ben Aiad is the last remaining sector of the Passage du Saumon, which consisted of a total of 4 galleries. It was built as early as 1763 and in 1828 it was given the obligatory glass roof. If you wonder how the passage got its name, it was acquired by the Turkish general Mahmoud Ben-Aïad in 1853 and consequently named after him.
Opening hours: not open to the public
Passage du Caire
237 Rue Saint-Denis – 2. Arrondissement
The Passage du Caire is, I have to be honest, the most boring passage in Paris. It’s all about the textile industry, storage, and delivery – there are no boutiques or restaurants to be found. However, it is also the longest passage in Paris, measuring a whopping 370 meters.
The Passage de Caire was opened as early as 1798 and was named after Napoleon’s victorious campaign in Cairo. The entire neighborhood was built after the Egyptian campaign, and the architecture of the area is marked by Egyptian influences. Sphinx heads in relief on the walls of houses are not uncommon around the Passage de Caire.
Opening hours: Monday bis Friday, 7h – 18h30
Passage du Ponceau
119 Boulevard de Sébastopol – 2. Arrondissement
When the Passage du Ponceau was opened in 1826, it was one of the first pedestrian walkways in Paris. Unlike many other passages, it was not named after its sponsor or architect, but after a small bridge that spanned a small drainage channel nearby. Called a “ponceau” in French.
The covered Passage du Ponceau has probably never really seen glamorous times. The mosaic on the floor was already removed in the 70s, and shortly thereafter the badly aged glass roof was replaced by Plexiglas.
For decades, the store was mainly used as a warehouse for the adjacent textile merchants and as a shortcut between Rue Saint-Denis and Boulevard de Sébastopol. But even in its current state, the covered passage has a certain charm. Passage du Ponceau is also one of the narrowest Arcades in Paris, it measures only 2.5 meters.
In the last years, the Passage got a bit revived, and a handful of boutiques and restaurants opened their doors.
Opening times: Monday to Friday, 8h – 19h
Passage du Prado
18 Boulevard Saint-Denis, 10. Arrondissement
The Passage de Prado, like the nearby Passage Brady, is located in the heart of “Little India” in Paris. This vibrant corner of the city is home to a large community of Indian and Pakistani immigrants, as well as Mauritians and Creoles.
The Passage itself opened as early as 1785 and was named after the famous Prado Museum in Madrid in 1830.
At first glance, the Passage du Prado may not seem like much. However, there is a certain charm to be found in its ordinariness. This is a side of Paris that is far from the glossy perfection of the postcard-worthy tourist attractions. In fact, it’s a side of Paris that most visitors never see. And yet, it’s precisely this everydayness that makes the Passage du Prado so interesting.
Funnily enough, the Passage du Prado is almost exclusively home to hairdressers, barbershops, and nail salons. So, if you are in need of a cheap haircut or a manicure, this is definitely a good place to go.
Opening times: daily from 9h30 – 19h
Passage Brady
46 Rue du Faubourg – 10. Arrondissement
Just like the Passage du Prado, the Passage Brady is located in “Little India”. The passage was built in 1828 and named after the owner of the property. Today, Passage Brady is one of the best addresses in Paris if you want to taste authentic Indian-Pakistani or Creole dishes.
But Passage Brady is not only about restaurants, it also has grocery and spice shops where you can find ingredients for your own Indian-inspired dishes.
So whether you’re looking for a delicious meal or some exotic ingredients, Passage Brady is certainly worth a visit. Bon appétit!
Opening times: Monday to Saturday: 9h30 – 23h30, Sunday 18h – 23h30
Passages in Paris: Don’t miss these Arcades
To make things even easier for you, I’ve put together an itinerary that includes all of the passages I mentioned, as well as a map that you can use for navigation. Just click on the icon in the upper right corner to see the map enlarged, or email it to yourself, so you can access it in Paris. With this map in hand, you’ll be able to easily find your way from one passage to the next.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy all that the Parisian passages have to offer!
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FAQ Covered Passages of Paris
There are about 20 covered passages left in Paris. Originally they were more than 180 in the 1860s but most got destroyed over time. Most of them are in the center of Paris.
The arcades or covered passages are glass covered shopping passages in the center of Paris. They date back to the 19th century when Paris street were often muddy and unpaved.
