Paris’s Most Stunning Covered Passages

The covered passages of Paris were the first version of modern shopping arcades. They were built in the early 19th century, and by 1867, there were about 183 of them. Today, only 25 still exist. Most are on the Right Bank of the Seine.

The passages are pedestrian-only, with glass ceilings and decorated interiors. Small shops line the ground floor, selling books, antiques, and fashion. Historically, apartments often occupied the upper floors. Gas lamps originally lit the passages at night. The passages were social hubs, with famous people living there or visiting often.

Here are 10 of the most stunning covered passages in Paris, selected for their well-preserved structures, distinctive atmosphere, and cultural stories.

Galerie Vivienne (1823)

Galerie Vivienne, in the 2nd arrondissement, is 176 meters long. It was built in 1823 by Marchoux, President of the Chamber of Notaries, and designed by architect François Jean Delannoy with a neoclassical style with mosaics, paintings, and sculptures celebrating commerce.

Originally filled with tailors, bookstores, and restaurants, it thrived due to its location near the Palais-Royal and Paris Bourse. It lost some appeal after Haussmann's renovations, but became active again in the 1960s. It now houses fashion and decorative shops. It stands out for it elegant glass canopy and detailed decor.