When you think of Paris, you probably imagine grand boulevards, Haussmannian façades, and café terraces humming with life. But woven quietly through the city is another world entirely — a network of secret, glass-roofed arcades known as the passages couverts (covered passages). For new or soon-to-be homeowners, these historic walkways aren’t just fascinating destinations; they’re a reminder of the cultural depth and detail that make living in Paris such a singular experience.
At 56Paris, we know that finding the right home isn’t only about the property itself — it’s about understanding the character and hidden richness of the neighborhoods around it. And few features reveal that unique sense of place better than the city’s covered passages, which preserve Paris’s timeless charm.
A Step Back in Time
Created mainly during the early 19th century, these passages offered Parisians refined, sheltered spaces away from the noise, mud, and unpredictability of the streets. Crafted with iron-and-glass architecture, intricate mosaic floors, mirrored shopfronts, and gas lighting, they provided one of the first truly modern shopping experiences in Europe.
Once numbering over 140, only about twenty of these arcades remain today—all but one of which exist on the Right Bank. And yet, each one feels like opening a pocket watch carved with details from another era — still ticking, still full of life.
Entrance for Galerie Vivienne - Passage Jouffroy - Restaurant Victoria Station (Passage Panoramas)
The Must-See Covered Passages of Paris
* Galerie Vivienne – 2nd arrondissement
Galerie Vivienne is often considered the crown jewel of the passages. Built in 1823, its neoclassical colonnades, geometric Pompeian mosaics, and perfectly-arched glass roof create a golden glow even on a grey Parisian day. Lined with independent boutiques, elegant bookstores — including the historic Librairie Jousseaume, founded in 1826 and widely described as one of the city’s oldest still-operating independent bookshops — and refined cafés, it offers the ideal blend of sophistication and charm. For residents living nearby, it’s the kind of place you wander through on the way to lunch — and feel lucky every time.
* Passage des Panoramas – 2nd arrondissement
Opened in 1799, Passage des Panoramas is the oldest surviving covered arcade and still one of the liveliest. Here you’ll find stamp and postcard dealers, quirky specialist shops, tiny bistros, and a theater that has been operating since the early 19th century. The ambiance is slightly nostalgic, slightly bohemian, and entirely Parisian — the kind of place where history, craftsmanship, and everyday life intersect naturally.
* Passage Jouffroy – 9th arrondissement
A sibling to Passage des Panoramas, Passage Jouffroy is a masterpiece of mid-19th-century innovation, introducing iron construction and large glass panels. Its chevron-patterned floor and enchanting boutiques make it a pleasure to stroll through. The wax museum Musée Grévin calls it home, adding to the passageway’s whimsical personality.
* Passage Verdeau – 9th arrondissement
Quieter and more contemplative than its neighbors, Passage Verdeau is a haven for lovers of vintage objects. Antique books, prints, old cameras, and auction houses contribute to its serene, intellectual atmosphere. Its bright skylights and understated beauty make it particularly appealing to anyone who enjoys browsing for unique treasures during peaceful weekend walks.
* Passage du Caire – 2nd arrondissement
The longest and narrowest passage in Paris, Passage du Caire was built in 1798 and inspired by Napoleon’s Egyptian expedition. Today it is a vibrant, multicultural hub for textiles and fashion wholesalers. While less ornate than other passages, it’s a compelling example of how Parisian architectural heritage continues to evolve and adapt to the present day.
* Galerie Véro-Dodat – 1st arrondissement
Perhaps the most intimate and refined of the passages, Galerie Véro‑Dodat charms with its checkerboard floor, marble columns, gilded ornamentation, and a warm, glowing light. Shortly after its opening in 1826, it became one of the first Parisian passages to be illuminated by gas lighting around 1830, a then‑cutting‑edge innovation that bathed the gallery in a soft, inviting glow long before electric light existed. Today it houses luxury boutiques and artisan workshops — notably the iconic Christian Louboutin atelier — embodying the craftsmanship and timeless sophistication that Paris is known for.
Entrance for Galerie Véro-Dodat - Le Bonheur Des Dames (Passage Verdeau) - Christmas lights at Galerie Vivienne
How Paris’s Covered Passages Enhance Everyday Life
Choosing a home in Paris is about much more than square meters and floor plans — it’s about immersing yourself in a city shaped by history, craftsmanship, and culture. The covered passages reflect this beautifully. Whether you live in the 2nd, 9th, 10th, or beyond, visiting these arcades offers everyday pleasures that enrich life across the city. They add value to the Parisian experience by providingmoments of calm and beauty, sheltering the pedestrian from noise and weather, and offering a singular connection to Paris’s artistic and architectural heritage.
And as they are lined with independent shops harboring traditional crafts, from bookbinders to print dealers to small boutiques and cafés, these passages support the unique businesses that give Paris its village-like charm.
With each visit, Parisians find something new — a hidden atelier, a forgotten corner, or a shop they never noticed before — reminding them why life in this city feels endlessly rich and surprising.
56Paris: Your Partner in Finding the Paris You’ll Love
At 56Paris, we know that choosing a home here means choosing the lifestyle that comes with it. The covered passages are a wonderful example of the layered, surprising, and refined environment Paris offers its residents.
Whether you’re still exploring neighborhoods or have just purchased your Parisian home, we help you understand not only the buildings themselves but also the historical and cultural textures surrounding them. From hidden passages to peaceful gardens to vibrant marketplaces — we guide you to the version of Paris that feels distinctly yours.