✨ Paris is a city made for strolling and exploring.
Behind its wide avenues and bustling boulevards lie more hidden gems: the covered arcades.
Built in the 19th century, these covered arcades combine old-world charm, architectural elegance, and a bohemian atmosphere.
Perfect for strolling, shopping, or seeking shelter from the rain, they also offer photogenic backdrops that are often featured on Instagram.
Fromthe Hôtel Mont-Blanc, it’s just a few subway stops to these iconic destinations.
🌿 Galerie Vivienne: elegance and sophistication
Located near the Palais-Royal, the Galerie Vivienne (1823) is undoubtedly the most prestigious covered arcade in Paris.
Listed as a historic monument, it immediately captivates visitors with its exquisite floor mosaics, luminous stained-glass windows, and majestic arches.
It features designer boutiques, vintage bookstores, and renowned gourmet shops.
Every corner invites you to linger—it’s a place that’s just as pleasant for window shopping as it is for taking stunning photos.
👉 Don't miss: the Jousseaume bookstore, with its timeless charm, and elegant shops like La Marelle or the iconic wine shop “Legrand Filles et Fils”.
🍷 Le Passage des Panoramas: a lively, food-lover's paradise
Opened in 1799, the Passage des Panoramas is the oldest covered passage in Paris.
As soon as you walk in, the contrast is striking: a warm atmosphere, colorful signs, traditional restaurants…Everything here exudes a friendly, welcoming vibe.
It’s a true paradise for food lovers: bistros, wine bars, and small eateries line the streets in a lively atmosphere.
Collectors will also enjoy the shops specializing in vintage postcards and stamps.
👉 Don't miss: dinner at“Canard & Champagne”or a gourmet break at one of the historic bistros in the passage.
📸 Other passages to explore
Just off the Passage des Panoramas, you’ll find two other covered arcades that are just as charming:
👉 The Passage Jouffroy : with its romantic atmosphere, antique shops, and famous glass roof, it’s also home to the Musée Grévin, perfect for a unique visit.
👉 Le Passage Verdeau : quieter and more poetic, it attracts lovers of flea markets, antique books, and curiosities.
These three sections are connected, making it possible to explore them all in a single walk.
🚇 Practical tips for your visit
Directions: From the Hôtel Mont-Blanc, take Metro Line 4 (Saint-Michel station ➝ Strasbourg-Saint-Denis), then walk for a few minutes.
Hours: The passageways are open during the day. Store hours may vary.
Tip: These galleries are perfect on rainy days, when the streets of Paris aren't as pleasant to walk through.
❓ FAQ – Paris’s Covered Passages
What are the most beautiful covered passageways in Paris?
Among the most beautiful covered arcades in Paris, the Galerie Vivienne, the Passage des Panoramas, the Passage Jouffroy, and the Passage Verdeau are some of the most iconic.
Their 19th-century architecture, glass-roofed atriums, and historic shops make them must-see destinations for discovering a more hidden and elegant side of Paris.
What is the oldest covered passageway in Paris?
The Passage des Panoramas is considered the oldest covered passageway in Paris that is still open to the public today.
Opened in 1799, it retains a particularly lively atmosphere with its restaurants, small shops, and historic stores.
Can you explore Paris's covered arcades on foot?
Yes, there are several covered walkways located just a few minutes apart in the 2nd and 9th arrondissements.
The Galerie Vivienne, the Passage des Panoramas, the Passage Jouffroy, and the Passage Verdeau can all be easily explored on a single walking tour.
What can you do in Paris's covered passageways?
Covered walkways allow you to:
- shop at independent stores
- discover vintage bookstores
- lunch at historic restaurants
- admire 19th-century Parisian architecture
- take a walk sheltered from the rain or the heat
They offer a different way to explore Paris—one that’s quieter and more intimate.
Are covered walkways a good option when it rains in Paris?
Yes, the covered walkways are among the best places to stroll in Paris on a rainy day.
Their glass-roofed walkways, covered arcades, and cafés let you keep exploring the city while staying out of the rain.