✨ 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.