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Covered arcades in Paris

If you like to spend winter in the warm, Lyria Mag suggests exploring a less obvious side of Paris: its covered galleries and arcades...

Almost all the covered arcades are on the right bank of the Seine, inside Paris’s pre-1860 boundaries. At that time, Paris had nearly 150 covered arcades! Today, there are 24 remaining, and they are well worth hunting out on a walk... They are tucked away behind the facades of the vibrant neighbourhoods between Palais Royal and the Bourse, around the Grands Boulevards, Strasbourg and Saint-Denis. Here is a review of some of the many galleries and passages worth exploring.

Galerie Vivienne

This gallery was built in 1823 by the president of the Marchoux Chamber of Notaries with money from the stock exchange just next door. Architect François Jean Delannoy designed the neo-classical Pompeian-style decor which is topped with a glass roof. The 42-metre-long gallery has kept all its characteristic features. You will find typical 19th century bistros, home decor shops, fashion boutiques and an art gallery. Jean-Paul Gaultier and Yuki Torii's arrival in 1986 brought the gallery back to public attention. Access the gallery via Rue Vivienne, Rue des petits champs and Rue de la banque.

Find out more:
www.galerie-vivienne.com

Galerie Colbert

This beautiful gallery was built in 1826 by J. Billaud to compete with its neighbouring eternal rival, Galerie Vivienne. It stands on the site of the Hôtel Colbert, the former residence of the Prince Regent, Philippe of Orleans.

Bought by the National Library, the gallery was completely restored in the 1980s. The mural painted above the entrance door depicts 17th century French finance minister Colbert and trade.

You will find shops selling post cards and posters as well as books published by the National Library from its collections, with exhibitions of models and costumes by the Department of Arts and Theatre. An arcade was built to connect directly to Galerie Vivienne, and is a natural extension of Galerie Colbert.

Passage des Panoramas

Entrance at 38 Rue Vivienne, via Galerie des Variétés.

Passage des Panoramas was built in 1800, on the site of the former Hôtel de Montmorency-Luxembourg. American architect Thayer built the two towers in which he hung panoramic paintings (hence its name!). It is also home to Stern, the famous engraver’s shop.

Passage Jouffroy

Entrance at 10-12 Boulevard Montmartre.

Passage Jouffroy is located between Boulevard Montmartre to the south and Rue de la Grange-Batelière to the north. It was built as an extension to Passage des Panoramas.

At the end of the 19th century, Arthur Meyer, founder of the Le Gaulois newspaper, had the idea of creating a gallery of wax figures with the famous caricaturist Alfred Grévin. The gallery has since become Musée Grévin. Passage Jouffroy was the first arcade built entirely using iron and glass. A stuccoed clock overlooks the passageway.

The arcade was restored in 1987 and regained its original floor tiles.

Passage Brady

This is an arcade with an Indian flavour. Located between Rue du Faubourg St-Denis and Rue du Faubourg St-Martin, it is home to many Indian restaurants and shops.

It was built in 1828 and has been a listed historic monument since 2002. It begins at 43 Rue du Faubourg St-Martin and runs until 46 Rue du Faubourg St-Denis.

Passage Brady is split in two by Boulevard de Strasbourg. One half is covered and the other uncovered.