Paris covered passages, small historical corridors
The Paris covered passages are enchanting historical corridors that offer a captivating glimpse into the Paris of yesteryear. During the late 18th and mid-19th centuries, approximately 150 Paris covered passages were indeed established. Regarded as precursors to modern commercial shopping malls, these passages emerged near centers of power and affluence, such as the Louvre Palace, Madeleine Church and Palais–Royal.
Many were also strategically positioned near the Grands Boulevards and stagecoach terminuses, catering to the popular mode of transportation at the time. Above their entrances, these passages boasted magnificent clocks, allowing travelers-turned-shoppers to keep track of time seamlessly.
Exclusively pedestrian and privately owned, these passages experienced immediate success. They provided shelter from inclement weather and muddy streets, offering a safe haven from the hazards of horse-drawn carriages. Some of these covered arcades attracted high-end, cultural, and artistic businesses, while others catered to the affluent middle-class with establishments such as boot-makers, confectioners, haberdashers, tailors, and wine merchants, among others.
The passages became bustling hubs, constantly drawing in crowds not only for shopping but also for leisurely strolls and social gatherings. Cafés and restaurants within these arcades provided spaces for friends to gather and linger, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of these historical corridors.
Paris covered shopping arcades, a perfect illustration of 19th century metal architecture
The Paris covered shopping arcades stand as a remarkable testament to 19th-century metal architecture, reflecting a fusion of influences from the Napoleonic military campaigns in Egypt and Oriental design aesthetics.
Inspired by the souks encountered during these campaigns, French architects of the era creatively blended traditional and Eastern architectural elements to create these innovative covered galleries. Characterized by long corridors sheltered by glass roofs (some partially covered), flanked by 3 to 4-storey terraced houses, these passages exude a unique charm with their unconventional layout and design. At street level, shops, restaurants, bookstores, theaters, and various businesses thrived, while the upper floors housed living quarters and attic spaces above the glass roofs.
A robust metal structure supported the glass roofing, while the shops themselves boasted an array of architectural and decorative embellishments, including carved wood paneling, sculpted cast iron pillars, plaster decor, bronze lamps, arched windows, and intricate floor mosaics. These passages were also heated and illuminated by gas lamps, ensuring a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for visitors.
Each arcade possessed its own distinctive ambiance and style, as architects and decorators unleashed their creativity to fashion the most elegant and original designs.
Revival of Paris covered shopping galleries
A handful of Paris’s covered shopping galleries managed to escape demolition during Baron Haussmann‘s extensive urban renovations in the mid-19th century.
However, many succumbed to the demands of progress, shortened to make way for new avenues, streets, and buildings, while the rise of major railway stations spelled the decline of stagecoach companies, further hastening the demise of these charming passageways.
Today, Paris boasts fewer than 30 remaining covered passages, with 20 classified as Historical Monuments and seven protected by the City of Paris. Rediscovered by Parisians in the 1970s, these passages have since undergone a revival, spurred by a concerted effort by the City of Paris through a development program initiated in 2002.
To preserve the rich history and architectural heritage of these passages, landlords received financial assistance covering 25% of restoration expenses, provided they open their establishments to the public. However, for safety reasons, some passages may close at night.
Renowned luxury boutiques, alongside bookstores, philatelic shops, delicatessens, and restaurants, have breathed new life into the 19th-century shops, investing in the preservation of their original architecture and decorative elements.
Affluent covered shopping arcades in the Quartier de la Madeleine
Nestled between the prestigious Champs-Elysées and the renowned rue du Faubourg St-Honoré, the Quartier de la Madeleine epitomizes sophistication and elegance. This exclusive enclave indeed boasts a wealth of opulent mansions, embassies, prominent institutions, luxury boutiques, haute couture ateliers, and art galleries. Among the district’s architectural treasures, the Galerie de la Madeleine and Passage Puteaux stand as shining examples of refined opulence. These covered shopping arcades indeed exude an air of grandeur, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and architectural splendor.
Quartier Palais-Royal’s elegant covered passages
The Palais-Royal district emerged beyond the confines of the old city walls during the 17th century.
The Avenue de l’Opéra marks its boundaries.
To the west, adjacent to La Madeleine Church, lies a realm of luxury, fashion, prestigious institutions, banks, and insurance companies.
Conversely, the eastern side boasts a rich cultural identity, characterized by numerous art galleries and theaters, including the illustrious Comédie Française.
Explore the following galleries:
Galerie Véro-Dodat, Palais Royal galleries, Passage des Deux Pavillons, Galerie Colbert and the affluent Galerie Vivienne.
Covered passages near the Grands Boulevards
By the close of the 17th century, Louis XIV had ushered in a period of peace throughout Europe, marking the end of wars and rendering the old ramparts of Paris obsolete. In their place, the king envisioned an elegant promenade flanked by verdant trees. This grand thoroughfare, known as Le Grand Cour, eventually evolved into the iconic Grands Boulevards, bustling arteries teeming with theaters, cafes, cinemas, and entertainment halls.
Nestled within this vibrant and lively district are several breathtaking covered passages, each with its own unique charm and allure:
Passage Choiseul, Passage des Princes, Passage des Panoramas, Passage Jouffroy and Passage Verdeau
These hidden gems offer visitors a glimpse into Paris’s rich history and architectural splendor, inviting exploration and discovery amidst the city’s bustling streets.
Near Porte St Denis, Porte St Martin and Place de la République
Near the iconic landmarks of Porte Saint-Martin, Porte Saint-Denis, and Place de la République, lies a vibrant district steeped in history.
The southern section of this district, delimited by the grandeur of Porte Saint-Martin and Porte Saint-Denis, was originally developed along the ramparts of Charles V.
Here, amidst the bustling streets of rue St-Denis and rue du Faubourg St-Denis, one discovers a diverse array of entertainment halls that cater to a wide social spectrum. Given its privileged location, this area became an ideal setting for the creation of covered passages, adding to its allure and charm.
Among these hidden gems are Passage du Grand Cerf, Passage du Bourg l’Abbe, Passage Ponceau, Passage du Caire and Passage Brady, each offering a unique blend of history and modernity.
At the eastern edge of the Grands Boulevards stands the Place de la République, a symbol of democracy and civic unity, marking the culmination of this dynamic and bustling district.
Paris open-air passages
Paris is home to numerous open-air passages, each exuding its own unique charm and character. While these passages may lack the elaborate decorations found in the covered galleries, they nonetheless possess a picturesque allure that harks back to 19th-century Parisian charm.
Among the most renowned of these passages are the Cour du Commerce St-André in the vibrant neighborhood of St-Germain-des-Prés and Passage Molière nestled within the 3rd district arrondissement.
Each of these passages offers visitors a delightful journey through time, allowing them to immerse themselves in the timeless beauty of Parisian streets.
