Passage Brady, Paris’ Little India

Passage Brady, a truncated passage

The Passage Brady is one of the few remaining covered passages of Paris.

Passage Brady - Colourful Indian restaurants and shops
Colourful Indian restaurants and shops

Built in 1828 and named after its developer, the Passage Brady originally featured an elegant rotunda. However, in 1854, it underwent significant alterations, as its central section was demolished to make way for the Boulevard de Strasbourg, one of the iconic Grands Boulevards.

Today, it comprises two distinct sections.

The first, connecting No. 46 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis to Nos. 22-23 Boulevard de Strasbourg, has retained its characteristic glass roof.

The second, now open to the sky, connects Boulevard de Strasbourg to No. 43 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin.

Despite its developer’s hopes, the Passage Brady never achieved the status of a luxury shopping arcade. It mainly housed second-hand clothing shops, reading rooms, and public baths.

Over time, declining customer interest led to its demise, and by the turn of the 20th century, it had fallen into oblivion.

Passage Brady – Paris’ Little India

In the 1970s, the Passage Brady experienced a revival thanks to affordable shop rents, which attracted Indian and Pakistani businesses, earning it the nickname “Little India.”

Passage Brady - Asian restaurants
Asian restaurants

Today, it’s a vibrant place with a multitude of restaurants offering authentic dishes from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Mauritius, and Réunion at reasonable prices.

The Passage Brady also boasts numerous small shops, such as hair salons and boutiques selling brightly coloured Indian fabrics. These establishments contribute to the passage’s exotic atmosphere, filled with spicy aromas and vibrant hues.

The floor’s original mosaic, adorned with its name at the entrances, also reflects this lively atmosphere with its bright blue pattern on a yellow background.

Located just a 10-minute walk from the charming Passage des Panoramas, Passage Verdeau and PassageJouffroy, the passage is worth a visit, if only for its unique atmosphere.Open daily without interruption – Free access

Directions: 10th district – no46 rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis – no33 Boulevard de Strasbourg (covered section) – no22 Boulevard de Strasbourg – no43 rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin (open-air section)Metro stations: Strasbourg-St-Denis on Lines 8 and 9 or Chateau d’Eau on Line 4
Coordinates: Lat 48.871229 – Long 2.355285

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