Passage des Deux Pavillons, a shortcut between Palais-Royal and Rue Vivienne
The Passage des Deux Pavillons is at the northern end of the Palais-Royal gardens and is a charming shortcut connecting the gardens to Rue Vivienne.
It is one of the 30 or so remaining covered passages in Paris.
It was inaugurated in 1820 by Count Dervilliers to connect Nos. 6-8 Rue de Beaujolais to No. 5 Rue des Petits Champs.
This 33-meter-long passage takes its name from the two 17th-century pavilions that still frame its entrance on the Palais-Royal side. Originally, its exit faced the Galerie Colbert, thus naturally guiding pedestrians coming from the Palais-Royal.
However, Mr Marchoux, owner of the neighbouring Galerie Vivienne, later acquired the Passage des Deux Pavillons and moved its exit towards his own shopping arcade. This alteration gave the passage its characteristic cross shape, diverting pedestrian traffic from the Galerie Colbert to the Galerie Vivienne, which nearly led to the former’s bankruptcy.
Fortunately, the Galerie Colbert survived and today houses prestigious international institutions, even if it is less frequented than the Galerie Vivienne.
Despite its diminutive length, the Passage des Deux Pavillons exudes undeniable charm, retaining its original plaster-work adorned with winged Victories and Fames. A listed historical monument, this charming passage is well worth a visit and is free to all, as it remains an excellent shortcut between Rue de Beaujolais and Rue des Petits Champs.
The Passage des Deux Pavillons also benefits from an ideal location, just steps from the Banque de France and the Bibliothèque nationale de France.
Directions: 1st district – nos6-8, rue de Beaujolais – no5 rue des Petits Champs
Metro stations: Palais-Royal-Musée du Louvre on Lines 1, 7 or Bourse on Line 3
Coordinates Lat 48.866126 – Long 2.339045
