Passage du Bourg l’Abbé, the charm of a bygone era
The Passage du Bourg l’Abbé is in a lively and dynamic area of central Paris and is one of the thirty covered passages from the early 19th century that still exist.
This covered gallery, 43 metres long and 3 metres wide, was listed as a historical monument on January 21, 1991.
It connects No. 3 Rue Palestro to No. 120 Rue Saint-Denis. Designed in 1828 by the architect Auguste Lusson, its purpose was to link the Passage du Grand Cerf to the Passage de l’Ancre. Originally, the passage was lined with shops, offering Parisians a pleasant place to shop and stroll, sheltered from the elements. However, in 1854, during Haussmann‘s ambitious urban renewal projects, its eastern section was demolished to make way for the opening of Boulevard Sébastopol and Rue Palestro.
A new entrance was thus needed on Rue de Palestro. Thus, in 1863, the architect Henri Blondel, known for creating the Bourse de Commerce de Paris – Paris Commodities Stock Exchange, designed this new entrance. Aimé Millet created the two allegorical caryatids that adorn it. One stands near an anchor, representing the merchant navy and symbolising commerce, while the other holds various tools, emblems of industry.
A short cut between Rue Palestro and Rue St-Denis
The Passage du Bourg l’Abbé remains a popular route for people working in the neighbourhood.
However, it now houses only a handful of shops and has unfortunately become a simple pedestrian shortcut between Rue Palestro and Rue Saint-Denis, but was fully restored after a fire that nearly destroyed it a few years ago.
With the current popularity of covered passages, it is hoped that the passage will regain the vibrant atmosphere of its heyday. The old-fashioned charm of its shop windows and decor still transports visitors back to the 19th century.
Indeed, like many covered passages built during that period, the Passage du Bourg l’Abbé contains numerous architectural and decorative treasures, such as woodwork, bronzes, antique lamps, and frescoes. It also boasts a magnificent arched glass roof, which distinguishes it from many other Parisian covered passages, generally equipped with simple double-pitched glass roofs.
And, before leaving the passage, don’t forget to look up and admire the barometer and clock located above each vaulted exit.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday – 7.30am to 7.30pm
Closed on Sunday and public holidays – Free access
Directions: 2nd district – 3 Rue Palestro – 120 Rue St-Denis
Metro: Etienne Marcel on Line 4
Coordinates 3 Rue Palestro: Lat 48.864515 – Long 2.350972
