Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris
Description
Explore the Hidden Covered Passages of Paris ✨ Step beyond the Eiffel Tower and uncover a secret side of Paris most visitors never see. On this guided walking tour, discover the city’s enchanting covered passages — hidden arcades filled with history, charm, and timeless elegance. Wander beneath glass ceilings and through beautifully preserved galleries such as Passage Verdeau, Galerie Vivienne, and Passage des Panoramas, alongside lesser-known gems loved by locals. Learn the stories behind these unique spaces and experience the “secret Paris” that Parisians cherish. Discover hidden gems most visitors miss Small group experience for a more personal feel Engaging storytelling that brings Paris to life Perfect mix of history, culture, and local insight Relaxed 2 km route, suitable for all ages The tour covers approximately 2 km at a comfortable pace. Please note: Comfortable shoes recommended. Bring water and a camera. Bibliothèque nationale de France is closed on Monday
Tour Options
Itinerary
We enter into a chocolate shop that is the oldest in Paris 1761. The building is now protected. Here you can buy arguably the best chocolate in Paris.
Named after its creator, Jean-Baptiste-Ossian Verdeau, the Passage was opened in 1846 as an extension of the Passage des Panoramas and the Passage Jouffroy. The gallery's originality lies in its high, fishbone-shaped glass roof. You car't leave without stopping at Ausmane, the elegant perfume house founded by Choukk Ausmane, A few steps away, the Keopi cafe with its refined gourmet specialities brings France and Korea together.
The first of its kind to be built entirely of iron and glass, the Passage Jouffroy was built in 1847. Adjacent to the Musée Grévin, this busy passage was renovated in 1987. The signs of the past are still there, such as the Pain d'Épices, the very first toy shop in Paris, which dates back to 1849. Opposite this children's paradise, adults with a passion for retro elegance will find their heart's desire at Galerie Fayet, the last French manufacturer of high-quality walking sticks.
Since 1929, the imposing painting by Germond has been enthroned in Bouillon Chartier Grands Boulevards' Belle Époque dining room listed as a historical monument
Built in 1799 by Jean-Louis Girard, this covered passage, listed in 1974, is considered to be the first in Paris. It is home to eight stamp shops and the gourmet Caffe Stern, a former 19th-century engraving workshop converted into an Italian restaurant in 2014. More unusual, Kimochi's sushi burger (the only one in France) is a taste experience not to be missed!
France’s national library, holding roughly 42 million items as a central repository of national heritage, including books, manuscripts, prints, and multimedia.
Built in 1823, the Colbert Gallery is located a stone's throw from its great rival, the Vivienne Gallery. This pretty covered gallery is the property of the National Library and, unlike other Parisian galleries, does not host any shops. Focused on culture, it is home to the National Institute of Art History
Its history begins when the president of the Chamber of Notaries, Maître MARCHOUX, made known his wish to build the most beautiful and attractive gallery in Paris. A leading shopping space, where the Parisian elite could meet to stroll and have fun.
The Palais-Royal became the property of the Orleans, the youngest branch of the Kingdom of France, in February 1692, when Louis XIV offered it to Monsieur, his brother. The palace garden was then open to the city.
Historically, stock trading took place at several spots in Paris, including rue Quincampoix, rue Vivienne (near the Palais Royal), and the back of the Opéra Garnier (the Paris opera house).
(Closed on Monday) Is the national library and premier research institution of France, headquartered across multiple sites in Paris, with its main modern site in the 13th arrondissement
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(16)
No one showed up and they booked the wrong date with their in system. We had to wait 1 hour to find new guide but then cancelled. Too bad.
We would like to offer our sincere apologies for the inconvenience you experienced. On this occasion, there was an honest mistake with the booking date in the system, which unfortunately led to confusion regarding your tour. As soon as we became aware of the issue, we did our very best to resolve it and would have had a guide replacement for you within the hour. We also offered chocolates from A la Mère de Famille as a small gesture of goodwill while we tried to arrange a solution. Unfortunately, despite our efforts, we were unable to provide the experience you were expecting and the tour had to be cancelled. We understand how disappointing this must have been, especially when visiting Paris. Please accept our sincere apologies once again, and we hope we may have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future under better circumstances.
I had a great time discovering the history and hidden treasures of the covered passages of Paris with my wonderful guide Mireille!
Mireille was fantastic. She took the time to explain the historical and cultural significance as we visited the beautiful passages and was also very patient to give us time and look around and enjoy the experience. Thank you Mireille for an amazing experience!
Great way to spend an hour! We've been to Paris a number of times and had no clue about the passages. Our guide, Alex, was patient and knowledgeable. A treat.
Sam was fabulous. He had wonderful knowledge of French history as well as the passages we walked through and could make links between them. Would highly recommend. Sue and Roger, Australia
Very interesting tour. Our guide Alex was wonderful. My husband and I were the only ones on the tour and she showed up on a rainy day and showed and taught us many new things we never would have found on our own
The guide was informative, interested in who we were, our interests, and spoke english very well. Extremely supportive in every way.
Sam was a wonderful guide and certainly knew his history of the passages, he is half French , half English , can recommend
Sam was charming and informed. Although English, he speaks French, giving me confidence that he was giving us facts at each stop on the tour.
A wonderful tour through the secret covered passages of Paris. Rami was engaging, knowledgeable, and incredibly warm. I loved hearing the history and hidden stories. Recommend for the start of your trip to hear recommendations and places to discover.
