Exclusive Experience

Passages Couverts: a journey through time

From the Palais-Royal to the Grands Boulevards, a journey through the covered passageways of the 19th century, where Paris invented the art of strolling.

Duration

2 hours

Rate

20 per person (audiophones included)

Capacity

Max 15 people

The spirit of the visit

In this prestigious district of Paris, between the Louvre and the Grands Boulevards, we'll explore some of our old covered passageways around the Palais-Royal.

Description

Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind, we'll admire the majestic buildings of the Bibliothèque nationale, the Bourse and the Banque de France. We'll enter these timeless galleries that bring back to life the elegant art of living of the 19th century. With its historic glass roofs, curiosity shops and surprising anecdotes, this walk is an enchanted interlude in the heart of the capital.

The route

Departure from the Palais-Royal

Metro Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre. Buren's columns and the gardens of the Palais-Royal, in the footsteps of the young Louis XIV and Philippe d'Orléans.

Galerie Colbert and Galerie Vivienne

The most beautiful of the galleries, with its mosaics on the floor and the colourful figure of Vidocq, bandit turned police chief.

Place des Victoires and Bourse

A short detour to the temple of finance under the Second Empire.

The sequence of passages

Passage des Panoramas (the darkest), Passage Jouffroy (the lightest), Passage Verdeau (the oldest), Passage des Deux-Sœurs (the most discreet).

Arrival at Les Grands Boulevards

End of the visit at the Cadet metro station.

Practical information

Meeting point

In front of the church of Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois, Place du Louvre (Métro Louvre-Rivoli)

Full stop

Grands Boulevards metro station

Suitable for families

Accessibility

Languages

Unique eternal moments

Special moments

Anecdote of the day

It was in this gallery that the former convict turned police chief, Vidocq, lived at number 13. He set up his private intelligence agency there after his career with the Sûreté, watching passers-by from his windows above the glass roof.

A gourmet touch

To the Mother of the Family. Just a few steps from the Passage Verdeau exit (rue du Faubourg Montmartre), this is the oldest chocolate factory in Paris (founded in 1761). Their calissons, fruit jellies and chocolates are perfect for a little souvenir to eat in or take away.

Would you like to find out more about this tour?

Book your place online, or ask us your questions about special requirements

Testimonials

Shared experiences

Experiences shared by those who have explored Paris with me.

"An unforgettable experience. Frank has that rare ability to make complex history perfectly clear and exciting."

Kirsten C., Berlin

"We have rediscovered our own city thanks to his aesthetic eye. His expertise in architecture is impressive."

Cathy F., Paris

"An unforgettable experience. Frank has that rare ability to make complex history perfectly clear and exciting."

Kirsten C., Berlin

"We have rediscovered our own city thanks to his aesthetic eye. His expertise in architecture is impressive."

Cathy F., Paris

Experience the exception

Discover Paris differently, far from the clichés