Secret Paris places - les Passages

Unique Places a Paris
 
1. Perusing the Passages of Paris

 The passages are old-fashioned shopping malls from the late 1700s and early 1800s that provided cover from rain, mud and horses for the chic shopping ladies of yesteryear. There is something special about these secret little passageways. Walking into each one feels like you are unwrapping a different gift.There are ones that silently slide off major streets revealing hidden gems under coloured, colourful galleries.

 

The most famous passage is Vivienne in the 2nd Arrondissement and possibly my favourite with its spectacular mosaic tiles and great shopping - the modern art gallery is found here as well as a fabulous florist, a killer tea salon A Priori The, and a book store of rare finds, Bistro Vivienne, a fine wine shop and the creme de la creme is Jean Paul Guaultier - and more.

Passage Colbert is also beautiful, possibly more grand than Vivienne and here is the brasserie Le Grand Colbert, from the movie 'Something's Gotta Give'. Utterly romantic!



Panoramas Passage is the oldest with many restaurants and cafes and a fabulous engraver.



Jouffroy Passage specialises in toys and a great needlepoint shop, old movie posters, Lebanese pastries and the wax museum of Paris, Musée Grévin is here.



Verdeau Passages specialise in antiques, comics, musical instruments and engravings), among others.


 
The funkiest passage is Passage Brady, which is chock-full of Indian and Pakistani restaurants. Some recommended restos here which may be a bit too shabby for some tastes.
Find Addresses of Paris Passages here

There’s also number of notable restaurants in the passages, like the Michelin-starred Passage 53 and the eclectic back-alley Au Passage.

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