Published: 11.09.2022
Paris undoubtedly has a lot to offer even on rainy days, but after visiting all the museums, you might want to add some variety to your itinerary. How about a passage walk? Well, it's not exactly a hike, but these shopping arcades from days gone by are worth a visit, and some of them are not far from each other.
So, armed with our public transport day pass, we visited several of them. Here's our report:
Passage des Panoramas - 11 boulevard Montmartre - 75002 Paris
This passage was the busiest. There were many restaurants, but we didn't want to sit down because it would have been too crowded. Nevertheless, it was beautiful to look at. And we especially liked the antique jewelry and watch store, Messmer. Everything here was like time had stood still.
Tip: The Passage Jouffrey is directly opposite, although not as interesting.
Passage Verdeau - 6 rue de la Grange-Batelière - 75003 Paris
This passage is also nearby. It is quieter and more tasteful here. There are more antiques and only a few, but nice little bistros.
Passage Brady - 46 rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis - 75010 Paris
This passage is predominantly Indian. Not only do shops here offer Indian goods, but there are also many Indian restaurants. We might have been tempted to eat here, but we simply weren't hungry enough during our visit. In any case, the restaurant owners were very interested in us, and you almost feel pressured to take a seat here.
Galerie Véro-Dodat - 19 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau - 75001 Paris
Located near the Louvre, this passage has a more upscale atmosphere. Expensive boutiques and furniture stores dominate the scene. Otherwise, there were hardly any people here besides us. If you need peace and quiet, this is the place to be.
Passage du Grand-Cerf - 145 rue Saint-Denis - 75002 Paris
Artisan crafts, wool, and fabric shops define the scene in this passage. Everything is very well maintained and quite charming.
Galerie Vivienne - 4 rue des Petits-Champs - 75002 Paris
Posh, posh: You'll find gourmet food and upscale fashion here. If you're looking to spend some money, you'll surely enjoy coming here. Otherwise, you can still enjoy the architecture of the passage.
Galerie Colbert - 4 rue Vivienne - 75002 Paris
Right next door is a gallery without shops, but there's bag inspection at the entrance. Here, you can only see art. Currently, there isn't much, but the passage itself is a beautiful photo object.
That was my tip for a rainy day in Paris. If you're wondering where I got my inspiration from, I'm happy to tell you: it came from the Paris Tourist Office website. And of course, we made these experiences ourselves.