About the Covered Passages Semi-private Tour

The Covered Passages are artistic shopping arcades, away from the noise of the city, little known to tourists and even some Parisians. Venturing inside these passages is stepping back in time, whether by a few decades or a few centuries!

Origins of the Covered Passages

At the beginning of the 19th century, Parisian leaders made an observation: Paris was dark, unsafe and dirty. The city had lost its dominant cultural position to its great rival, London, which had already turned the corner to modernity.

In less than half a century, up to 150 covered passages were then built, prefiguring the future department stores. They were indeed designed to improve the image of Paris in the eyes of the wealthy bourgeoisie, eager to indulge in luxury goods and services far from the city’s dirt and noise.

Loss of Interest and Revival

Alas, only a few decades later, Haussmann’s ambitious transformation of the city resulted in the creation of large boulevards, erasure of narrow streets and passages, and the consecration of the famous department stores like Printemps. The interest of Parisians for the covered passages then quickly fade away.

Fortunately, after being neglected for almost a century, the remaining passages saw an architectural and commercial revival in the 90’s, and some of them have since undergone a very welcome renovation to reclaim their former splendor. One thing’s for sure: Montmartre is not alone when it comes to art in Paris!

The Covered Passages Semi-private Tour

Unlike its fully private counterpart #2 The Covered Passages, this tour is open to everyone (aged 12 and over), but the group size is kept as small as possible to encourage interaction.

On this tour, we’ll discover a wide variety of architectures, art and craft workshops, and quintessential restaurants as we pass through several neighborhood. Starting where Parisians came to indulge in cabarets and theaters, to end in a once royal district that has retained its majesty through the centuries.

An additional surprise visit inside a magnificent institutional building will make for a pleasant break.

Tour Option

Participants wishing to share a drink in a typical café at the end of the tour can book the additional 1-hour drink option (beverage cost not included).