If you’re visiting Paris and want to get away from the tourists then this guide to the best Paris arcades is for you.
Not only are these covered passages of Paris some of the most stunning places in the city (have that camera at the ready people) but many aren’t super popular either.
Therefore, you’ll be able to explore offbeat neighborhoods in Paris while enjoying the best shopping arcades in Paris.
I mean, I have visited Paris countless times and always find myself wandering through some of the best arcades Paris has to offer.
Plus, they are perfect place to go on a rainy day. You can even stop at a local cafe and watch the people go by as you enjoy some of the top arcades in Paris.
So, give this guide to the best arcades in Paris a read and see this magical city through the eyes of a local, not a tourist.
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Best Paris Arcades
1. Galerie Vivienne
Easily one of the most beautiful and refined covered passages of Paris, Galerie Vivienne can be found in the 2nd Arrondissement.
It was originally built in 1823 using the exquisite designs of architect François-Jean Delann and is well-located near the Louvre.
So, if you only visit one of the best Paris arcades on this list, let Galerie Vivienne be it.
It’s also one of the best places to pick up Paris souvenirs since lots of high-end boutiques, Paris cafes, and bookstores can be found here.
Now, if you’re not sure what to do during your visit to one of the best shopping arcades in Paris, grab a cashmere shawl at Wolff & Descourtis, grab some wine at Legrand Filles et Fils, and admire the interior of Librairie F Jousseamme.
Yeah, it’s an all-around stunning bookstore with super cool rare books and really nice postcards. Afterward, relax and grab some food at Bistrot Vivienne.
Address: 4 Rue des Petits Champs, 75002 Paris, France
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
How to Get There: Take line 7 or 14 to Pyramides station and walk from there.
2. Passage des Deux Pavillons
Famous for being the shortest Paris passages on this list at 108 feet long, Passage des Deux Pavillions serves as a charming corridor between the gardens of the Palais Royal and rue des Petit-Champs.
However, it was initially constructed in 1820 and currently offers a quick way to get to Galerie Vivienne.
Address: 6, rue de Beaujolais, Paris, France
How to Get There: Take line 3 to Bourse station and walk from there.
3. Passage Verdeau
The neat thing about the Paris arcades on this list is that several of them are interconnected.
As a result, you can seamlessly move from Passage Verdeau to two other Paris passages on this list, mainly Les Panoramas and Jouffroy.
Now, this covered walkway specifically was built in 1847 and has a very tall, glass-paneled ceiling that is designed to look like the skeleton of a fish.
It is also home to a ton of fun antique shops that sell everything from rare books to vintage cameras to neat postcards.
Address: 6 rue de la Grange-Batelière, Paris, France
Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 7:30 am to 8:30 pm.
How to Get There: Take lines 8 or 9 to Grands Boulevards station and walk from there.
4. Passage des Princes
The construction of Passage des Princes was initiated in 1859 by a local businessman by the name of Mirès.
Eventually, one of the best passages in Paris was opened in 1860 before it was later completely transformed between 1992 and 1994.
Today, a gorgeous 1930s-era dome still stands here, inside one of the best Paris arcades that is home to ten specialty toy shops.
You can also stop by La Tête dans les Nuages for a bit of bowling and for some fun arcade games after your visit.
Local Tip: Currently this is one of the best covered passages in Paris that is closed.
Yeah, it was purchased by JouéClub and was then closed in March 2022. However, you can always walk by and take a look.
Address: 5 Boulevard DesItaliens – 97, rue de Richelieu, 75002 Paris
Hours: Open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
How to Get There: Take lines 8 or 9 to Grands Boulevards station and walk from there.
5. Passage du Grand Cerf
If you have been to Paris before and want to enjoy some of the most unusual things to do in Paris then this is one of the best Paris arcades for you!
Opened in 1825, Passage du Grand Cerf derives its name from the Hotel do Grand Cerf. After all, this sometimes hard-to-find covered passage in Paris was built on the hotel’s property.
Today, this Paris shopping arcade is filled with jewelry shops and independent boutiques that sit within a 40-foot tall structure with a glass roof and lavish balconies.
Now, while you’re here, be sure to shop for modern jewelry at Eric et Lydie and cool souvenirs from Rickshaw. Seriously, some of the stuff they have on sale is next-level wild.
You can also grab a glass of vino afterward and kick up your heels at Le Pas Sage.
Address: 145 rue Saint-Denis 75002 Paris
Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm.
How to Get There: Take line 4 to Étienne Marcel station and walk from there.
6. Passage du Prado
Named for the famous Prado Museum in Madrid, the Passage du Prado can be found in Little India.
As a result, it is one of the best arcades in Paris with an opaque glass roof that is lined with a series of vibrant ceiling beams – a detail that reflects the vivacious spirit of the local community.
However, this covered passage in Paris was originally built in 1785 and was actually named the Passage du Bois de Boulogne, which is in reference to a ball that was held here.
Only in 1930 was this Paris walkway given its current name. But, thankfully, you can still see many Art-Deco flying buttresses lining the corridor.
Local Tip: Pay special attention to the portion near Saint-Denis Boulevard since lots of architectural elements from 1925 are still here.
It’s also not really a great place to hang out since this place is home to a ton of barbers, hairdressers, and nail salons.
Address: 12, Rue du Fg Saint-Denis, 75010 Paris
Hours: Open daily from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm.
How to Get There: Take line 4, 8,or 9 to Strasbourg Saint-Denis station and walk from there.
7. Galerie Colbert
Constructed in 1826 to draw people away from Galerie Vivienne, Galerie Colbert is worth a stop if you’re visiting Galerie Vivienne since both shopping arcades are found on the same famous street in Paris.
However, what sets Galerie Colbert apart is the fact that it is one of the best Paris arcades with an incredible glass-domed roof in a giant, 50-foot rotunda.
You also can’t really do any Paris shopping here since this neoclassical-style Paris passageway is home to just l’Institut National d’Histoire de l’Art and L’Institut National du Patrimoine.
So, simply relax and admire one of the most beautiful arcades in Paris.
Afterward, grab an epic hot chocolate at Le Grand Colbert. I also love relaxing here since the Art Nouveau-style decor is splendid.
Address: 1 Pass. Colbert, 75002 Paris, France
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
How to Get There: Take line 3 to Bourse station and walk from there.
8. Passage Brady
Passage Brady is definitely one of the most unusual Paris arcades of them all. It was first built in 1828 by a local merchant by the name M. Brady and sits right near Passage du Prado in “Little India”.
Sadly, not all of the original Paris arcade remains. In fact, only the section that extends from rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis to Boulevard de Strasbourg is intact.
Thankfully, though, you can still admire the lovely Art Nouveau-style sign that sits at the beginning of the passageway.
You’ll also love the views from the first floor and can stop by La Reine du Kashmir afterward if you are in the mood for amazing Indian cuisine.
However, you can also find great Creole and Pakistani food in the area too.
Address: 43, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Martin, Paris, France
Hours: Open daily from 9.30 am to 11.30 pm, except on Sunday when they are open from 6:00 pm to 11.30 pm.
How to Get There: Take line 4 to Château d’Eau station and walk from there.
9. Passage des Panoramas
Believe it or not, Passage de Panoramas was the first covered walkway in all of Paris. It was initially built in 1799 and was the first Paris arcade to get outfitted with gas lamps in 1816.
It’s also the current residence of the Théâtre des Variétés, which has been keeping locals entertained since 1807 and has a stunning entrance that is well worth a look.
Today, you can shop for lots of vintage goods/collectibles, like stamps and coins, at Tombées du Camion before having a glass of classic French wine at Les Racines.
Just don’t leave one of the best covered passages of Paris without seeing the lavish cafe where printer Henri Stern once had a local shop.
Address: 11 Bd Montmartre, 75002 Paris, France
Hours: Open daily from 6:00 am to Midnight.
How to Get There: Take line 8 or 9 to Grands Boulevard station and walk from there.
10. Passage Jouffroy
Head to the 9th arrondissement and uncover one of the best passages of Paris that sits smack dab in between Passage des Panoramas and Passage de Verdeau.
Now, this is one of the best shopping arcades in Paris that was erected in 1846 with a lovely floor filled with geometric black, gray, and white tiles.
It is also cool because, unlike other covered passageways in Paris, there is a little turn in the middle and various steps for you to use.
However, it will be packed since this is one of the most popular arcades in Paris. I mean, the exit to Musée Grevin (a wax museum) is here so that adds to the crowds.
But, it’s worth it so that you can stop by cool shops like Galerie Fayet with its fun walking sticks and umbrellas.
Other highlights include La Boite à Joujoux vintage toy shop, and Librairie du Passage for stunning, old-world posters.
Local Tip: If you get hungry while visiting one of the best Paris arcades then stop into Cafe Zephyr for croque madame.
The service is slow and the staff can be kind of rude but if you have the time it’s a nice place to relax.
Address: 10-12 Bd Montmartre, 75009 Paris, France
Hours: Open daily from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm, except on Sunday when it is open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
How to Get There: Take line 8 or 9 to Grands Boulevard station and walk from there.
11. Passage Choiseul
Passage Choiseul is one of the best Paris passages that is the city’s longest at 623 feet.
After all, this structure was constructed between 1825 and 1827 and sits at a respectable 12 feet wide.
It is also named in honor of the War and Foreign Affairs Minister, who served under Louis the 15th and features three floors.
While the third floor is filled with private homes, the first and second floors have cool shops that are filled with natural light from the new glass roof on top of this covered passage in Paris.
Now, while this is not the prettiest Paris arcade of them all, you can easily head to Rue Sainte-Anne and enjoy excellent Japanese food, like the custom bento boxes available at Juji Ya.
Address: 40 rue des Petits-Champs, Paris, France
Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
How to Get There: Take line 3 to Quatre-Septembre station and walk from there.
12. Passage du Bourg l’Abbé
Dating back to 1828, this is one of the best Paris covered passages that was named after a local monastery and that was designed by Auguste Lusson.
Today, Passage du Bourg-l’Abbé is home to the storefronts of several carpenters, printers, and upholsterers. However, do be aware that this covered walkway in Paris is rather short at 155 feet long.
Yeah, it’s not my fave of all time but is worth a look if you are in the area to see Passage de Grand-Cerf.
Also, take time to admire the exterior, which features a lovely entrance where a central doorway is flanked by two caryatids that symbolize Commerce and Industry.
Address: 120 rue Saint-Denis et 3 rue de Palestro, Paris, France
Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 7.30 am to 7.30 pm.
How to Get There: Take line 3 or 4 to Réaumur – Sébastopol station and walk from there.
13. Galerie Véro-Dodat
Constructed in 1826 (I feel like that was a REALLY good year for Paris arcades) by François Dodat and Benoît Véro, this is one of the best arcades in Paris in the 1st arrondissement that connects Rue de Jean-Jacques Rousseau with Rue de Croix-des-Petits-Champs
Plus, this is one of the top covered passageways in Paris to visit if you want to feel like you’re living a luxe life.
Yeah, you’ll feel uber-fancy walking along the black-and-white diamond-tiled floor and gazing up at the elaborate carvings on the ceiling.
In fact, high-end antique dealers, boutiques, art galleries, and jewelry stores all call this place home. Plus, Rue Saint-Honoré is right down the road, as is the Louvre.
So, if you’re on a budget and spending a day in Paris, you can always just do a bit of window shopping.
Address: 19 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau 75001 Paris
Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.
How to Get There: Take line 1 or 7 to Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre station and walk from there.
14. Passage Ben Aiad
Before I add Passage Ben Aiad to this list of the best covered passages in Paris, I need to let you know that this spot is private property.
Therefore, while you can a look at Passage Ben Aiad from the outside, you definitely can’t go in.
And that’s a bit of a bummer since this Paris arcade dates back to 1763 and was later reconstructed in 1827 by Rohault de Fleury.
Inclusive of a variety of narrow corridors, most of the original structure was actually destroyed in 1899.
However, you can take a look at enjoy the remnants of the old Passage du Saumon.
Address: 8, rue Bachaumont, 75002 Paris
Hours: N/A
How to Get There: Take line 3 to Sentier station and walk from there.
15. Passage du Caire
Translated to Cairo Passage in English, Passage du Caire is one of the coolest arcades in Paris since it has a lovely glass roof and features an intersection where two covered passages in Paris meet.
Now, this is one of the older arcades in Paris since it was built in 1798 and gets its name from the fact that the entrance has three statues of the goddess Hathor.
It’s also a fairly long and narrow walkway. But, it is worth a visit if you take the time to check out the lovely facades above the ground floor.
Plus, there are multiple entraces that provide access to rue Saint-Denis, rue d’Alexandrie, and rue du Caire.
Just be aware that there are no cool restaurants or cafes since every business here is about storage and delivery.
Address: 2 place du Caire, 75002, Paris
Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm.
How to Get There: Take lines 4, 8, or 9 to Strasbourg Saint-Denis station and walk from there.
16. Passage du Ponceau
This is one of the best shopping arcades Paris has to offer that was officially opened to the public in, you guessed it, 1826.
In fact, it was one of the very first pedestrianized walkways in the city and is not named for any single person. Instead, this Paris walkway is named for a small bridge that was once in the area.
Sadly, much of the charm of the original structure is gone, with the roof even being replaced with plexiglass.
But, you can still stop by and walk along this thoroughfare between Rue Saint-Denis and Boulevard de Sébastopol.
Address: 119 boulevard de Sébastopol and 212 rue Saint-Denis
Hours: Open weekdays from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.
How to Get There: Take line 3 or 4 to Réaumur – Sébastopol station and walk from there.
Map of the Best Paris Arcades of All Time
Best Arcades in Paris FAQs
What are Arcades in Paris?
Arcades in Paris, also known as the covered passages of Paris, are a series of covered walkways that are typically lined with shops, cafes, bars, and more.
Many of these shopping arcades in Paris were built at the start of the 19th century, with 183 Paris arcades by 1867.
Sadly, many were destroyed during Haussmann’s refurbishment of the city. So, only a few arcades in Paris remain today.
What is the Most Beautiful Arcade in Paris?
The most beautiful arcade in Paris is Galerie Vivienne. It is located right near the Louvre and features stunning architecture that includes ornate glass roofs and enchanting tiled floors.
So, if you can only visit one covered passage in Paris, stop by this one after your trip to the Louvre.
Does Paris have Arcades?
Yes, Paris has many shopping arcades. In fact, there are roughly 20 in the Grands Boulevards area. They all have their own unique charm and the oldest of them all is the Passage des Panoramas.
What is Arcade in French?
Arcade in French means a series of arches. Meanwhile, a galerie in French is a passage with shops.
There you have it! That just about wraps up this epic guide to the best covered passages in Paris.
Did your fave Paris arcades make the list? If not then let me know now.
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