Hotels near The Covered Passages

Paris built around 150 glass-roofed shopping arcades in the first half of the 19th century and about 20 survive, nearly all in the 1st, 2nd and 9th arrondissements. Passage des Panoramas, opened in 1800, is the oldest still standing and was among the first places in the city to get gas lighting. Galerie Vivienne from 1823 has the mosaic floors, and Passage Jouffroy and Passage Verdeau continue north across the boulevard.

These exist for exactly the weather October produces. You can link four passages into a dry 40-minute walk from Palais-Royal to Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, crossing open street only twice. The tenants are stamp dealers, secondhand booksellers, old tea rooms and a growing number of small restaurants. Entry is free and the gates close at night, typically around 9pm.

Pro Tip: Start at Galerie Vivienne and work north through Passage des Panoramas, Passage Jouffroy and Passage Verdeau. In that order you finish near Metro Le Peletier with a covered lunch stop halfway, and you never queue for anything.