In Paris, strolling through its scenic passages and galleries

You have maybe walked through some without paying attention! Yet, Parisian galleries, just like covered passages with shops, built at the end of the 19th century, are an instrinsic part of the architectural, artistic and touristic landscape of the capital—each site is slowly regaining its lustre of yesteryear, while benefiting from the renewed interest of those interested in patrimony.

Galleries and passages of the old Paris

About twenty are still in existence, most ot them located in the Grands Boulevards area—each one with its particularities. The Passage des Panoramas shelters the Théâtre des Variétés while Passage des Princes features several restaurants. Brady, surnamed Little India, will take you on a journey to Mauritius and La Réunion. Passage Verdeau is specialized in antiques, while Passage du Caire comprises a strong concentration of ready-to-wear wholesalers and Passage du Grand Cerf, deluxe artisans. As for the famous shoemaker Christian Louboutin, he has installed his workshop-boutique in the Galerie Véro-Dodat.

Note the similarity of architecture and disposition between Galeries des Princes and Véro-Dodat. © DR

Entering a passage by one street to come out from another one is a Parisian privilege. © DR

Pairing Galerie Vivienne and the Galeries Saint-Hubert in Brussels

Neighboring the handsome Galerie Colbert, Galerie Vivienne is classified as part of the Historical Monuments since 1974 and considered very chic. It's very pleasant to stroll in this setting, which in the Fall will be paired up with the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, in Brussels, amidst flagships dedicated to fashion, art, decoration and food shops—a pure moment of happiness at the heart of old Paris.

Threatened by destruction in the 1970s, Galerie Vivienne shelters 200 apartments and 30 boutiques along its 146 meters. © DR