Covered passages of Paris: Galerie Vivienne and Panoramas
By Rédaction My Sweet Paris · Published 30 September 2026
The covered passages of Paris are 19th-century shopping arcades under glass roofs, perfect on a rainy day. The two most famous, Galerie Vivienne (1823) and Passage des Panoramas (1799), are about twenty minutes' walk from Hôtel Concortel (estimate), or four stops on metro line 3.
Love the Burlington Arcade in London?
In London, the Burlington Arcade, opened on 20 March 1819 off Piccadilly, is often described as the forerunner of modern shopping arcades: a covered walkway of luxury shops lit by a glass roof. Paris followed the same fashion and has kept around twenty examples: the covered passages, mostly built in the first half of the 19th century between the Grands Boulevards and the Palais-Royal.
Galerie Vivienne, the most elegant
Opened in 1823, Galerie Vivienne charms with its mosaic floor, glass roof and designer shops, bookshops and tea rooms. It is open every day from 8.30 am to 8.30 pm. It comes out near the Palais-Royal garden: a perfect way to continue your walk.
Passage des Panoramas, the oldest still in use
Opened in 1799, Passage des Panoramas is the oldest covered passage in Paris still in use (Passage du Caire, from 1798, is older but quieter). You will find stamp dealers, engravers and plenty of small restaurants. It is open every day from 6 am to midnight. Just across boulevard Montmartre, carry on through Passage Jouffroy, then Passage Verdeau.
How do you walk there from the Concortel?
On foot, head to boulevard Haussmann and then the Grands Boulevards: about 20 minutes to Passage des Panoramas (estimate). By metro, line 3 runs from Saint-Lazare to Bourse in four stops, close to both the Panoramas and Galerie Vivienne. Allow two hours to take in the passages at a gentle pace.
More walks in Discover Paris, this week's outings in This week in Paris, and for dinner, our gourmet addresses.
Frequently asked questions
What is the oldest covered passage in Paris?
Passage des Panoramas, opened in 1799, is the oldest still in use. Passage du Caire, from 1798, is older but less visited.
What are Galerie Vivienne’s opening hours?
Galerie Vivienne is open every day from 8.30 am to 8.30 pm; the shops keep their own hours.
Where are the covered passages of Paris?
Most are on the Right Bank, between the Grands Boulevards and the Palais-Royal, in the 2nd and 9th arrondissements.
How do I get to the covered passages from Saint-Lazare station?
Metro line 3 runs from Saint-Lazare to Bourse in four stops; on foot, allow about 20 minutes (estimate).
Practical information
- Galerie Vivienne, between rue des Petits-Champs and rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris — daily, 8.30 am – 8.30 pm.
- Passage des Panoramas, boulevard Montmartre, 75002 Paris — daily, 6 am – midnight.
- Metro: line 3 from Saint-Lazare to Bourse (4 stops), or about 20 minutes on foot from the hotel (estimate).
- A sheltered walk, ideal on a rainy day; shop hours vary.
Read next
Sources
- Ville de Paris — Découvrez la magie des galeries et passages couverts — 30 September 2026
- Galerie Vivienne — site officiel — 30 September 2026
- Wikipedia — Passage des Panoramas — 30 September 2026
- Wikipedia — Burlington Arcade — 30 September 2026