Places to hang out
Parisian passages, a legacy of the Belle Epoque
Concentrated in the heart of Paris, those passages were mostly designed in the 19th century to offer the aristocracy an elegant escape from the crowds. With their bookshops, boutiques and cafés, these passages were truly chic and trendy places.
Inside, time seems to stand still. Glass roofs filter natural light and protect passers-by from the elements, such as rain and wind. Furthermore, these places are decorated with great elegance. The materials used are noble (marble and wood) and the ornamentation luxurious: sculpture, mosaics, clocks, mirrors. Great attention to detail and metal architecture create intimate spaces within the street.
A distinctive identity
Today, the covered passageways that survived the great Haussmann renovations have specific uses, each with its own dominant theme. Some of these shopping arcades are home to luxury boutiques, while others have remained more traditional. In the Palais Royal galleries, for instance, many trendy designers have taken up residence. Meanwhile, the Passage du Bourg l’Abbé is more focused on woodworking and handicrafts.