Paris Secret Passages: Guided Historical Walking Tour
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Overview
Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris. Discover a hidden side of Paris on this guided walking tour through the city's enchanting covered passages. More than just the Eiffel Tower, Paris has a wealth of secrets waiting to be uncovered, and this tour offers a glimpse into the Paris that locals cherish.
Visitors will step back in time while strolling through some of Paris's most beautiful passages, including Passage Verdeau, Galerie Vivienne, and Passage des Panoramas. The tour also includes off-the-beaten-path attractions such as Debauve & Gallais, Passage Jouffroy, Bouillon Chartier Grands Boulevards, Former Paris Stock Exchange Locations, Galerie Colbert, and Palais-Royal Garden. A friendly guide will lead the way, sharing stories and insights into the history and culture of these unique locations. This walking tour covers approximately 2km, so comfortable shoes are recommended to fully enjoy the experience.
What's included is a friendly guide to lead you through the secret passages. Coffee and tea are not included, allowing you to explore local cafes at your own pace. This tour promises a memorable exploration of Paris's hidden gems.



Highlights
Discover Hidden Gems: Explore secret covered passages unknown to most tourists.
Historical Insights: Learn about the history and culture of these unique Parisian arcades.
Expert Guidance: A friendly guide provides fascinating stories and local knowledge.
Iconic Landmarks: Visit Passage Verdeau, Galerie Vivienne, and Passage des Panoramas.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally enjoy the tour for its unique exploration of hidden passages and the guide's expertise, but some have noted that holiday closures can impact the experience.

Guides are knowledgeable and friendly.
The tour reveals hidden gems that visitors would likely miss on their own.
The experience is a great way to discover a unique side of Paris.
The tour offers a historical and cultural perspective on the covered passages.
Some spots in the passages may be closed due to holidays.
Timing should be checked when booking to account for potential closures.
The Journey
Debauve & Gallais
Step into Debauve & Gallais, Paris's oldest chocolate shop, established in 1761 and now a protected historical landmark. Indulge in what many consider the finest chocolate in Paris, a testament to centuries of artisanal craftsmanship and a must-visit for any chocolate aficionado.
Passage Verdeau
Discover the charm of Passage Verdeau, opened in 1846 and named after its creator, Jean-Baptiste-Ossian Verdeau. Admire its distinctive fishbone-shaped glass roof and explore its unique shops. Don't miss Ausmane, the elegant perfume house, and Keopi cafe, where French and Korean gourmet specialties merge to create an unforgettable culinary experience.
Passage Jouffroy
Immerse yourself in the historical elegance of Passage Jouffroy, one of the first covered passages built entirely of iron and glass in 1847. Adjacent to the Musée Grévin, this passage offers a glimpse into the past with shops like Pain d'Épices, Paris's oldest toy shop dating back to 1849, and Galerie Fayet, the last French manufacturer of high-quality walking sticks.
Bouillon Chartier Grands Boulevards
Experience the Belle Époque grandeur of Bouillon Chartier Grands Boulevards, a historic dining room listed as a historical monument since 1929. Admire the imposing painting by Germond while enjoying traditional French cuisine at affordable prices in this iconic Parisian institution.
Passage des Panoramas
Explore Passage des Panoramas, built in 1799 and considered the first covered passage in Paris. Home to a unique mix of stamp shops and the gourmet Caffe Stern, a converted 19th-century engraving workshop, this passage also offers the adventurous Kimochi's sushi burger, a fusion of flavors that's a must-try.
Former Paris Stock Exchange Locations
Trace the historical footsteps of stock trading in Paris, which once took place at several locations including rue Quincampoix, rue Vivienne near the Palais Royal, and the back of the Opéra Garnier. These locations offer a glimpse into the evolution of finance and the city's economic history.
Galerie Colbert
Visit Galerie Colbert, built in 1823 and located near its rival, Galerie Vivienne. Owned by the National Library, this cultural gallery hosts no shops but instead houses the National Institute of Art History, making it a must-see for art and history enthusiasts.
Galerie Vivienne
Discover Galerie Vivienne, envisioned as the most beautiful and attractive gallery in Paris by Maître MARCHOUX. Once a leading shopping space for the Parisian elite, this elegant gallery invites you to stroll through its historic arcades and experience the city's sophisticated charm.
Palais-Royal Garden
Wander through the serene Palais-Royal Garden, once the property of the Orleans family and opened to the public by Louis XIV in 1692. Experience the beauty of this historical garden, surrounded by elegant architecture and offering a tranquil escape in the heart of Paris.
Know Before You Go
This guided walking tour includes a friendly guide. Please note that coffee and tea are not included. Be sure to wear comfy shoes for the 2km walk through Paris's beautiful covered passages. Remember to bring drinks and snacks for the walk and a camera to capture the experience.
Hot Tip
Check the timing of your tour when you book, because some spots in the passages might be closed because of holidays. Even if some places are closed, it's still a great experience to see these hidden spots.