Secret Passageways you HAVE to Visit in Paris

Paris might be famous for its wide, elegant boulevards, but personally, I also love the city’s hidden passageways. There are actually quite a few tucked around the city, and most of them date back to the 1800s. Some are fairly well-known, like the Galerie Vivienne and the Passage des Panoramas, but there are plenty of others that still fly under the radar of most tourists (and even Parisians). If you enjoy tracking down hidden gems, then you’ll definitely want to hunt down these fabulous secret passageways in Paris.

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(WA = Wheelchair Accessible)

This is an image of a dark passageway in Paris with a light at the end and wooden shop fronts.

Passage des Deux-Pavillons

I ADORE this tiny lane, which is certainly one of the most secret passageways in Paris. Right along the walking route of Day 1 of our Paris Itinerary, the narrow covered passageway only has a few boutiques along it, but it totally feels frozen in time.

You can reach the Passage des Deux-Pavillons via a set of steps from Rue de Beaujolais (my favorite entrance) or off of Rue des Petits-Champs. It’s a handy shortcut between the Palais-Royal and the Galerie Vivienne, and a fun hidden find if you’re exploring the neighborhood.

Passage des Deux-Pavillons | 1st Arrondissement

Passage Verdeau

Some of Paris’s most famous covered passages are around the Grands Boulevards, but the Passage Verdeau tends to get far fewer visitors than the others. Just beyond the Passage Jouffroy, and included on Day 4 of our Paris Itinerary, you’ll find a quieter spot with a really magical atmosphere.

One fun detail is that it isn’t straight, like many of the others, which gives it a slightly more mysterious feel as you wander through. There’s also a lovely old clock at one end that makes the whole place extra photogenic. It’s a great place for a bit of browsing, especially in the second half, where you might stumble across vintage books, postcards, and posters, the perfect unique souvenir from Paris.

Passage Verdeau | 9th Arrondissement | WA

This is an image of a dark street with cobblestones and windows lining either side. People are also walking through it in small groups.

Passage de l’Ancre

This charming little lane, hidden near the Centre Pompidou (which is currently closed), is definitely one of the top secret passageways in Paris. Tucked between Rue de Turbigo and Rue Saint-Martin, it’s the kind of place where, once you actually find the Passage de l’Ancre, you’ll probably have it almost to yourself.

With roots back to the 17th century, there used to be a carriage rental business here (sort of an ancient form of Uber), as well as an inn which had a sign in the shape of an anchor, which is how it got its name. It’s got a really peaceful vibe, with plenty of plants and the colorful facades.

If you like poetry, be sure to pop into La Maison de la Poesie (it’s got plenty of poetry books and hosts readings), or if it’s raining, you can duck into Pep’s, a historic store selling beautiful umbrellas and parasols.

Passage de l’Ancre | 3rd Arrondissement

This is an image of a long passageway with checkered flooring and shop fronts lining the whole way down.

Galerie Véro-Dodat

Also included on Day 1 of our Paris Itinerary, this lesser-visited passageway near the Louvre is easily one of the prettiest in the city. First opened in 1826, the Galerie Véro-Dodat still shows off its original black-and-white marble paving and lovely light fixtures, which give the whole place a wonderfully old-school feel.

You can admire it from the side closest to the Louvre, or better yet, wander through and peek into the antique shops and chic little boutiques along the way. At the other end, you’ll find the flagship boutique of star shoe designer Christian Louboutin.

Galerie Véro-Dodat | 1st Arrondissement | WA

This is an image of a desolate square with a park bench, some Christmas trees and regular trees with no leaves on them. There are a few shops lining the square but they are closed as it appears to be early in the morning.

Passage du Caire

This quirky passageway isn’t quite as picturesque as some of the others, but it’s a fun stop for curious explorers who like finding the more original corners of Paris. Dating back to 1798, the Passage du Caire has one of the most unusual entrances in the city, decorated with large Egyptian-style heads and other exotic details. The whole thing was created as a tribute to Napoleon Bonaparte’s Egyptian campaign of that same year.

You might just peek inside from this end, since it’s now mostly filled with wholesale clothing shops rather than cute boutiques like some of the others. If you do amble down it, you’ll definitely feel like you’re discovering something most other tourists won’t uncover, that’s for sure.

Passage du Caire | 2nd Arrondissement

This is an image of a green street with lit-up shops lining the way down. There are two people leisurely walking home in the centre.

Image courtesy of Vivre Paris via Instagram

Passage LHomme

Not all of Paris’s passageways are found in the heart of the city. Actually, the 11th and 12th arrondissements have a fantastic cluster of open-air passageways to explore. Back when this area was still outside Paris, it was pretty industrial. This is because, in the late 1600s, Louis XIV made the district a tax-free zone for furniture makers and other craftsmen, so they could help furnish all those lavish rooms at the Palace of Versailles. Many of them set up shop along quiet laneways just like this one.

Today, the Passage LHomme is a wonderful hidden spot, with vines climbing the walls and a peaceful neighborhood feel. As you wander through, keep an eye out for a small reminder of its industrial past, the old Miroiterie Remlinger, once a sawmill that later became a mirror manufacturer. It’s no longer in operation, but it’s still fascinating to see.

And while you’re checking it out, don’t forget to look up. The glass roof was designed by the engineering company of Gustave Eiffel, yes, the very same one behind the Eiffel Tower. You can discover this passageway and the next one along the walking route of Day 5 of our Paris Itinerary.

Passage LHomme | 11th Arrondissement

This is an image of a nicely-lined street with greenery, shops and cobblestone.

Cour Damoye

Place de la Bastille is a pretty chaotic square in eastern Paris, and most of the people rushing through it have no idea that there is this super charming lane nestled right off it. The vine-laden cobbled passageway was built in 1780 and is a nice secret spot to discover.

As you stroll down the Cour Damoye, you’ll see a few art galleries, design studios, and lots of lovely doorways. There’s also an amazing coffee roaster, so if you need a little pick-me-up, stop in for un café to take with you on your wanderings.

Cour Damoye | 11th Arrondissement | WA

This is an image of a lively cobblestone street with flags hung up in the middle and fun-coloured stores lining the sides.

Passage Geffroy-Didelot

The Passage Geffroy-Didelot is another open-air passageway that even few Parisians know about. Also included Day 5 Paris Itinerary, it’s hidden in the 17th district, off Rue des Dames and near the fantastic market street Rue de Lévis.

It was built in 1843, when the area was the charming village of Les Batignolles, which sat on the outskirts of Paris. It’s got plenty of charm, so take a few minutes to walk down it to see its hanging flags, colorful shopfronts, art studios, and cafés.

Passage Geffroy-Didelot | 17th Arrondissement

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