Galerie Colbert - the rotunda
La galerie d'Orléans (end of 19th century)
In addition, passageways are the subject of pleasant anecdotes, all reminding us of the ancient way of life in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Back in 1789, you will be reminded in our last spot of the events that happened there two days prior to Bastille Day which led to the French Revolution.
Passageways also developed throughout Europe : in Belgium, Germany, Italy, the UK as well as in Russia. To our great delight, there is a revival under way in Paris.
Famous and hidden Parisian passageways.
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You can be sure you will learn what most Parisians totally ignore when they hurry by these places daily.
Les galeries du Palais Royal during the Consulate
“Go, go and under these clear glass roofs, far away from the outside din, in the flight of time, listen to the heart beat of the city you are in love with”. Translated from French in "Maurice Bedel « Les passages parisiens » France Illustration - 27th May 1947.
What kind of shops traded there ? How the rise of the railway stations hastened the end of these delightful passages. For example, prostitution was a strong factor in the past success of some of them.
Passage Choiseul - the canopy
You will not only be amazed by the decor, sometimes an idealization of the imperial Rome, sometimes ostensibly Neo-Grec, but you will also learn the why, when and how the passageways developed until their golden age and subsequent decline.
Passage du Grand-Cerf
Would you like to discover the Parisians passageways including the most famous ones but also some that true natives might not even know ? The Tour strolls in and out 15 of them.
TOUR 4
All tours are organized in the historical heart of the city and comprise an overview of how Paris evolved: a quick summary takes you from pre-historic times to the 13th century. Tours do not cover the famous tourist monuments such as The Louvre or Notre-Dame but they focus on charming, off-beat places, from the 13th to the 20th century, covering their history and accompanying anecdotes, be they funny or tragic.
Tours are entirely on foot, and last from 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of interest and questions asked. Rain is never a cause for cancellation (although we prefer sunshine to umbrellas!)
The TOURS