Explore the Hidden Covered Passages of Paris ✨ Step beyond the Eiffel Tower and uncover a secret side of Paris most visitors never see. On this guided walking tour, discover the city’s enchanting covered passages — hidden arcades filled with history, charm, and timeless elegance. Wander beneath glass ceilings and through beautifully preserved galleries such as Passage Verdeau, Galerie Vivienne, and Passage des Panoramas, alongside lesser-known gems loved by locals. Learn the stories behind these unique spaces and experience the “secret Paris” that Parisians cherish. Discover hidden gems most visitors miss Small group experience for a more personal feel Engaging storytelling that brings Paris to life Perfect mix of history, culture, and local insight Relaxed 2 km route, suitable for all ages The tour covers approximately 2 km at a comfortable pace. Please note: Comfortable shoes recommended. Bring water and a camera. Bibliothèque nationale de France is closed on Monday
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 22.
We enter into a chocolate shop that is the oldest in Paris 1761. The building is now protected. Here you can buy arguably the best chocolate in Paris.
Named after its creator, Jean-Baptiste-Ossian Verdeau, the Passage was opened in 1846 as an extension of the Passage des Panoramas and the Passage Jouffroy. The gallery's originality lies in its high, fishbone-shaped glass roof. You car't leave without stopping at Ausmane, the elegant perfume house founded by Choukk Ausmane, A few steps away, the Keopi cafe with its refined gourmet specialities brings France and Korea together.
The first of its kind to be built entirely of iron and glass, the Passage Jouffroy was built in 1847. Adjacent to the Musée Grévin, this busy passage was renovated in 1987. The signs of the past are still there, such as the Pain d'Épices, the very first toy shop in Paris, which dates back to 1849. Opposite this children's paradise, adults with a passion for retro elegance will find their heart's desire at Galerie Fayet, the last French manufacturer of high-quality walking sticks.
Since 1929, the imposing painting by Germond has been enthroned in Bouillon Chartier Grands Boulevards' Belle Époque dining room listed as a historical monument
Built in 1799 by Jean-Louis Girard, this covered passage, listed in 1974, is considered to be the first in Paris. It is home to eight stamp shops and the gourmet Caffe Stern, a former 19th-century engraving workshop converted into an Italian restaurant in 2014. More unusual, Kimochi's sushi burger (the only one in France) is a taste experience not to be missed!
France’s national library, holding roughly 42 million items as a central repository of national heritage, including books, manuscripts, prints, and multimedia.
Built in 1823, the Colbert Gallery is located a stone's throw from its great rival, the Vivienne Gallery. This pretty covered gallery is the property of the National Library and, unlike other Parisian galleries, does not host any shops. Focused on culture, it is home to the National Institute of Art History
Its history begins when the president of the Chamber of Notaries, Maître MARCHOUX, made known his wish to build the most beautiful and attractive gallery in Paris. A leading shopping space, where the Parisian elite could meet to stroll and have fun.
The Palais-Royal became the property of the Orleans, the youngest branch of the Kingdom of France, in February 1692, when Louis XIV offered it to Monsieur, his brother. The palace garden was then open to the city.
Historically, stock trading took place at several spots in Paris, including rue Quincampoix, rue Vivienne (near the Palais Royal), and the back of the Opéra Garnier (the Paris opera house).
(Closed on Monday) Is the national library and premier research institution of France, headquartered across multiple sites in Paris, with its main modern site in the 13th arrondissement
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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris lasts about 1h 30min. The itinerary has 11 stops.
Prices start at $40 per person for this Paris experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Children aged 3–12 pay from $14, adults from $40. Infants go free.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The meeting point is Please meet at the top of the stairs of the metro. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 participants.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 27 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Top Sights Tours.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
A fascinating look at these historic arcades with wonderful little shops. However, we were sent the incorrect pre-tour information. We were advised to purchase a day ticket for the Metro (which we did not need). We were given the wrong meeting point and had to get 2 metro trains to catch up with the group. Our guide was a great help, coming to find us. So, a good tour, but completely incorrect joining info.
This tour was sensational and covered parts of Paris that we would not have found bu for this tour. Our guide, Julian, was great and showed an in depth knowledge of the history of these passages and many of the shops located in these passages.
Excellent guide named Alex. Pretty areas. Great photos
I had a wonderful time exploring the most well known covered passages in Paris! Julian was an excellent guide who shared his passion for this aspect of the city with a good blend of history and stories. A great activity for those like myself who've been to Paris before and want to see beyond the big attractions.
A great guide and fascinating to walk through the passages, recommend if you want to see a more local Paris
This was a great tour!! We actually went back again the next day to purchase things at stores we saw on the tour. Our guide was so nice and we enjoyed getting to know him and asking questions.
This is a wonderful tour if you want to see some of the covered passages of Paris. Julien was a knowledgeable guide, the information he provided about each passage and navigating the route was great. I will now be able to find the passages on my own.
Our best and most fun tour in Paris! We took many other tours, built somehow we enjoyed this one the most. Viking was a terrific guide, there were just 6 of us, so we all got personal attention. It was just a relaxing but interesting way to experience some of French history and culture away from the crowds of other attractions.
This is a great use of your 1.5 hours! It’s our 3rd time in Paris and we wanted to do something different than the usual Seine cruise, Eiffel Tower, Louvre activities. This tour did not disappoint! It was a small group (there were only 3 of us: my husband, myself and another lady from Germany.) The tour guide, Julien, was friendly and most accommodating! He was able to answer all our questions and piqued our interest with historical details. There was ample time to take pictures as it was an easy-paced tour. We were even able to sample chocolates at A La Mere de Famille! I would highly recommend this tour to everyone.
Great overview of the passages' influence on Paris architecture, culture and society. Our tour guide, Alex, shared knowledge beyond that of the passages, tying in Paris history and commerce.
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris | 1h 30min | 4.6 (27) | $40 | |
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 Covered passages: secrets, luxury and modernity | 2 hours | 5.0 (12) | $23 | View |
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