Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris
At a glance
Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris is a 1h 30m small-group experience in Paris, France, operated by Top Sights Tours. Travellers rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 25 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $40.08 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Bibliothèque nationale de France is closed every Monday, Friendly Guide.
Highlights
- Small group of up to 12 people for a more personal experience
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 11 stops in one well-planned itinerary
Quick facts
- Duration
- 1h 30m
- Group
- Small group, up to 12 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
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
What's included
What's included
- Bibliothèque nationale de France is closed every Monday
- Friendly Guide
Not included
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Personal Expenses
- Gratuities
Itinerary
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Stop 1 · 10m
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.
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Stop 2 · 15m
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.
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Stop 3 · 15m
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.
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Stop 4
Since 1929, the imposing painting by Germond has been enthroned in Bouillon Chartier Grands Boulevards' Belle Époque dining room listed as a historical monument
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Stop 5 · 15m
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!
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Stop 6 · 10m
France’s national library, holding roughly 42 million items as a central repository of national heritage, including books, manuscripts, prints, and multimedia.
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Stop 7 · 5m
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
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Stop 8 · 5m
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.
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Stop 9 · 10m
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.
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Stop 10
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).
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Stop 11 · 5m
(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
Meeting point
Please meet at the top of the stairs of the metro.
Good to know
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris take?
The experience lasts about 1h 30m.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $40.08 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Bibliothèque nationale de France is closed every Monday; Friendly Guide.
Where does it start?
Please meet at the top of the stairs of the metro.
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 25 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Paris.
