Paris Covered Passages: A Rainy-Day Walk from the Louvre

Paris's covered passages are 19th-century shopping arcades with glass roofs, mosaic floors and old shopfronts. They were built so people could shop away from mud and traffic. Today they are one of the best ways to spend a wet afternoon in the city.

This short route links the Louvre with two of the most beautiful passages. It suits a rainy day, or a day built around a Louvre booking.

Start in the Louvre courtyard

Begin in the Cour Napoléon by the glass pyramid. If you have a museum booking, this route fits naturally before or after it. Leave enough time for security and the visit itself, as the walking estimate does not include them.

Palais Royal

Cross Rue de Rivoli to the Palais Royal. Its garden is surrounded by arcades, and the courtyard holds Daniel Buren's striped columns. The arcades give you some shelter even here.

Galerie Vivienne

Just north of the Palais Royal, Galerie Vivienne is one of the most elegant passages, with a mosaic floor, a glass roof and a historic bookshop. Take your time: this is the highlight of the route.

Passage des Panoramas

Finish at the Passage des Panoramas, one of the oldest covered passages. It is known for its stamp and print dealers and its small restaurants, a good place to end with lunch or dinner.

How dry will you stay?

The passages themselves are covered, but the links between them are outdoors, and shops and gates have their own opening hours. Treat the route as one with frequent shelter, not as a fully indoor walk.

Extend it

With more time, the Passage Jouffroy and Passage Verdeau continue north across the boulevard from the Passage des Panoramas.

On a dry day, swap this route for the longer Le Marais walking route. For the full city plan, see the Paris guide.