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Offered languages
- English
- French
- Spanish
Step off the beaten path and discover a hidden side of Paris that most visitors never see. On this 3-hour walking tour, explore historic covered passages, elegant architecture, and fascinating stories of 19th-century Paris.
Begin at the iconic Palais Royal and explore Galerie Vivienne, with its beautiful glass roof and intricate mosaic floors. Continue to the historic BnF Richelieu and admire the breathtaking Salle Ovale, one of Paris’s most spectacular reading rooms.
Then discover Passage des Panoramas and Passage Jouffroy, known for their charming shops, historic architecture, and unique atmosphere. Continue through quiet historic streets and hidden corners, uncovering stories of Parisian culture, literature, and daily life.
Finish at Square Louvois, where your local guide will share the neighborhood’s history and recommendations for continuing your Paris adventure.
A perfect experience for curious travelers looking to discover Paris beyond the usual landmarks.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Palais Royal – Statue of Louis XIV, Place du Palais Royal, 75001 Paris. The nearest metro station is Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre (lines 1 & 7).
Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide at Place des Victoires, next to the Equestrian Statue of Louis XIV. Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Galerie Vivienne
Explore one of Paris’s most beautiful historic covered passages, Galerie Vivienne. Walk beneath its elegant glass roof and admire its original mosaic floors, ornate architecture, and charming boutiques. Your guide will share stories about 19th-century Parisian life and the famous figures who have been connected to this iconic passage. There will also be time to take photos beneath the central glass rotunda.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Bibliotheque de recherche - Site Richelieu
Step inside one of Paris’s most spectacular libraries, the historic BnF Richelieu. Discover the elegant Cour d’Honneur before entering the magnificent Oval Room, a breathtaking reading room topped by a soaring glass roof. Take a moment to admire the architecture and atmosphere of this historic library while your guide explains its fascinating history and role in Parisian cultural life. Please note: the Oval Room is an active reading space, so visitors are asked to remain quiet and keep phones on silent. Photography is permitted without flash.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Passage des Panoramas
Discover Passage des Panoramas, one of Paris’s oldest covered passages. Wander through its atmospheric galleries lined with historic storefronts, specialty shops, cafés, and unique collections. Your guide will reveal how these passages transformed Parisian shopping and entertainment and share fascinating stories about their early innovations, including the introduction of gas lighting.
25 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Passage Jouffroy
Continue your journey through Paris’s covered passages at Passage Jouffroy. Admire its elegant glass-and-iron architecture and explore its charming antique shops, bookstores, and unusual boutiques. Your guide will introduce you to the history and innovations that made this 19th-century passage a unique part of Parisian life.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Paris
Leave the covered passages behind and explore the quieter historic streets of the neighborhood. Follow your guide through hidden corners, historic courtyards, and streets connected to the writers, artists, and characters of 19th-century Paris. Finish at the beautiful Square Louvois and admire its elegant fountain while learning about the fascinating history hidden beneath this peaceful Parisian square.
50 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Square Louvois
End your experience at Square Louvois, where your guide will recap the highlights of the tour and share recommendations for places to eat, drink, or continue exploring the neighborhood independently.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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