Secret passage ways of the 19th century
Experience hosted by Nathalie
2 hoursHosted in English and French
Committed to safety
This host committed to Airbnb’s COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Up to 10 people
Includes drinks
What you'll do
Built at the beginning of the 19th century the covered arcades were a great architectural and social advance. Places for walking and window-shopping, they bring together art galleries, bookstores, craftsmen, restaurants... We will begin the tour with the history of the shops in Paris before the 19th century. Then we will cross our first covered arcade and will discover a new way of shopping. I will explain you why we created these areas and what they have become today. We will join the Palais Royal which was the first place in the city with shops under its arcades. We will continue with two other covered arcades before arriving in front of the old stock exchange of Paris. Then we will have a friendly stop in a lovely café to drink a hot chocolate or a latte... before to discover four others arcades each with its history and its particularities. You will be able with this tour to discover hidden places of the city of lights and a lot of unique and wonderful shops.
Built at the beginning of the 19th century the covered arcades were a great architectural and social advance. Places for walking and window-shopping, they bring together art galleries, bookstores, craftsmen, restaurants... We will begin the tour with the history of the shops in Paris before the 19th century. Then we will cross our first covered arcade and will discover a new way of shopping. I will explain you why we created these areas and what…
What's included
- DrinksFresh or warm drink
- 36 Reviews
- Identity verified
Hi I am Nathalie. Passionate by the history and the evolution of my city I want you to share in the same and to see Paris from a different way. I studied Art History and Archeology at Paris-Sorbonne University with a specialization for the Antiquity and the Middle Ages. I like to show different ways to understand the spirit of Paris. To me there is nothing like learning by walking and observing. With this tour I want to show you how were created the first shopping areas in Paris at the beginning of the 19th century.
Where you'll be
We will begin with the Palais Royal's galeries ancestor of the passage ways. Then the splendid Vivienne gallery one of the most beautiful passage of Paris. We will join the Palais Brongniart before discovering four magnificent successive other passage ways : Passage des Panoramas one of the oldest, Passage Jouffroy and its lovely shops, Passage Verdeau and Passage des Princes the last built now completely dedicated to the children.
Rated 4.83 out of 5 from 36 reviews.
Nathalie is a fantastic tour guide. This was the second tour I've done with her (other was Discover the Middle Ages in Paris) & this lady really knows her stuff. She will take you to off the beaten path to places that are magical. Not only is she able to tell the stories of the places you will visit, but she tunes in to what you are especially interested in. I thought I had seen the covered passageways but as it turned out, we visited places that were new to me. A lovely way to spend some quality time wandering the hidden courtyards & passageways of Paris, stop for a cup of tea at a lovely tea room, window shop unique boutiques, find the bistrot that you must return to after the tour. Highly recommend spending time walking with Nathalie.
Nathalie is a fantastic tour guide. This was the second tour I've done with her (other was Discover the Middle Ages in Paris) & this lady really knows her stuff. She will take you…
Perfect Rainy day activity, Nathalie was a wonderful knowledgeable guide. I was not just amazed at the locations, but was given a desire to return back to explore on my own. I really appreciated her taking the time to educate me and the coffee break was a perfect way to warm up, dry off, and use the facilities! You will be in great hand if you take this tour, I recommend it highly.
Perfect Rainy day activity, Nathalie was a wonderful knowledgeable guide. I was not just amazed at the locations, but was given a desire to return back to explore on my own. I real…
Nathalie est passionnée, et passionnante ! Le tour était extrêmement intéressant, nous faisant voir les passages parisiens sous un autre angle. Même en tant que parisiens nous avons appris des choses, je recommande vivement pour une visite un peu différente de Paris !
Nathalie est passionnée, et passionnante ! Le tour était extrêmement intéressant, nous faisant voir les passages parisiens sous un autre angle. Même en tant que parisiens nous avon…
une visite originale a travers la petite et la grande histoire de France. grâce aux anecdotes de Nathalie les passages que nous avons traversés ont revêtu une saveur différente que lors de nos déambulations personnelles. Merci encore pour cette belle découverte.
Nous recommandons vivement cette visite
une visite originale a travers la petite et la grande histoire de France. grâce aux anecdotes de Nathalie les passages que nous avons traversés ont revêtu une saveur différente…
Things to know
Cancellation policy
Any experience can be cancelled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase, or at least 7 days before the experience starts.
Guest requirements
Up to 10 guests ages 6 and up can attend. Parents may also bring children under 2 years of age.
What to bring
A rainclothe or an umbrella just in case...