Audio GuidePassage des Panoramas
One of the first covered passages in Paris, this 1799 walkway features shops & ornate architecture.
Point of Interest
Paris, France
Welcome to Passage des Panoramas, one of the oldest covered arcades in Paris. Opened in seventeen ninety-nine by Jean-Louis Girard, this sheltered walkway was designed to provide shoppers with light and order amidst the narrow, bustling streets. Today, you can wander under its glass roof and admire its ornate decorative details that reflect its vibrant history.
In its early years, the passage boasted stunning panoramic paintings in two large rotundas, featuring scenes of Paris from the Tuileries and other renowned cityscapes—a true marvel of cultural innovation. At the same time, American inventor Robert Fulton amazed French officials by demonstrating his groundbreaking inventions, such as a steamboat and a submarine. His displays introduced an exciting mix of technology and art that defined the era.
Over the decades, Passage des Panoramas transformed. Initially a centre for luxury goods and fine art, it became known for stamp and postcard sellers, engravers, and eateries. The original shopfronts, with their detailed woodwork and mirrors, created a charming, intimate atmosphere that remains alive today in places like the historic Caffè Stern.
This passage invites visitors to explore over two centuries of Parisian history and innovation in a lively setting that blends tradition with modern commerce.
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