Passage Verdeau

Overview

Passage Verdeau is located in the 9th arrondissement, acting as the quiet, slightly mysterious continuation of the famous Grands Boulevards arcades. It is deeply atmospheric, defined almost entirely by its collection of rare bookshops and eccentric antique dealers.

Highlights

• The Neoclassical Roof: The striking, high fishbone-style glass roof famously provides the arcade with an incredibly soft, even, and flattering light.
• Antique Cameras: Stop at Photo Verdeau, a fascinating shop packed floor-to-ceiling with beautiful, operational vintage cameras from the last century.
• Rare Paper Goods: The arcade boasts an incredible concentration of dealers selling historic postcards, vintage comic books, and rare 19th-century prints.

History

Designed in 1846, it was named after its primary investor (Monsieur Verdeau). It was built as a direct, seamless continuation of the wildly successful Passage Jouffroy and Passage des Panoramas, creating a unique, kilometer-long sheltered walking route allowing the Parisian bourgeoisie to browse multiple blocks without ever stepping into the muddy streets.

Visitor Tips

• The Route: Combine this with a seamless walk through Passage Jouffroy and Passage des Panoramas; all three connect almost perfectly end-to-end.
• Crowds: It is significantly quieter, narrower, and far less tourist-heavy than the neighboring arcades.
• Duration: 15 minutes.