Charm and Secrets of Paris Passages: Private Tour
Overview
The Covered Passages of Paris are one of the city’s hidden treasures—elegant precursors to modern shopping malls, built in the early 19th century. Once numbering over 180, only about 25 remain, having survived Baron Haussmann’s sweeping renovations. On this tour, we’ll explore six of the most beautiful and historically rich arcades—perfect for a rainy day in Paris.
These passages were more than just shopping galleries—they were vibrant centers of social life and cultural exchange, frequented by writers, artists, and the fashionable elite. With their glass ceilings, ornate ironwork, and mosaic floors, they preserve the spirit of Belle Époque Paris.
As we explore, you’ll hear the fascinating stories behind their creation and legacy. After sampling the delights of Passage des Panoramas, the oldest arcade in Paris, you may want to return for lunch—or, take a short stroll to Galeries Lafayette for a modern shopping experience beneath its iconic Art Nouveau dome.
What's Included
- Tea and coffee Coffee and/or Tea
- Adventure, Charm and Secrets!
- Private guide
- Gratuity, Umbrellas
Meeting Location
157 Rue Saint-Honoré
75001 Paris, France
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
Passage Verdeau
75009 Paris, France
Leaving you at this classic passage allows for you to contemplate re visiting any prevoius location that held special appeal or walk to Gallery Layettes for a different kind of shopping!
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Palais-Royal
20 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Galerie Vivienne
25 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Passage des Panoramas
25 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Passage Jouffroy
25 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Passage Verdeau
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Charm and Secrets of Paris Passages: Private Tour?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-86142P8
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 17 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).
- This tour 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.
- Tea and coffee. Coffee and/or Tea.
- Adventure, Charm and Secrets!.
- Private guide.
- Gratuity, Umbrellas.
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Charm and Secrets of Paris Passages: Private Tour is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Charm and Secrets of Paris Passages: Private Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Tea and coffeeCoffee and/or Tea
- Adventure, Charm and Secrets!
- Private guide
- Gratuity, Umbrellas
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
