You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris

28 Reviews 4.57 out of 5 stars Based on 28 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Paris, France
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 13 (3) days in advance.

1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Explore the Hidden Covered Passages of Paris ✨

Step beyond the Eiffel Tower and uncover a secret side of Paris most visitors never see.

On this guided walking tour, discover the city’s enchanting covered passages — hidden arcades filled with history, charm, and timeless elegance. Wander beneath glass ceilings and through beautifully preserved galleries such as Passage Verdeau, Galerie Vivienne, and Passage des Panoramas, alongside lesser-known gems loved by locals.

Learn the stories behind these unique spaces and experience the “secret Paris” that Parisians cherish.

Discover hidden gems most visitors miss
Small group experience for a more personal feel
Engaging storytelling that brings Paris to life
Perfect mix of history, culture, and local insight
Relaxed 2 km route, suitable for all ages

The tour covers approximately 2 km at a comfortable pace.

Please note:
Comfortable shoes recommended.
Bring water and a camera.
Bibliothèque nationale de France is closed on Monday

What's Included

  • Bibliothèque nationale de France is closed every Monday
  • Friendly Guide
  • Tea and coffee Coffee and/or Tea
  • Personal Expenses
  • Gratuities
See 3 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

75009 Paris
France

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

75001 Paris
France

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

A la Mere de Famille

We enter into a chocolate shop that is the oldest in Paris 1761. The building is now protected. Here you can buy arguably the best chocolate in Paris.
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Passage Verdeau

Named after its creator, Jean-Baptiste-Ossian Verdeau, the Passage was opened in 1846 as an extension of the Passage des Panoramas and the Passage Jouffroy. The gallery's originality lies in its high, fishbone-shaped glass roof. You car't leave without stopping at Ausmane, the elegant perfume house founded by Choukk Ausmane, A few steps away, the Keopi cafe with its refined gourmet specialities brings France and Korea together.
Read more

15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Passage Jouffroy

The first of its kind to be built entirely of iron and glass, the Passage Jouffroy was built in 1847. Adjacent to the Musée Grévin, this busy passage was renovated in 1987. The signs of the past are still there, such as the Pain d'Épices, the very first toy shop in Paris, which dates back to 1849. Opposite this children's paradise, adults with a passion for retro elegance will find their heart's desire at Galerie Fayet, the last French manufacturer of high-quality walking sticks.
Read more

15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Bouillon Chartier (pass by)

Since 1929, the imposing painting by Germond has been enthroned in Bouillon Chartier Grands Boulevards' Belle Époque dining room listed as a historical monument
Read more

Passage des Panoramas

Built in 1799 by Jean-Louis Girard, this covered passage, listed in 1974, is considered to be the first in Paris. It is home to eight stamp shops and the gourmet Caffe Stern, a former 19th-century engraving workshop converted into an Italian restaurant in 2014. More unusual, Kimochi's sushi burger (the only one in France) is a taste experience not to be missed!
Read more

15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Bibliotheque nationale de France - site Francois Mitterrand

France’s national library, holding roughly 42 million items as a central repository of national heritage, including books, manuscripts, prints, and multimedia.
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Galerie Colbert

Built in 1823, the Colbert Gallery is located a stone's throw from its great rival, the Vivienne Gallery. This pretty covered gallery is the property of the National Library and, unlike other Parisian galleries, does not host any shops. Focused on culture, it is home to the National Institute of Art History
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Galerie Vivienne

Its history begins when the president of the Chamber of Notaries, Maître MARCHOUX, made known his wish to build the most beautiful and attractive gallery in Paris. A leading shopping space, where the Parisian elite could meet to stroll and have fun.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Palais-Royal

The Palais-Royal became the property of the Orleans, the youngest branch of the Kingdom of France, in February 1692, when Louis XIV offered it to Monsieur, his brother. The palace garden was then open to the city.
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

2nd Arr. - Bourse (pass by)

Historically, stock trading took place at several spots in Paris, including rue Quincampoix, rue Vivienne (near the Palais Royal), and the back of the Opéra Garnier (the Paris opera house).
Read more

Bibliotheque de la Societe Nationale d'Horticulture de France

(Closed on Monday) Is the national library and premier research institution of France, headquartered across multiple sites in Paris, with its main modern site in the 13th arrondissement
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 10 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. 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. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-131689P8

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.57
28 reviews

Average 4.57 out of 5 stars based on 28 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
23
4 stars
2
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
2
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 13 (3) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Paris Pastry Tour - Croissants, Macarons & Iconic French Desserts

Embark on a journey through Paris' fantastic and fascinating pastry scene. This tour takes you away from the well-known and crowded parts of the city …More

Embark on a journey through Paris' fantastic and fascinating pastry scene. This tour takes you away from the well-known and crowded parts of the city...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (382)
from
$90

Brussels Manneken Pis 7 Day Group Tour by Bus

This 7-day tour takes you through some of Europe's most iconic cities and landmarks, starting with the elegance of Paris, including a visit to the …More

This 7-day tour takes you through some of Europe's most iconic cities and landmarks, starting with the elegance of Paris, including a visit to the...

7 days
from
$1,055

Paris Private Tour: Romantic Tour in a 2CV

Enjoy a 2-hour romantic sightseeing tour of Paris in a Citroën 2CV with a private driver. Designed to show you why Paris is the city …More

Enjoy a 2-hour romantic sightseeing tour of Paris in a Citroën 2CV with a private driver. Designed to show you why Paris is the city...

2 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.8 (44)
from
$154

PRIVATE D-Day Beaches Omaha, Pointe du Hoc Day Trip from Paris

This day trip from Paris covers Normandy’s top WWII-related sites. Visit the landing beaches of Ponte du Hoc and Omaha, pay your respects at the …More

This day trip from Paris covers Normandy’s top WWII-related sites. Visit the landing beaches of Ponte du Hoc and Omaha, pay your respects at the...

8 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.5 (2)
from
$431

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Paris City Center Free Walking Tour (Tip-Based)

Enter the very heart of Paris on this tip based walking tour of the city center. What better way to fulfill your Paris dream than …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Enter the very heart of Paris on this tip based walking tour of the city center. What better way to fulfill your Paris dream than...

2 hours 15 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (2,122)
from
$3

Paris Croissant Small-Group Baking Class with a Chef

It all starts with a warm cup of tea or coffee before jumping right into the crafting of your own Buttery Croissant, Pain au Chocolat …More

It all starts with a warm cup of tea or coffee before jumping right into the crafting of your own Buttery Croissant, Pain au Chocolat...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (1,101)
from
$154

Versailles Bike Tour with Market, Gardens & Guided Palace Tour

-We are amongst the few licensed to guide you inside the Château not abandon you with an audio. We mic up so you don't miss …More

-We are amongst the few licensed to guide you inside the Château not abandon you with an audio. We mic up so you don't miss...

8 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (1,407)
from
$165

Paris Local Districts and Off the Beaten Track Guided Bike Tour

Experience Paris charming back streets, local neighborhoods and amazing monuments as you cruise leisurely through the city of lights. Perfect for all ages and fitness …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Experience Paris charming back streets, local neighborhoods and amazing monuments as you cruise leisurely through the city of lights. Perfect for all ages and fitness...

180 to 210 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (1,267)
from
$51

What's Included

Activity name

  • Bibliothèque nationale de France is closed every Monday
  • Friendly Guide
  • Tea and coffeeCoffee and/or Tea
  • Personal Expenses
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name