Hidden Passages (Self Guided), Paris

Paris has been an elegant shopping destination for more than 200 years. Some of this fabulous past can be seen in the city's hidden passages and galleries, old-fashioned arcades that captivate with fascinating architectural features. Many of these places are glass-covered passageways lined with shops and are the forerunners of today's shopping malls.

Visit Galeries Vivienne and marvel at its mythology-themed mosaics. Go to the Galerie Colbert to have lunch in its 1830s-style brasserie. Walk on the beautifully tiled floor of the Passage des Princes. The shopping venue dates back to 1860 and was the last arcade to be built under Baron Haussmann who was chosen by Emperor Napoleon III to carry out a program of public works. Kids will love coming here, because it is filled with toy shops.

Wander through the maze-like passage of Passage des Panoramas to find wine bars and philatelists’ shops. At the Passage Choiseul, browse cheap clothes shops and visit bars and takeaway outlets. Passage du Caire has the longest passage in Paris, at 370 meters (1,214 feet). The mirror-lined and glass-roofed corridors are known for their discount clothing stores. Other passages well worth seeing for both their shops and architecture include, Passage Jouffroy, Prado and Galerie Véro-Dodat.

Image Courtesy of Flickr and wolfB1958.

How it works: A discovery walk features a route using which you can explore a popular city neighborhood on your own. This walk, along with other self-guided walks in over 1,500 cities, can be found on the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" which can be downloaded from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app's built-in GPS navigation functions allow following this walk route with ease. The app works both online and offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walks in Paris

Guide Name: Hidden Passages
Guide Location: France » Paris
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Discovery)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
Author: Helen

Walking Tours in Paris, France

Create Your Own Walk in Paris

Creating your own self-guided walk in Paris is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Paris Introduction Walking Tour II

From the Louvre to the Notre-Dame Cathedral to Place de la Bastille, the evolution of Paris and its history is literally visible on the banks of the river Seine, the linking thread winding its way through the city, as if keeping a watchful eye on its architectural marvels.

This walk is centered around Île de la Cité and Le Marais, which together form the historical core of power in Paris.... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles

Latin Quarter Walking Tour

Paris’ Latin Quarter is situated on the left bank of the Seine and dates back to the Middle Ages. For years, it was known as a bohemian enclave, attracting students, writers and intellectuals. Centered on the Sorbonne University's main university campus, the area was so named a few centuries ago because the students were speaking and learning in Latin. It remains very lively, with a... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles

Montmartre Walking Tour

Originally named “Mons Martis”, meaning the “Mount of Mars”, Montmartre is one of the most famous and visited neighborhoods in Paris. Beyond the Sacré-Coeur, the Moulin Rouge and notable landmarks, the district is also about the atmosphere, the narrow streets, and the artsy culture that has made Paris famous. Once home to artists such as Monet, Picasso and Van Gogh, Montmartre continues... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles

Eiffel Tower Walking Tour

The 7th arrondissement of Paris is the most affluent and prestigious residential area in France, home to world-famous Eiffel Tower and the French upper class alongside a number of French national institutions, government offices and diplomatic missions. This historical neighborhood boasts typically Parisian architecture complete with vibrant cafés, restaurants and gourmet shops which draw foodies... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles

Paris Introduction Walking Tour I

The capital of France takes its name from the Celtic tribe of Parisii who, back in the Iron Age, around the 3rd century BC, settled near the river Seine. The Romans conquered the Parisii and established on their land a garrison town which, towards the end of the 5th century AD, fell to the Franks and flourished under their rule. Despite wars, revolutions and numerous social cataclysms, Paris had... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.1 Km or 3.2 Miles

Le Marais Walking Tour

The district known to locals as "Le Marais" used to be a bourgeois area in the past and a major center of the Paris Jewish community that still exists today. Here, you will find different bookshops specializing in Jewish books, restaurants with traditional Jewish food and a synagogue. As one of the hippest neighborhoods in the city, it also has no shortage of narrow medieval streets,... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles

View all walking tours in Paris, France

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