1st and 2nd Arr. Hidden Passages Walking Tour (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.