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Hidden Paris: Passage Bourg l’Abbé to Passage du Grand Cerf

I prowled around the passages couverts from time to time but clearly I haven’t explored enough of them. In the 2ème, between rue de Palestro and rue Dussoubs, lies two passages briefly-separated by rue Saint-Denis: Passage Bourg l’Abbé and Passage du Grand Cerf. Built just three years apart in early 19th century, they have been well-preserved and a delight to visit.

Passages

Passages

The entrance to Passage Bourg-l’Abbé from rue Palestro is relatively discreet, its name nearly engraved over the arch, flanked by the allegories of Commerce and Industry. At 47m in length, it is among the smallest passages in Paris. Today, it is occupied by art galleries, printers, renovators and the likes, while hidden staircases leading to apartments and small offices.

Passages

Passages

Passages

Passages

Passages

Just steps away, Passage du Grand Cerf awaits. The spruced up cousin of Passage Bourg l’Abbé despite being the elder one, its narrow walkway and tall glass ceiling render the structure light and airy. Interesting animal sculptures, as well as twee little shops – from decorative arts to jewelleries – line the passage. Oh yes, I was rather tempted to shop here. Then, I remembered my resolution to live minimally, not to mention I don’t exactly have the budget for pretty little trinkets at the moment. (Darn it, student loan!)

Passages

Passages

Passages

Passages

Passages

Passages

I should start a list of passages and galeries which I have visited, and which remained to be visited. It would have been nice to see a few more of the original shopping arcades of 19th century and which have supported artisans over the decades. They certainly have much more character than most generic modern malls that we are seeing, filled with chain stores and mass-produced objects.



Category: Paris

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4 scribbles & notes

  1. Hélène says:

    Très joli en effet! ça donne envie d’aller faire un week-end à Paris pour se balader un peu… :)

  2. med says:

    Similar looking passageway and galeries in the CBD here as well…but definitely did not pay much attention to it hehehe
    Need to spend more time walking around in the city ;)

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