Passage du Bourg-l'Abbé, Covered passage in 2nd arrondissement, Paris, France
The passage extends for 47 meters with a curved glass ceiling, connecting rue de Palestro to rue Dussoubs through a three-meter-wide corridor.
Built in 1828, this passage features caryatids at its entrance designed by architect Henri Blondel in 1863, representing industry and commerce symbols.
The passage hosts numerous small businesses, including Lulli & Sons, a woodworking shop established in 1965 that maintains traditional Parisian craftsmanship.
Visitors can access the passage Monday through Saturday from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM via the Etienne Marcel metro station.
The passage contains functional historical instruments at opposite ends: a barometer and a clock that continue operating since their installation.
Location: 2nd arrondissement of Paris
Official opening: April 1828
Length: 47 m
Width: 3 m
Part of: road network of Paris
Shares border with: rue de Palestro, rue Saint-Denis
GPS coordinates: 48.86453,2.35056
Latest update: November 24, 2025 14:12
The covered passages of Paris are major commercial inventions from the early 19th century. Built between 1798 and 1850, these galleries shield pedestrians from weather and street mud with glass and wrought iron roofs. Passages like the Passage des Panoramas, opened in 1799, were pioneers with gas lighting, while Galerie Vivienne (1823) features mosaic floors and neoclassical decorations. The Passage du Grand-Cerf stands out with a height of 12 meters under its glass roof. Today, around thirty passages remain in the 2nd, 9th, and 10th arrondissements. They host various shops: antique bookstores and fashion boutiques at Passage Choiseul, Indian restaurants and spice shops at Passage Brady, fabric vendors at Passage du Caire with Egyptian motifs. Galerie Colbert now houses two art research institutes. These galleries offer insights into a lesser-known part of 19th-century Paris commerce, preserving wooden facades, wrought iron railings, and period signage.
Les Bains-Douches
126 m
Musee de l'Illusion Paris
140 m
Passage du Grand-Cerf
101 m
Fontaine de la Reine
83 m
Cour Greneta
103 m
PA_840
143 m
Café-Bar, 143 rue Saint-Denis
37 m
3 rue Étienne-Marcel, Paris
102 m
10 rue Tiquetonne, Paris
82 m
Enceinte of Philippe-Auguste
151 m
Fountain
85 m
Fountain
146 m
15 rue Tiquetonne, Paris
130 m
Fountain
93 m
Enceinte de Philippe Auguste, 16 rue Étienne-Marcel, 15 rue Tiquetonne
156 m
Le Mélo d'Amélie
173 m
Coda
124 m
?
54 m
Love Me
158 m
Édicule Guimard
148 m
Sable d'art
100 m
PA_231
54 m
PA_483
128 m
PA_590
124 m
PA_841
170 m
PA_998
65 m
Commemorative plaque, memorial
172 m
Memorial, commemorative plaque
44 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes