Passage des Panoramas, Covered passage in 2nd arrondissement, France.
The Passage des Panoramas is a covered walkway 133 meters long and 3.2 meters wide, connecting Boulevard Montmartre to Rue Saint-Marc through glass-topped corridors. Its four branching pathways contain more than 20 shops ranging from restaurants and boutiques to antique dealers and specialized retailers.
This passage opened in 1800 and took its name from two rotundas that displayed large panoramic paintings of Paris and other cities as entertainment for visitors. These painted views attracted crowds before photography became common.
Stamp collectors and vintage postcard dealers occupy small shops throughout the passage, creating a community of enthusiasts who have worked here for decades. You can watch them organize and display their collections as you walk past.
The glass roof provides shelter from rain and wind while you browse the various shops and restaurants throughout the space. Visit on weekday mornings to avoid crowds, as the narrow corridor can feel busy during peak shopping hours.
The Italian bakery Caffè Stern now operates in a space that was once a printing press producing menus for the Elysée Palace, the presidential residence. This transformation shows how old workspaces have been reimagined for new purposes within the passage.
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