Passage Potier, thoroughfare in Paris, France
Passage Potier is a narrow pedestrian walkway measuring only 3 meters wide and about 16 meters long in the first district of Paris near the Palais-Royal. It connects Rue de Richelieu to Rue de Montpensier and is lined with older buildings featuring stone facades and several stories of windows and simple architectural details.
The passage was created in 1785 to connect Rue de Richelieu with Rue de Montpensier and provide easier access to the nearby Palais-Royal gardens. Originally named after chef Antoine Beauvillers, who opened France's first high-end restaurant there, it was renamed in the 19th century after actor Charles-Gabriel Potier, who purchased the building.
This passage has long been a place where artists and actors gathered, reflecting its origins as a space for creative work and dining. The narrow corridor continues to function as a working passageway, with small shops and cafes that connect the daily rhythms of the Palais-Royal quarter to the wider neighborhood.
This passage is open to pedestrians during the day and serves as a practical shortcut between the two main streets without requiring a longer detour. Keep in mind that it closes in the evening and remains closed on Sundays and holidays, so plan your visit during regular weekday daytime hours.
The building entrance features a carved stone head sculpture commemorating Antoine Beauvillers, who founded France's first upscale restaurant on this site. This subtle artistic detail is easy to overlook but stands as a visual signature connecting the passage's culinary heritage directly to its architecture.
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