Passage de l'Ancre, Private passageway in 3rd arrondissement, Paris, France.
Passage de l'Ancre is a narrow private walkway in the 3rd arrondissement that runs approximately 68 meters long and 2.5 meters wide, connecting rue Saint-Martin with rue Turbigo. The corridor is accessed through blue doors at either end and serves as a hidden link between two larger streets.
During the 1600s, the passage housed the Hotel Saint-Fiacre, where an early entrepreneur operated one of Paris's first organized transport services. This venture reflected the innovative spirit that took root in the city's densely populated quarters.
The passageway maintains a craft-focused character with Pep's umbrella repair shop, operating continuously since 1960, its red umbrella sign visible along the walkway. This small shop represents the kind of traditional trades that once defined these narrow passages.
Access the passage through blue doors at 223 rue Saint-Martin or from 30 rue Turbigo, both marked entry points leading into the walkway. The Arts et Métiers metro station is nearby, making it easy to reach by public transportation.
Despite its narrow width, plants and ivy thrive on the walls, creating a green corridor within the densely built surroundings. This unexpected greenery makes the spot feel like a retreat from the surrounding pavement.
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