Passage des Princes, Glass-roofed passage in 2nd arrondissement, France.
The Passage des Princes is a covered walkway in Paris's 2nd arrondissement connecting Boulevard des Italiens and Rue de Richelieu. The structure extends about 80 meters in length and is roughly 3 meters wide, with a sliding glass roof supported by metal arches.
Opened in 1860 as Passage Mirès, this covered passage represents the final example of such structures built during Baron Haussmann's transformation of Paris. A complete reconstruction in 1995 renewed the building while preserving its original architectural character.
The name references its location near a former royal estate, marking this passage as part of the grand commercial districts developed in the 1800s. Visitors today see how the glass roof and metal framework shape the space as a place for shopping and strolling between major streets.
The passage is easy to walk through during the day and provides shelter from the weather thanks to its glass roof. It offers a level, direct route between the two major boulevards and works well both for quick transitions and lingering to shop.
A colored glass dome marks the point where the passage shifts direction, creating a natural light effect that fills the space. This architectural feature is a subtle detail that many visitors miss, but discovering it makes the exploration of the place more rewarding.
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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...
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