Tunnel des Tuileries, Underground passage in 1st arrondissement, France

The Tunnel des Tuileries is an underground pedestrian passage running approximately one kilometer through the first arrondissement, connecting the Concorde area with the Pont Neuf district. The route runs parallel to the Seine and serves as a pathway for both foot traffic and bicycles with several artistically decorated sections.

The tunnel was built in the 1960s as part of a vehicle traffic infrastructure plan along the Seine. It was eventually converted to serve pedestrians and cyclists, becoming an important passageway through central Paris.

In July 2022 the tunnel gained vivid coloured lighting and ten temporary frescoes curated by Artistik Rezo under Nicolas Laugero Lasserre, with support from the City of Paris. The inaugural works are by Bault, Madame, WAR!, Andrea Ravo Mattoni, Lek et Sowat (a tribute to Jacques Villeglé), Romain Froquet, Erell, Jussi TwoSeven, Sifat and Hydrane. More frescoes by other artists were added during the project.

The tunnel is easy to reach on foot or by bicycle and provides shelter from bad weather while passing through. Lighting is adequate inside, and multiple entrances allow flexible access from different directions.

The 2022 murals were curated by Artistik Rezo under artistic director Nicolas Laugero Lasserre, with support from the City of Paris. Ten inaugural frescoes were made by artists including Bault, Madame, WAR!, Andrea Ravo Mattoni, Lek et Sowat, Romain Froquet, Erell, Jussi TwoSeven, Sifat and Hydrane. Many more were added during the project, among them works by Akelo, Demoiselle MM, Djalouz, Ernesto Novo and Psyckoze Nolimit.