Passage Balthus, Covered passageway in central Autun, France
Passage Balthus is a covered walkway in central Autun with a glass ceiling, black and white floor tiles, and Renaissance-inspired decorative details throughout its indoor corridor. The passage connects two streets and provides access to shops lining both sides of the walkway.
Built in 1737 as an open-air market hall, the structure was transformed into a covered passage in 1848 by architect Palluet. This conversion followed urban modernization trends that were spreading across France during that period.
The passage houses small shops on both sides of its walkway, reflecting the traditional French commercial gallery format found in many 19th-century cities. These shops shape the character of the place and show how residents and visitors use this sheltered space daily for shopping and strolling.
The passage is located between Rue aux Cordiers and Rue General Andre Demetz and is easily accessible on foot. Since it functions as a public walkway, you can enter and explore it at any time.
The passage maintains an official twinning arrangement with Passage du Nord in Brussels, highlighting its standing among European historical covered galleries. This connection demonstrates the significance of the place within a network of similar structures across Western Europe.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
