
Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 27 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris worth booking?
Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris is a 1.5-hour experience in Paris, France, from $40 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 27 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (27)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $40 per person
Explore the Hidden Covered Passages of Paris ✨ Step beyond the Eiffel Tower and uncover a secret side of Paris most visitors never see. On this guided walking tour, discover the city’s enchanting covered passages — hidden arcades filled with history, charm, and timeless elegance. Wander beneath glass ceilings and through beautifully preserved galleries such as Passage Verdeau, Galerie Vivienne, and Passage des Panoramas, alongside lesser-known gems loved by locals. Learn the stories behind these unique spaces and experience the “secret Paris” that Parisians cherish. Discover hidden gems most visitors miss Small group experience for a more personal feel Engaging storytelling that brings Paris to life Perfect mix of history, culture, and local insight Relaxed 2 km route, suitable for all ages The tour covers approximately 2 km at a comfortable pace. Please note: Comfortable shoes recommended. Bring water and a camera. Bibliothèque nationale de France is closed on Monday
What you get
About this experience
Explore the Hidden Covered Passages of Paris ✨ Step beyond the Eiffel Tower and uncover a secret side of Paris most visitors never see. On this guided walking tour, discover the city’s enchanting covered passages — hidden arcades filled with history, charm, and timeless elegance. Wander beneath glass ceilings and through beautifully preserved galleries such as Passage Verdeau, Galerie Vivienne, and Passage des Panoramas, alongside lesser-known gems loved by locals. Learn the stories behind these unique spaces and experience the “secret Paris” that Parisians cherish. Discover hidden gems most visitors miss Small group experience for a more personal feel Engaging storytelling that brings Paris to life Perfect mix of history, culture, and local insight Relaxed 2 km route, suitable for all ages The tour covers approximately 2 km at a comfortable pace. Please note: Comfortable shoes recommended. Bring water and a camera. Bibliothèque nationale de France is closed on Monday
What's included
Included
- Bibliothèque nationale de France is closed every Monday
- Friendly Guide
Not included
- Tea and coffee
- Personal Expenses
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
A la Mere de Famille
We enter into a chocolate shop that is the oldest in Paris 1761. The building is now protected. Here you can buy arguably the best chocolate in Paris.
10 minutes here
Passage Verdeau
Named after its creator, Jean-Baptiste-Ossian Verdeau, the Passage was opened in 1846 as an extension of the Passage des Panoramas and the Passage Jouffroy. The gallery's originality lies in its high, fishbone-shaped glass roof. You car't leave without stopping at Ausmane, the elegant perfume house founded by Choukk Ausmane, A few steps away, the Keopi cafe with its refined gourmet specialities brings France and Korea together.
15 minutes here
Passage Jouffroy
The first of its kind to be built entirely of iron and glass, the Passage Jouffroy was built in 1847. Adjacent to the Musée Grévin, this busy passage was renovated in 1987. The signs of the past are still there, such as the Pain d'Épices, the very first toy shop in Paris, which dates back to 1849. Opposite this children's paradise, adults with a passion for retro elegance will find their heart's desire at Galerie Fayet, the last French manufacturer of high-quality walking sticks.
15 minutes here
Since 1929, the imposing painting by Germond has been enthroned in Bouillon Chartier Grands Boulevards' Belle Époque dining room listed as a historical monument
Pass by without stopping
Passage des Panoramas
Built in 1799 by Jean-Louis Girard, this covered passage, listed in 1974, is considered to be the first in Paris. It is home to eight stamp shops and the gourmet Caffe Stern, a former 19th-century engraving workshop converted into an Italian restaurant in 2014. More unusual, Kimochi's sushi burger (the only one in France) is a taste experience not to be missed!
15 minutes here
Bibliotheque nationale de France - site Francois Mitterrand
France’s national library, holding roughly 42 million items as a central repository of national heritage, including books, manuscripts, prints, and multimedia.
10 minutes here
Galerie Colbert
Built in 1823, the Colbert Gallery is located a stone's throw from its great rival, the Vivienne Gallery. This pretty covered gallery is the property of the National Library and, unlike other Parisian galleries, does not host any shops. Focused on culture, it is home to the National Institute of Art History
5 minutes here
Galerie Vivienne
Its history begins when the president of the Chamber of Notaries, Maître MARCHOUX, made known his wish to build the most beautiful and attractive gallery in Paris. A leading shopping space, where the Parisian elite could meet to stroll and have fun.
5 minutes here
The Palais-Royal became the property of the Orleans, the youngest branch of the Kingdom of France, in February 1692, when Louis XIV offered it to Monsieur, his brother. The palace garden was then open to the city.
10 minutes here
2nd Arr. - Bourse
Historically, stock trading took place at several spots in Paris, including rue Quincampoix, rue Vivienne (near the Palais Royal), and the back of the Opéra Garnier (the Paris opera house).
Pass by without stopping
Bibliotheque de la Societe Nationale d'Horticulture de France
(Closed on Monday) Is the national library and premier research institution of France, headquartered across multiple sites in Paris, with its main modern site in the 13th arrondissement
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Paris
Please meet at the top of the stairs of the metro.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Top Sights Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 25 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
25 verified traveler reviews for Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great tour to locate hidden areas of Paris
This tour was sensational and covered parts of Paris that we would not have found bu for this tour. Our guide, Julian, was great and showed an in depth knowledge of the history of these passages and many of the shops located in these passages.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour
Excellent guide named Alex. Pretty areas. Great photos
via Tripadvisor
Great guide! Great blend of history and stories.
I had a wonderful time exploring the most well known covered passages in Paris! Julian was an excellent guide who shared his passion for this aspect of the city with a good blend of history and stories. A great activity for those like myself who've been to Paris before and want to see beyond the big attractions.
via Tripadvisor
A great guide and...
A great guide and fascinating to walk through the passages, recommend if you want to see a more local Paris
via Viator
Great tour!
This was a great tour!! We actually went back again the next day to purchase things at stores we saw on the tour. Our guide was so nice and we enjoyed getting to know him and asking questions.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $40 to $55
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Top Sights Tours, who run 89 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.8 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Top Sights Tours runsWhy this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Paris.
How much does Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris cost?
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Prices start at $40 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Paris usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Paris is not rushed.
Is Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 27 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Paris, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Paris can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Paris and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Paris within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Paris?
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Paris rewards travelers who book ahead. The headline museums sell timed entry weeks out, the best food walks cap at eight people, and the Seine cruises that are worth doing are the ones that leave after sunset. Everything below is scored by the Outty Ranking so you can tell a genuine local favorite from a coach-tour filler in a single glance. On Outty we rank every Paris experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Paris City Center Free Walking Tour (Tip-Based), Louvre Museum Premium Guided Tour 6 GUESTS MAX Entry Included, Louvre Museum Essential Guided Tour Semi Private 6 GUESTS MAX. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Paris?
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April to June and September to October, when queues thin out and terraces stay open late. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Paris?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris?
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Included: Bibliothèque nationale de France is closed every Monday; and Friendly Guide. Not included: Tea and coffee; Personal Expenses; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris?
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Please meet at the top of the stairs of the metro. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Paris. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Secret Covered Passages Tour in Paris?
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Across 27 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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