Walking route Passages (Sentier)

Start: Metro Etienne-Marcel
End: Metro Château d’Eau
Distance: 2.3 km
Duration: 2 hours
Last update: November 3, 2022

Overview

Route information

1. From the metro station, take Rue de Turbigo and turn left into Rue de Palestro just before the intersection with Boulevard Sébastopol. A little further down the street, on the left, is the entrance to Passage du Bourg l’Abbé.

Originally, this passage connected Passage du Grand Cerf and Passage de l’Ancre, but it was shortened due to the construction of Boulevard Sébastopol. On either side of the entrance on Rue de Palestro, architect Henri Blondel created two caryatids representing commerce and industry. The passage has fallen into disrepair, and many shops are closed.

2. At the end of the passage, cross Rue Saint-Denis. Diagonally across the street, you’ll find the entrance to Passage du Grand Cerf.

Built on the site of an old inn at the terminus of a stagecoach route, this bright passage features a high glass ceiling (almost 12 meters) and consists of three floors, with the upper levels connected by small bridges. Many storefronts have wooden facades, and the passage boasts beautiful wrought ironwork. Inside, you’ll find design, art, and interior decor shops.

3. At the end of the passage, cross Rue Dussoubs and continue through Rue Marie Stuart to Rue Montorgueil. Turn right and follow the street until just past the intersection with Rue de Réaumur. Then, turn right onto Rue du Nil, left onto Rue de Damiette (which later becomes Rue des Forges), and follow the curve to the right into Rue du Caire. Shortly after, on the left, you’ll find the entrance to Passage du Caire.

This passage was built on the site of the Convent of the Filles-Dieu. Originally, it consisted of three galleries: Saint-Denis, Sainte-Foy, and du Caire. It was named in honor of Napoleon Bonaparte’s 1798 Egyptian campaign. At the entrance on Place du Caire, you can see depictions of the Egyptian goddess Hathor. Historically, this area was a hub for printing, later becoming a center for mannequin production. Today, the passage is home to fashion and fabric shops, as well as sewing workshops. However, it has fallen into disrepair and is in need of restoration.

4. At the end of the passage, cross Rue Saint-Denis and veer slightly left into Passage du Ponceau.

Few of this passage’s original decorations remain. It was built as an extension of Passage du Caire but was shortened with the construction of Boulevard de Sébastopol. In the 1970s, the glass roof, mosaic flooring, and old storefronts were removed. Today, the passage is neglected, though there are plans for restoration. It is home to textile businesses and inexpensive restaurants.

5. At the end of the passage, turn left onto Boulevard Sébastopol, then take the first left onto Rue de Tracy. Turn right onto Rue Saint-Denis and continue until you reach Porte Saint-Denis. Turn right onto Boulevard Saint-Denis and, across the street, enter Passage du Prado on the left.

Originally built as the open-air Passage du Bois de Boulogne, named after a former dance hall located there, this passage was initially uncovered but featured a rotunda. In 1925, a glass roof was added, and in 1930, the passage was renamed Passage du Prado after the museum in Madrid. Today, only the Art Deco-style arches remain, and the passage is often deserted.

6. Follow Passage du Prado as it curves, leading to Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis. Turn right. After the intersection with Rue de Metz, you’ll find the entrance to Passage Brady on the right.

This passage was built by two entrepreneurs, Briavoinne and Brady, with 113 shops and residential apartments above. In 1854, the construction of Boulevard de Strasbourg split the passage in two. Until around 1975, Passage Brady was a textile trade center. Since then, it has transformed into a hub for over 20 Indian and Pakistani restaurants and shops, making it a lively place. However, the abundance of tables and chairs from the restaurants makes walking through difficult. Only the western section of the passage is covered. The passage appears rundown, and restoration plans are in place.

7. At the end of the passage, turn left onto Boulevard Sébastopol and continue to the Château d’Eau metro station.