Galerie Vivienne is one of the most beautiful covered passages you can see in Paris. These passages date back from the late 1700’s to the middle of the 1800’s. They were meant to be shopping areas sheltered from the rain and horse carriages – sidewalks did not appear until later...

Galerie Vivienne was built from 1823 to 1826. The neo-classical frescoes display symbols relating to arts and commerce such as: caduceus - the attributes of Mercury, the god of commerce; cornucopias – aka the horn of plenty; laurel wreaths; and allegorical figures symbolizing arts and agriculture.

Covered passages are a great excuse to wander around the city. They are lined up with fancy boutiques, jewelers, arts and crafts, book sellers, and of course cafés and restaurants because let’s face it: shopping can be exhausting!