Paris is a city that reads like a novel, yet some of its most beautiful chapters are concealed between buildings, sheltered from prying eyes. There exists a secret Paris, a city beneath the city, where the sky is made of glass and iron, and where time seems frozen in the 19th century. These are the covered passages, veritable time tunnels winding through the bowels of the capital. Far from the grand Haussmann boulevards, these galleries are an invitation to exploration, a poetic wandering that resonates perfectly with the spirit of curiosity we cultivate at Inwood Hotels. Let us tell you their story.
An Invention for the Parisian "Flâneur"
Imagine the Paris of the 1820s. Sidewalks did not yet exist; the streets were muddy, dark, and congested with horse-drawn carriages. It was in this context that the covered passages were born. Designed as refuges for the bourgeoisie of the era, they were "miniature cities" protected from the elements by sublime glass canopies. At their peak, there were more than 150. Today, only about twenty remain, but they have retained all their magic. They invented a new way of experiencing the city: la flânerie (strolling). It was here, under the soft glow of gas lamps, that the Parisian elite came to see and be seen, sheltered from the rain and the tumult.
From Galerie Vivienne to Passage des Panoramas
Each passage possesses its own soul, its own scent. The Galerie Vivienne, undoubtedly the most elegant, welcomes you with floor mosaics signed by Giandomenico Facchina and a majestic rotunda. It is a setting of discreet luxury where one whispers rather than speaks, ideal for unearthing a rare book or treating oneself to a timeless tea. Further along, the Passage des Panoramas, the oldest of them all (1799), offers a radically different atmosphere. It is the haunt of philatelists and gourmets. Here, history mingles with living gastronomy. You walk in the footsteps of ancient engravings while being guided by the aromas of world cuisines. To plan your itinerary and ensure you miss none of these architectural gems, do not hesitate to consult the Paris Tourist Office guide. For antique lovers, the Passage Verdeau is an open-air cabinet of curiosities. You will find old books, vintage cameras, and objects that seem to have been waiting for their new owner for a century.
La Bourdonnais: The Modern Explorer's Refuge
This quest for the unusual, this desire to discover what lies behind appearances, is the very essence of travel. And it is precisely this soul that you will find when pushing open the doors of Hôtel La Bourdonnais. Located just steps from the Eiffel Tower, our establishment is much more than a hotel: La Bourdonnais is an explorer. A true sanctuary dedicated to travel, the hotel was conceived as the logbook of a passionate globe-trotter. From the warm colors of distant spices to textures evoking exotic lands, every detail of the decoration tells a story. After wandering the secret passages of the Right Bank, crossing the Seine to return to La Bourdonnais is like returning to base camp after an expedition. You can prolong your immersion by discovering our exotic cocktails at the Gloster Bar, where mixology also becomes a sensory journey. Paris is full of mysteries for those who know how to look. The covered passages are the historical proof, and La Bourdonnais is its contemporary incarnation. So, put on your walking shoes, open your eyes wide, and set out to explore the secret history of the City of Light.
