Galerie Vivienne

Galerie Vivienne, a stunning 1826 Paris passage, charms with glass roofs, mosaics, boutiques, cafés, and timeless elegance near the Palais-Royal.

Galerie Vivienne is one of the most elegant covered passages in Paris, tucked away in the 2nd arrondissement near the Palais-Royal. Built in 1823 by architect François-Jacques Delannoy, it opened in 1826 and quickly became a fashionable shopping destination. The passage is a masterpiece of neoclassical design, with a glass roof that bathes the space in natural light, ornate arches, decorative windows, and a central rotunda. Its mosaic floors, created by celebrated Italian craftsmen, add vibrant detail with intricate geometric patterns that make the gallery a favourite for photographers and architecture enthusiasts.

Today, Galerie Vivienne is filled with refined boutiques, from designer fashion and vintage curiosities to wine merchants, home décor, and antique shops. The passage also houses charming cafés and tearooms, along with the historic Librairie Jousseaume, one of Paris’s oldest bookstores. The atmosphere offers a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the streets outside, making it as much a cultural and historical experience as a shopping one. Open daily and free to enter, it remains one of Paris’s most enchanting spots to stroll, shop, or simply admire the timeless blend of light, colour, and elegance. 

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Paris
The Louvre Museum
The Louvre is the biggest museum in the world. Inside you’ll find the jewels of every civilisation since prehistory.
The Mona Lisa
There’s little that can be said about the world's most famous painting that hasn’t been said before. But don’t miss it...
The Venus de Milo
This Ancient Greek statue depicting Aphrodite of Milos is possibly the world's most acclaimed marble masterpiece.
Egypitan Wing at the Louvre
Counted as one of the world’s largest such collections, it includes more than 50,000 pieces that give a detailed overview of Egyptian life and customs from the earliest days of Ancient Egypt.
Le Palais Royal
A former royal palace turned government building, the Palais-Royal is one of Paris's most elegant monuments, known for its rich history and beautiful gardens.
Jardin du Palais Royal
The Jardins du Palais-Royal are one of Paris's most elegant and peaceful green spaces, a formal French garden in the heart of the First Arrondissement.

Related Tours

Bonjour Paris: Private Breakfast Classics Food Tour

Paris is undoubtedly one of the world’s culinary capitals, so it’s not hard to find delicious dishes at any time of the day, but there’s nothing quite like starting your morning at a French bakery, breathing in the irresistible aroma of freshly baked croissants. If your idea of a perfect morning involves copious amounts of Parisian pastries, then our private food tour is the best way to begin a day exploring the City of Light. In the capable hands of your knowledgeable foodie guide, you’ll discover a carefully chosen selection of Paris’s wonderful bakeries, patisseries and artisanal shops and hear the stories behind them

On your 2.5-hour private food tour, you will:

  • Spend an indulgent morning sampling iconic and delicious Parisian delicacies;
  • Enjoy the undivided attention of your private Parisian guide;
  • Learn the key elements of a truly French breakfast;
  • Explore the majestic Palais-Royal quarter;
  • Taste several of the city’s most-lauded croissants and decide for yourself which one is the best;
  • Stroll through one of the prettiest passages couverts and uncover the origins of these elegant glass-roofed shopping arcades;
  • Delve into the art of French chocolate making and taste the handiwork of famous chocolatiers such as Alain Ducasse;
  • Sample savoury bites as well as sweet, including a fresh baguette and fabulous French cheese;
  • Sip Viennese coffee, French tea and tasty hot chocolate.

Start your day the Parisian way on this indulgent private food tour that blends breakfast culture, sweet delights, and savoury specialities in the heart of the city. Beginning near the elegant Palais-Royal, your local guide will lead you through this historic neighbourhood, pointing out hidden gems and architectural treasures while introducing you to some of the capital’s most beloved culinary traditions.

The adventure opens with a Viennese coffee and a mission worthy of any food lover: to uncover the best croissant in Paris. You’ll sample three different varieties from acclaimed bakeries, comparing their flaky layers, buttery richness, and perfect golden crust before declaring your favourite. From there, the tastings expand into a feast for the senses: decadent artisanal chocolate from a master chocolatier, a traditional baguette paired with exquisite French cheese and butter, and seasonal surprises that might include quiche, cookies, or pastries that only locals know to seek out. Alongside the bites, you’ll sip French tea and rich hot chocolate, deepening your appreciation for the rituals of a true Parisian breakfast.

Between tastings, the walk takes you through the serene Palais-Royal gardens and into one of Paris’ most enchanting 19th-century covered passages, atmospheric shopping arcades that flourished in the city long before the advent of modern shopping malls, where elegant boutiques and cafés hark back to the city’s golden age. The experience concludes in the lively Rue Montorgueil district, a bustling market street where Parisians have shopped, snacked, and socialised for centuries.

This fantastic foodie experience is a delicious journey into the flavours, stories, and settings that define the Parisian way of life. Perfect for inquisitive travellers with an appetite for both culture and cuisine, it’s the sweetest way to begin your day in Paris, Bonjour!

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