Stroll through this 19th‑century gem, Paris’s first iron-and-glass covered arcade, an extension of Passage des Panoramas and site of the renowned Grévin Wax Museum.
Description
Opened in 1847 between 10–12 boulevard Montmartre and 9 rue de la Grange‑Batelière, Passage Jouffroy is a prime example of the 19th‑century covered arcade trend—a shelter from rain and mud. Designed by architects Destailleur and de Bourges for Count Félix de Jouffroy‑Gonsans, it is notable for its iron structure supporting an elegant ogival glass roof—an impressive feat of engineering at the time. Measuring 140 m long and 4 m wide, the passage makes an L‑shape turn to accommodate the site’s slight slope.
Since 1882, the famed Musée Grévin at the boulevard Montmartre entrance has drawn families and culture lovers: its approximately 200 wax figures, from Louis XIV to Stromae, remain a persistent crowd‑pleaser. Inside, the geometric checkered marble floor is heated—a first at the time—and a full restoration in 1987 revived the original facades and canop.
Strolling under the arcade reveals romantic, refined atmosphere: antiques and curiosities shops, old‑fashioned toy boutiques (Pain d’Épices), vintage bookstores, and cozy tearooms like Le Valentin. The Salon des Miroirs, a former 19th‑century café‑concert, is now a privatized event venue.
This is an ideal place for meandering, discovering curiosities, and enjoying pastries or drinks in an elegant, timeless setting. Families will love the wonders, architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the early iron-and-glass construction, and tourists can combine visits to Passages Jouffroy, Verdeau, and Panoramas .
Fun fact: the passage has been featured in films like The Tourist (2010) with Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp. A sensational fake gold ingot exhibition caused excitement in the 19th century . Acquired in 2018 by a Dassault real estate fund, the arcade is now carefully preserved with respectful updates.
Who it’s for: tourists, families, heritage lovers, architecture buffs, and connoisseurs of curiosities and refined tearooms.
Practical info: open daily from 7 am to 9:30 pm, even on weekends. Nearest metro: Grands Boulevards (lines 8/9) or Richelieu‑Drouot; buses 20,39,48,67,74,85. Free entry.
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