Le Chic En Rose

I’ll be continuing my French travel series soon moving further south to Burgundy, Lyon, Provence and the Cote d’Azur. However, since I have quite a collection of unpublished photos taken in Paris, I thought would be a nice idea to share some short vignettes from time to time in between other posts.

The online Oxford Languages Dictionary gives one of the definitions of vignette as: “a brief evocative description, account, or episode” which fits perfectly.

I’m starting off with a stroll through the beautiful neo-classical shopping arcade of Galerie Vivienne. I once saw a travel show, which showcased some of the beautiful historical arcades and passageways hidden in the various Parisian quartiers. This Parisian Guide (see here) goes into greater detail.

It was by chance, however, rather than design that we discovered this beautiful arcade en route from the Place de la Bourse to the Jardin du Palais Royal after doing some shopping in the 2nd arrondissement.

The Galerie Vivienne, is one of the most well-known of the historic surviving shopping arcades in Paris. There used to be many more back in their heyday in the 19th century (around 183 in 1867 according to estimates). These covered passageways were a popular meeting place and allowed the fashionable Parisian bourgeosie to promenade and do their shopping in style whilst being protected from the elements. Unfortunately, many were demolished during Baron Haussmann’s renovations of Paris in the mid 19th century and only about 25 now survive, mostly in the arrondissements of the Right Bank.

Galerie Vivienne was originally built in 1823 by Louis-Auguste Marchoux (President of the Chamber of Notaries) to plans drawn up by the architect François-Jacques Delannoy. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1974.

Co-owned by the The Académie des beaux-arts since 1870, it has been restored and refurbished after falling into a rather neglected state. As you wander round you can read about its history on information boards.

The architecture is magnificent! The arcade was constructed in a neo-classical Pompeian style with large glass vaulted ceilings throwing light onto the intricate tiled mosaic floor created by Giandomenico Facchina and Mazzioli.

With artisan shops, bookstores, paintings and high end fashion boutiques it was a beautiful place to wander through and admire the craftmanship of a bygone era.

Open to the public from Monday to Saturdays 8.30 – 20.30 it has free admission. Galerie Vivienne is well worth a visit – next time I’m lucky enough to find myself in Paris, I’ll be looking to explore a few other of these beautiful arcades.

Copyright © 2025 Rosemary Thomas Le Chic En Rose