Galerie Vivienne

The Basics

A highlight of Paris shopping tours and architectural tours of covered passageways, Galerie Vivienne is one of the city’s most striking neoclassical arcades. Its design features a soaring glass roof, decorative terrazzo floors, paintings and sculptures depicting trade-related scenes, and a rotunda with images of goddesses and nymphs.

The arcade was originally home to a variety of shops—including tailors, cobblers, wine shops, confectioners, and bookstores—and enjoyed a great deal of success due to its prime location near the Vanel de Serrant Hotel. Today, it offers a sophisticated shopping experience, with an updated assortment of boutiques alongside two original stores: the Librairie Jousseaume bookstore and Legrand Filles and Fils wine shop and gourmet store.

Things to Know Before You Go

• With its elegant boutiques and neoclassical design, Galerie Vivienne is a must for both shoppers and architecture buffs.
• Stop for a bite to eat at the storied Bistrot Vivienne, which has been open since the arcade was built.
• The covered and paved passage is accessible to strollers and wheelchairs and offers refuge on wet days.

How to Get There

The Gallerie Vivienne is located behind the Bibliotheque Richelieu near the Palais Royal and is a popular stop on walking tours of the Royal Palace and the surrounding area. It can be reached from the Bourse Metro station and has entrances off the rue des Petits-Champs, rue de la Banque, and rue Vivienne.

When to Get There

While the arcade is open all day, the shops keep business hours. Stroll through the Gallerie Vivienne during midday to find the boutiques and eateries open and bustling with patrons. Completely covered with a glass roof, this shopping arcade is an ideal rainy-day destination.

The Historic Covered Passages of Paris

Galerie Vivienne is one of the most elegant covered passages in Paris, but the city is home to a number of historic shopping arcades and landmark covered walkways that most tourists overlook. The Passage des Panoramas was the city’s first covered walkway, built more than 200 years ago. Other top arcades include the Passage Choiseul, Passage Jouffroy, and Passage Verdeau, known for its antique dealers and vintage shops. The best way to explore the city’s glass-roofed arcades is by joining a guided tour.

Ways to explore

A highlight of Paris shopping tours and architectural tours of covered passageways, Galerie Vivienne is one of the city’s most striking neoclassical arcades. The arcade was originally home to a variety of shops—including tailors, cobblers, wine shops, confectioners, and bookstores—and enjoyed great success due to its prime location near the Vanel de Serrant Hotel. Today, it offers a sophisticated shopping experience, featuring an updated assortment of boutiques alongside two original stores: the Librairie Jousseaume bookstore and Legrand Filles et Fils, a wine shop and gourmet store.

Accessibility

The passageway is wheelchair accessible, as is the Pyramides subway station. It’s a popular destination, so crowds may be overwhelming to some guests.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Money for shopping, reusable shopping bag, camera

What to wear

Comfortable shoes and a light jacket are always helpful when walking around Paris.

Not allowed

Smoking, drones

Amenities

Shops, bookstore, cafés

Address

Galerie Vivienne is situated in Paris’ 2nd arrondissement, nestled between the Palais-Royal and the Paris Bourse. This historic district is renowned for its neoclassical architecture and charming covered passages.

Driving

While it’s possible to drive to Galerie Vivienne, navigating the narrow, one-way streets of central Paris and finding parking can be challenging. Nearby paid parking options include Parking Bourse and Parking Palais Royal, both within a short walking distance.

Public transportation

Galerie Vivienne is easily accessible by public transportation. Take Métro Line 3 to Bourse station (5-minute walk), Line 9 to Grands Boulevards or Richelieu Drouot, or Line 1 to Palais Royal.

Best times to visit

Galerie Vivienne is open from 8:30am to 8pm. Early in the day is when you’ll encounter fewer crowds.

Best days to visit

Visiting on a weekday will offer the best opportunity to see the gallery with fewer people.

Best months to visit

The shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer fewer crowds in Paris and a more pleasant experience.