Did you know? The Galerie Vivienne, Paris's most charming covered passageway, is built on a former cemetery.

Discover the Galerie Vivienne, a historic gem in the heart of Paris, open since 1826 and listed as a historic monument. It's a must-see in Paris, especially when it rains.

In the heart of Paris, the Galerie Vivienne stands as a living testimony to the elegance and refinement of the 19th century. Inaugurated in 1826, it was designed by architect François-Jacques Delannoy and financed by notary Marchoux. Forming an "L" between rue des Petits-Champs and rue Vivienne, near the Palais-Royal, the gallery offers a fascinating glimpse of neo-classical architecture, with its arcades, floor mosaics and luxurious decorations.

From its very beginnings, the Galerie Vivienne was a highly sought-after location, home to top-quality shops such as bootmakers, tailors, booksellers and confectioners. It witnessed innovations such as the Cosmorama andUranorama, popular attractions of the time. However, the passage of time and the relocation of luxury shops to other parts of Paris plunged it into semi-oblivion, until the partial collapse of its dome in 1961.

Renaissance and renewal came with its listing as a Monument Historique in 1974. Today, the Galerie Vivienne is a must-see to discover the atmosphere of the Belle Époque. Here you'll find historic businesses such as the Jousseaume bookshop, founded in 1826, whose customers included such luminaries as Colette and Aragon. The uniqueness of this area is reinforced by its famous inhabitants, such as Vidocq, the former convict turned police inspector.

The Galerie Vivienne is also an architectural treasure trove. The floor mosaics, created by the famous mosaicist Facchina, form an exceptional setting, exalting the attributes of commerce and victory. Its strategic position between the Palais-Royal and the Bourse contributed to its initial success under the Restoration, and after a period of disuse, it has been enjoying a second lease of life since the 1960s.

Anecdotes and curiosities

The Galerie Vivienne, a jewel of architecture and history in the heart of Paris, is full of fascinating anecdotes. Did you know that it was built on an ancient Gallo-Roman cemetery? In 1751, a funerary urn with a moving inscription was discovered, dedicated to a young girl named Ampudia Amanda, who died at the age of 17.
The name"Vivienne" comes from the Vivien family, Parisian bourgeois who gave their name to the street in 1631, which became a flourishing commercial thoroughfare between the Palais-Royal and Boulevard Montmartre.
In the 19th century, under the impetus of the notary Marchoux, the gallery became the busiest passageway in Paris, offering a lively alternative to the monotonous galleries of the Palais Royal.
One of its attractions was the Cosmorama by the Italian abbé Gazzera, opened in 1832, a unique show featuring landscapes from all over the world in relief thanks to special mirrors.
The Galerie Vivienne also competed historically with its neighbor, the Galerie Colbert. Its stuccoes, created by François-Jacques Delannoy, illustrate ancient themes and symbols of success, such as the caduceus of Mercury.
Finally, the magnificent floor mosaics by Italian artist Facchina, added in 1880, testify to his exceptional expertise, already recognized in iconic Parisian venues.

The Galerie Vivienne remains an emblematic Parisian landmark, a place where people love to stroll and immerse themselves in elegant, historic Paris. A stroll down its aisles is an invitation to travel back in time, offering a charming, gourmet and cultural break in the heart of the city. Come and discover this hidden treasure, a veritable hymn to Parisian history and architecture. During the festive season, the gallery is decked out in festive lights for an even more enchanting experience.

Paris to unveil commemorative plaque in tribute to fashion designer Kenzo Takada
Paris is set to honor the legendary Kenzo Takada with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the Galerie Vivienne during Fashion Week. Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris, will unveil this tribute to the legacy of the Japanese designer who passed away in 2020. [Read more]