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Inside Galerie Vivienne

1.18.2015
Paris Galerie Vivienne
Paris Galerie Vivienne
Paris Galerie Vivienne
Paris Galerie Vivienne
Paris Galerie Vivienne

It was so cold the other morning, I could hardly feel my fingers and toes after just a short walk around the 1st arrondissement. Nearly stumbling past street cleaners and shivering tourists, I made my way along Rue Vivienne seeking refuge from the wintery temps and peeked into the first open doorway, and there as inviting and aglow as a genie's magic lamp was Galerie Vivienne, one of the prettiest passageways in all of Paris with its mosaic tiled floors, luminous glass roof and brass lamps, reminiscent of old Paris. 

About 15 glass-covered shopping arcades (passages couverts) still exist around the city, each unique and beautiful in their own way. They were constructed between the late 18th and mid-19th centuries as covered streets to shop, dine and gain protection from outside elements. Although the passageway of Galerie Vivienne isn't heated, the establishments are, and I was able to defrost inside a wonderful toy store called Si Tu Veux (If You Want). Within the gallery are also bookshops, a lovely tea room and novelty and home stores that make this particular gallery worth a visit... not to mention the string lights and shiny holiday ornaments still adorn the potted trees :)


19 comments

  1. Lovely series of shots. I really like the black and white one...

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  2. I love your photos! think I would enjoy a coffee at the cafe

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  3. What a wonderful place! I'd love to have breakfast or lunch in that nice café or brasserie. It's been too long since I visited Paris last time... Have a nice day!

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  4. So happy for you that you stumbled upon this little gem of a shopping arcade. I love walking the streets of Paris and everytime I visit I discover something new. At the moment Paris is very much on my mind....
    Thank you so much for visitng my blog and all tour nice comments.
    Love looking at your wonderful pictures and the life you are leading in Paris.

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  5. I had no idea that indoor shopping areas existed that far back. But, then, why not, especially in Paris. Seeing your images, I want to be there to experience it all as well. Thank you.

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  6. I have a feeling the boys are happy you stopped by the toy store. A charming passageway indeed.

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  7. Oh, how charming! The tones of the images are so pleasing, too.I have read of these arcades, and they are much more elegant than I imagined. I could spend an enjoyable morning in that bookstore! What a wonderful find for you!

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  8. oh the beauty and elegance of Paris. Each and every image you post makes me want to visit again. I love the simple decorations on the potted trees. And oh to spend a morning browsing. Bliss. Have a wonderful week. I hope life is starting to settle down in Paris after the recent tragedies. Thank you for stopping by to say hi on my blog. I am glad you enjoyed the street art.

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  9. What a gorgeous place! Thank you for sharing these images!

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  10. I'm happy you stumbled upon this charming spot and shared it with us. Love the red decorations on the trees. Fun fun fun!

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  11. Was really looking forward to the visual inspiration of your post today. Whenever I need a little happy, your posts do the trick!

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  12. Thank you all so much for your very kind comments! :)

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  13. The passages couverts are enchanting places around the city; they do seem to have been held back in time - all for the better! Have you ever visited the galerie Véro-Dodat?

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  15. What a beautiful place... It really seems like every corner of Paris is beautiful! What a great city to live in (do you love it there?) Beautiful pictures and that tea room is romantic, I would love to see that one day...
    320 Stepsfrom Maya Pretty Nails And Tea

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