The arcades of Paris

In the 19^th century, more than one hundred arcades (passages or galeries in french) enabled Parisians to enjoy strolls through Paris while at the same time being sheltered from bad weather and the hazardous and congested traffic on the dirty streets. There they were able to admire the recent technical feats: gas lighting, the long glass ceilings and the ironwork which created a new aesthetics and represented the beginning of modern trade. Today, the 17 surviving arcades, which have been miraculously preserved by time, retain a certain mystery about them. They boast an unparalleled architectural beauty and a particularly rich history.

Patrice de Moncan takes us on a tour of these arcades which appeared for the first time in Paris at the Palais-Royal in 1786. He gives us a rare insight into their history and their life today in Paris in the 21^st century. 175 illustrations.