When we think of Paris, we think of its bustling streets, iconic monuments and secret covered passages. Among these hidden treasures, the Galerie Véro-Dodat stands out as a jewel of the capital to be discovered during a stroll. Inaugurated in 1826 under the Restoration, the Galerie Véro-Dodat offers a glimpse into a bygone era of elegance and refinement. This Parisian covered passageway, located in the 1st arrondissement, can be reached via 19 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau or 2 rue du Bouloi.
This exceptional place welcomes you in a hushed atmosphere, where you can stroll from Monday to Saturday, from 7am to 10pm. It's an invitation to soak up the Parisian atmosphere of yesteryear, while enjoying antique stores, art galleries and the atelier-boutique of Christian Louboutin, emblem of French luxury. Despite the dark times that threatened its existence, the gallery was able to rise from the ashes, thanks in particular to the investment of antique dealers in the 1970s, thus avoiding its destruction. Today, it is listed on the Inventaire supplémentaire des Monuments Historiques, but has managed to avoid the overly restrictive classification that could have been imposed by the European Commission on Historic Monuments.
As you stroll through the gallery, you'll be guided by the optical perspectives of the black-and-white checkerboard paving, and admire the lighting globes that emphasize the alignment of stores with identical storefronts. Between the shops, you'll discover mirrors that reflect and enlarge the space, as well as a French-style ceiling decorated with mythological motifs.
We're surprised to learn that, as early as 1840, the site was abandoned due to structural complications, but we still feel the prestige of the past when we stand in front of the Café de la Galerie, a former meeting place for celebrities such as Gérard de Nerval. This passageway is also the story of two visionary entrepreneurs, Benoît Véro and François Dodat, who gave their name to this ambitious project, which began with the acquisition of several plots of land and the reconstruction of buildings in the heart of Paris.
The gallery is also a living space, with private apartments discreetly located upstairs. One can imagine the famous tragedienne Mademoiselle Rachel joining the Théâtre Français from her home at number 23 of the gallery in the 1830s.
For those seeking exceptional musical instruments in this historic passageway, a luthier 's boutique offers music lovers instruments such as mandolins, guitars and ukuleles. As for gourmet breaks, there's plenty to choose from: for example, you can savor the flavors of the brasserie-tea room of the same name: Le Véro-Dodat.
The Galerie Véro-Dodat represents that little-known aspect of Paris, where every street corner or passageway can reveal a chapter in the city's history. Yet it remains a confidential place, far from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist thoroughfares, and this is precisely what makes it a must-see for those seeking to discover the real Paris, the one that lives and breathes to the rhythm of its heritage and history.
Le Véro-Dodat, the authentic Brasserie-tea room in a historic covered passageway
Tucked away in the Galerie Véro-Dodat covered passageway is the Brasserie - Salon de thé of the same name: Le Véro-Dodat. With its blend of local cuisine and home-made gourmet tea, it's a great place to take a break from the past. [Read more]
Location
Galerie Vero-Dodat - passage couvert Paris 1er
Galerie Véro-Dodat
75001 Paris 1
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
