The Passage Jouffroy is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful passages in Paris. But it's also a place full of unusual stories. Built in 1846, it stands out not only for its unique architecture, but also for a few surprising anecdotes. There are traces of Paris' very first fast-food restaurant and the mysterious story of a gold ingot. We tell you the secrets of this emblematic passageway!
The Passage Jouffroy is remarkable for being one of the first Parisian passages built entirely of metal and glass. Inaugurated in 1846, it reflects the technical advances of the time, notably with its glass roof that bathes the entire passage in natural light. It has become a model for other passages in Paris, combining elegance and modernity while protecting visitors from the rain.
In 1851, a company called the Société des Lingots d'Or (Gold Ingot Society ) caused a sensation by organizing a lottery, the main prize of which was a gold ingot on public display in a shop window in the passageway. The ingot, valued at 400,000 francs, attracted a crowd of curious onlookers. However, the lottery turned out to be a fraud. The ingot was never awarded to a winner, and the story remains one of the scandals associated with the passage. The original aim was to finance the sending of unemployed Parisians to California during the gold rush, but the results fell far short of expectations... This cartoon depicting the failed lottery shows an amusing scene in which a bourgeois family freshly arrived in California sees their servants abandon them to rush off to the gold mines. This scene illustrates the collective madness of the time, when everyone dreamed of making their fortune.
Yes, and it's one of the curiosities of the passage. After the bankruptcy of the famous gold bullion company, the store was transformed in 1853 into an"American Buffet", the forerunner of fast-food establishments. This concept was imported from the United States, where customers ate simple, fast, standing meals served at a counter. This type of fast food was totally new to Paris at the time. It prefigured fast food as we know it today, and the Passage Jouffroy is remembered as the location of this first establishment.
The Passage is also renowned for its unique and historic boutiques. For example, Galerie Segas, opened in 1975, specializes in the sale of collector's canes. Here you'll find rare models, made from luxurious materials such as precious wood, ivory and mother-of-pearl. There's also Pain d'Epices, a traditional toy store reminiscent of childhood, with its dolls' houses and wooden horses. Finally, for lovers of antiques, La Maison du Roy offers a selection of 18th-century decorative objects.
Located in the heart of the Passage Jouffroy, theHôtel Chopin immediately catches the eye. Its wooden façade, listed as a Monument Historique, transports us to another era. Its name echoes one of the most emblematic artists of 19th-century Romanticism. This historic landmark is one of the oldest hotels in Paris, and a great place to visit on a stroll through the capital's covered passageways.
Absolutely! Passage Jouffroy is a popular location for film-makers. Several films have been shot here, including "The Tourist" (2010) with Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp. In 2016, "Adopte un veuf" starring André Dussollier used the passageway as a backdrop. Its timeless beauty and historic Parisian ambience make it an ideal location for cinema.
The Musée Grévin, opened in 1885, plays a central role in the reputation of the Passage Jouffroy. This museum of wax statues, located at one of the passage's exits, attracts many visitors who take the opportunity to explore the surrounding stores. Its presence helps to maintain the liveliness and charm of this passageway over the decades.
In 2018, the Passage Jouffroy was purchased by the Dassault Group's real estate arm, as part of a vast investment operation targeting several iconic Paris locations. The purchase is part of a long-term conservation and enhancement strategy, aimed at preserving the passage's unique heritage while making modern improvements.
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Passage Jouffroy has two main entrances. The first is at 10-12 boulevard Montmartre, close to the Musée Grévin. The second entrance is at 13 rue de la Grange-Batelière, offering a more discreet but equally charming alternative. To get there by public transport, the nearest metro stations are Grands Boulevards (lines 8 and 9) and Richelieu-Drouot (line 8), providing easy access from all corners of Paris.
In short, why not take a stroll through the Passage Jouffroy and discover its treasures? It's a witness to fascinating stories, scandals and innovations that have left their mark on the city. It's a place where you can stroll, discover exceptional boutiques, and perhaps recall that, under this glass roof, a (fake) gold ingot once made thousands of Parisians dream!
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