Galerie Vivienne
Shopping Mall

Entrée du Passage Choiseul | © LPLT/WikiCommons
This exquisite passage is just a step away from the Palais Royal. Built in 1823 by Marchoux – its creator attempted to name the passage after himself but to his disappointment lost out to the name, Vivienne. It was an extremely popular commercial spot until the the Haussmann renovations enticed most major shops away to Madeleine. Its revival came in the 1980s with the opening of the Jean-Paul Gaultier boutique. Today the extraordinary Galerie Vivienne gathers luxury boutiques, as well as peculiar art, book and fabric shops, an inviting tea room, and lovely bistros. The elegant canopy and colors offer a rare light into the passage, and the original mosaic floor and artistic detailing make it one of the most worthwhile visits in Paris.