The Passage du Grand Cerf, dating from around 1830, is the highest of all Parisian passages (about 40 feet). It is considered one of the most attractive in Paris and hosts the twice-yearly designers’ flea market, the Puces du Design. It is a block off the rue Montorgueil street market which I blogged about on 2/25/07, 4/5/07 and 4/6/07.In this passage, of which parts are under renovation, there was a very interesting photo posted – “Do you remember the ancient boutiques?” The sign indicates that the occupants in those days included a toy store, a cabinetmaker, a dressmaker, a French-Spanish restaurant, and, believe it or not, a hairdresser. Previously, this was the place for a restaurant with the same name (Big Stag) which, until the Revolution, was the departure and arrival point of mail coaches for the Messageries Royales,
destroyed in 1825.Passages Jouffroy et Verdeau are two long galleries that connect with several other smaller passages and give you a good idea of the elaborate network of arcades that once existed around the Grands Boulevards. They opened in 1845 and 1846, 
respectively. Jouffroy was built using the new construction technique—metal framework with window panes in the roof. It currently contains a walking cane shop and one selling dollhouse furnishings.
respectively. Jouffroy was built using the new construction technique—metal framework with window panes in the roof. It currently contains a walking cane shop and one selling dollhouse furnishings.
Built in 1845, Passage de la Madeleine houses some charming luxury boutiques as well as a fancy restaurant. It is often mistaken for the Jouffroy Passage.
A girl could spend hours in the Paris passages.
PS - Speaking of spending (ha! "spending"--get it??) hours--try the Grands Boulevards which are a number of boulevards between the place de la Bastille to the Madeline Church, past l'Opera and near place Vendome. Along them you will find lots of shops (fancy and not-so-fancy), restaurants, cafes, theatres, cinemas, etc.
One of the most famous and oldest music halls in Paris is the Olympia, on boulevard Capucines, which was opened in 1889 by the man who also created the Moulin Rouge (Mr. Oller). Many famous performers starred in this theatre (it is still open), including Edith Piaf who saved the Olympia from bankrupcty several times. It was considered "her" theatre and was the venue for the last scene in her 2007 movie, "La Vie en Rose." Ahhh, loved that movie...
