Passage Boudin

Secret Passage Paris

 

Passage Boudin

At first sight, Passage Boudin appears to be quite unremarkable but closer inspection will reveal a cobbled passage with creeping vines dripping down charming cottage walls, colourful number plaques, pretty flower boxes and an unusual semi-circular building that would be more at home in the Mediterranean.

secret paris passage

 

 

 

A sense of adventure and a genuine thrill ripples through my body when I discover out of the way places in Paris.

More often than not, the only noise I can hear is my own footsteps and my only companion is my camera.

It is times like these when I feel at peace, away from the bustling boulevards and large monuments that attract the throngs of tourists.

 

passage boudin paris

 

 

 

 

A little slice of serenity as I explore the often unvisited pockets of Paris, savouring what she has to offer.

passage boudin paris
passage boudin paris
passage boudin paris

Passage Boudin, located in the 20th arrondissement of Paris and not far from Père Lachaise Cemetery was originally farming land in the outskirts of Paris.

passage boudin paris
passage boudin paris
passage boudin paris

Gabriel Boudin’s grandfather had farmed the land since 1802 and inherited it from him in 1839.  By 1860 Napoleon III had broadened the city limits dividing the city from 12 arrondissements to 20.

Monsieur Boudin took advantage of the redesigning of Paris and by 1866 had successfully divided his land into 23 unequal parcels with a private thoroughfare named after himself to enable access through the subdivisions.

passage boudin paris

However this was not a happy arrangement as the residents had to contribute towards the maintenance of the passage.

Eventually in 1992 the City of Paris deemed the passage public.

 

passage boudin roundabout

 

 

 

 

The only evidence today that the cottage at number 16 was home to a printing press and number 14 a bag manufacturer is the small round-about at the passage’s centre which allowed for trucks to pass one another.

A very unusual house which curves with the contours of the round-about, painted white with bright blue shutters appears that it would be more at home in the mediterranean.

However it simply adds a nice surprise to this quaint and quiet street that is full of colourful detail and packed with charm.

 

Although the narrow passage measures only 114 metres in length, there is so much to discover and explore.

Pretty flowers brighten windows, colourful shutters and doors liven up houses, a green bird box with wings offers sanctuary to small birds and brass knockers and mosaic number plaques are just some of the personal touches that you can find as you stroll along the cobbled path.

If you are searching for a small slice of Paris that only the locals know about, then Passage Boudin fits the bill.

 

Paris has many hidden treasures, you just need to know where to find them.

If you have found this information interesting or useful, please leave a comment or follow me on facebook for daily tips, photos and anecdotes, your feedback encourages me to keep this site up to date. Merci!

 

Paris Adèle’s Information Nécessaire:

passage boudin paris

 

Passage Boudin

Access: Rue de La Justice or Rue Alphonse Penaud
Paris 75020

MAP

Nearest Metro:
Saint-Fargeau or Pelleport

Opening Hours :
24 hours a day
7 days a week

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2 Responses to Passage Boudin

  • janelle

    Adele I love your site and the information that you put together and post here and on Facebook. Your love of Paris shines through. Your posts provide a beautiful in-depth look at the Paris that is waiting to be discovered and explored and celebrated. Whenever I eventually get to Paris, I will have all your blogs and tips and hints with me.
    Please keep posting.

    • parisadele

      Bonjour Janelle,
      thank you so much for taking the time to send this wonderful message, it has made my heart sing! Sometimes I wonder if anyone reads it, so it is so nice to hear that you have been. I hope you make it to Paris soon and thank you once again for your very kind words. I really appreciate it.

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