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.
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.
A little slice of serenity as I explore the often unvisited pockets of Paris, savouring what she has to offer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Paris Adèle’s Information Nécessaire:
Passage Boudin
Access: Rue de La Justice or Rue Alphonse Penaud
Paris 75020
Nearest Metro:
Saint-Fargeau or Pelleport
Opening Hours :
24 hours a day
7 days a week
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