Passage de l’Ancre
It would be easy to pass by the wonky blue doors on Rue Saint-Martin in the 3rd arrondissement without a second glance.
Paint peeling from the surrounding shutters, the door lintel on a precarious angle, groaning under the weight of the apartments above.
But stepping through the dimly lit entrance, to discover one of Paris’ secret passages will prove to be a pleasant reward.
A riot of colour bouncing off the walls and light flooding in from above.
Small businesses line the private passage with their brightly painted façades.
Pot plants abound, flourishing with lush green plants.
And ivy dripping from the walls, creates a charming and tranquil ambiance.
The narrow passage measuring 2.5 metres wide, once connected Rue Saint-Martin with Rue du Bourg l’Abbé until Boulevard de Sébastopol was created in 1855 severing the thoroughfare.
Today, Passage de l’Ancre meaning passage of the anchor, connects Rue Saint-Martin with Rue de Turbigo.
The passage was renamed Passage de l’Ancre-Royale but during the French Revolution became Passage de l’Ancre-Nationale and today it is simply the Passage of the Anchor.
This is where in the 1640’s Monsieur Sauvage set up the first ‘taxi’ fiacre service at his Inn; Hôtel Saint-Fiacre.
Saint-Fiacre became known as the patron saint for taxi drivers.
It is believed that some of his customers were Royal Navy personnel and perhaps this is where the anchor came into play.
The pretty passage which is considered one of the oldest in Paris is now home to independent businesses and apartments above.
You won’t find fashion boutiques or shoe shops here, instead what you will find is L’Atelier de Fred, the workshop of Fred, a famous globe trotting TV chef who conducts cooking classes and the very unusual workshop of Pep’s umbrella repairs.
Pep’s, with the distinctive colourful signage of a man wearing a bowler hat and carrying a red umbrella has been repairing and making custom-made umbrellas since 1960.
Passage de l’Ancre is steeped in history and such a marvellous little find away from the hustle and bustle of the nearby busy streets. Discovering quiet secret passageways like this in Paris, are moments to be cherished.
Who would know such a delightful and tranquil little piece of paradise could be tucked away behind an unassuming crooked doorway.
Passage de l’Ancre has two entrances; rue Saint-Martin and rue de Turbigo however I would highly recommend the rue Saint-Martin entrance for the best experience.
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 de l’Ancre – MAP
223 rue Saint-Martin
Paris 75003
Alternative entrance
30 rue de Turbigo – MAP
Paris 75003
Opening Times:
Monday – Saturday during business hours
Closed Sundays
Nearest Metro:
Réamur-Sebastopol and Arts et Métiers
PEP’s Umbrella Repairs – Official Website
A visit to Passage de l’Ancre could be combined with a visit to the secret giant Angel of Paris, Arts et Metiers Museum and lunch or dinner at Ambassade d’Auvergne:
Ambassade d’AuvergneMashed potatoes whipped into a silken white purée, delivered to the table and spectacularly stretched, as high as the arm will go.
An Angel in ParisSoaring high above, with it's delicate wings nestled under a fourth floor balcony and yet remarkably this rare Paris secret often goes unnoticed.
You can read about my experience at Passage de l’Ancre below:
With no pain killers and all the pharmacies closed on New Years Day had me confined in the apartment all day. Perhaps it wasn’t a bad thing to finally get some rest and sleep. However, today had me feeling quite proud of myself. Not only did I step out today but I managed to tell …
More of My Secret Finds:
Belle Époque BrothelsLavish brothels dotted around Paris during the Belle Epoque were easily identifiable, some relics exist today, if you know what to look for.
Square de MontsourisA hidden jewel, begging to be discovered. Eclectic maisons wrapped in greenery, unseen by most tourists to Paris.
Secret Garden Hôpital Hôtel-DieuA secret garden in an unusual location, right in the centre of Paris that thousands of tourists pass by each day without knowing it exists.
La GalcanteVintage periodicals and books fill this small quirky, off the beaten path shop in a secluded courtyard where you may find the perfect Parisian souvenir.
Lavirotte Building and Square RappExquisite Art Nouveau building with one of the most beautiful doors in Paris & a tiny square that offers a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower.
Passage de l’AncreWho would know a delightful, tranquil little piece of paradise could be hidden away behind an unassuming crooked doorway in the heart of Paris.
Rue CrémieuxA tiny paved street, that oozes charm, lined with pretty colourful houses that will take your breath away, still one of Paris' best kept secrets.
Musée des Arts ForainsTransport yourself back in time. Ride spectacular antique carousels, play ancient fair-ground games and admire colourful memorabilia.
Villa Olivier-MétraPretty cottages with colourful shutters line this serene leafy path with quaint personal touches added by residents who have a playful sense of humour.
Bibliothèque Sainte-GenevièveA remarkable and historic reading room with its spectacular ceiling, books lining the vast long walls and rows of green reading lamps.
St. Sergius Orthodox Theological InstituteHidden away on a leafy hill is the oldest Russian Orthodox Theological Institute in Western Europe.
Restaurant Foyer de la MadeleineLurking deep in the cellars of L’église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine is one of Paris' best kept secrets, Restaurant Foyer de la Madeleine.
An Angel in ParisSoaring high above, with it's delicate wings nestled under a fourth floor balcony and yet remarkably this rare Paris secret often goes unnoticed.
Bibliothèque RichelieuMillions of books line the walls of this historic library under monumental ceilings and finally, it is open to the public.
The Secret PassageThis lush and adorably sweet top secret passageway is a pure delight. Let me show you where to find it and how to gain entry. But sssh ... it's our secret.
Passage BoudinCreeping vines, colourful flower boxes and an unusual semi-circular building that would be more at home in the Mediterranean is just some things you will find.
Cité FloraleA secret micro village hidden away, in a small pocket, off the beaten path in the 13th arrondissement of Paris. Discover why it is called the Floral City.
La Butte aux CaillesA secret hideway with cobbled streets, a sweet village square, interesting street art and friendly, affordable cafés, tucked away in the 13th arrondissement.
Rue de MouzaïaOff the beaten path, Rue de Mouzaia will make you feel blessed that you discovered this secret hideaway and it’s surrounds in the 19th arrondissement.
Rue des ThermopyleApart from locals taking a short-cut, or Parisians on a quiet stroll, what you will find here is a wisteria filled, rustic cobbled pathway.
Square Saint-Gilles Grand VeneurHidden away behind the Hôtel du Grand Veneur in the Marais is a little known secret square with a surprising artistic connection.
Salvador Dali SundialMany people pass this hidden gem by Salvador Dali tucked away on the Left Bank of Paris unaware that they only need to look up.
2 Responses to Passage de l’Ancre