The Private Passage of 61 Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis
Be quiet as a mouse, act confidently and offer a polite bonjour to the security guard at the entrance, preferably with an added Monsieur or Madame for the utmost respect.
You are about to discover a little oasis in the middle of Paris.
Ignoring the sign ‘Privée’ which warns that you are entering private property, saunter through the pretty passageway with a sense of adventure and excitement but sshhh …
You don’t want to be refused entry at this point!
Pots full of lush plants line the entire paved ‘impasse’ (dead end laneway) adding to the magic of this secret hideaway.
Apart from a few bicycles propped up against walls, a couple of benches and seats scattered along this delightful Parisian passage, you won’t find much else here except a welcome respite from the busy street outside and a tranquil little piece of paradise.
Cute as a button, clean as a whistle and pretty as a picture.
Please don’t confuse this sweet passage tucked behind the blue double doors at number 61 with the Cour des Petites-écuries (the courtyard of the small stables) at bis 61 and opposite Passage Reilhac pictured here.
A visit to Cour des Petites-écuries and Passage Reilhac, approximately 4 shopfronts north is also worth a quick peek, considering that you are in the area, but don’t be disappointed that you missed this unique gem by confusing 61 with ‘bis’ 61.
Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis was once a royal thoroughfare on the outskirts of the now long demolished fortified wall protecting Paris, represented by the doors of Saint-Martin (Porte Saint-Martin) and Porte Saint-Denis pictured below.
Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis may appear a little seedy in places, however, it is quickly becoming the hip new place for Parisians to reside and is worth a stroll along this long road to discover more open and covered passageways that branch off the street.
The monumental arches; Porte Saint-Denis and Porte Saint-Martin, commissioned by Louis XIV and located a mere 260 metres from the secret passage at 61 Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis would be a good place to start your exploration of this area, abound with passageways which could fill a good part of the day discovering Paris for free.
However, if you only make it to this deliciously enticing car free passage, you will be so glad you did.
Although I have searched in vain to learn historical information about this quaint passage that I stumbled across during my wanderings, I hit a brick wall. Not a thing to be found but maybe the fact that it doesn’t appear to be documented anywhere means it is simply our little secret and we can keep it that way.
There are plenty of hidden treasures to be found in Paris, you just need to know where to find them …
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Paris Adèle’s Information Nécessaire:
Secret Passage
61 Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis
Paris 75010
MAP including Porte Saint-Denis and Porte Saint-Martin
Opening Times:
Monday – Saturday during business hours
Closed Sundays
Nearest Metro:
Strasbourg-Saint-Denis or Château d’eau
Combine a visit to the secret passage with these historic covered passageways:
Passage du CaireA unique façade, a magnificent glass ceiling, 360 metres in length, Passage du Caire is the oldest and longest Passage in Paris
Passage du PradoRarely mentioned in travel guides, with not a tourist in sight, this unique passage was once in the heart of fashionable Paris.
More Paris Adèle Secrets :
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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.
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