Take advantage of the sales to discover the covered passages of Paris

You’ve been looking forward to this for weeks and now it’s here... That's right, the Paris winter sales are upon us once again. From January 11th, 2017, the shops of the capital open their doors and invite you to take advantage of their knock-down prices. And why not also use the occasion to discover the covered passages of Paris? Perfect for leisurely shopping whatever the weather, they offer a unique architectural heritage and some wonderful shops. The Cler Hotel has selected a few for your consideration.

There are bargains to be had during the sales

For more than a month, Paris is a bargain hunter’s paradise thanks to the winter sales. Whether you want to buy luxury products, interior décor items or replenish your wardrobe, you’ll find the ideal places to do so during your Parisian shopping spree. If you’re looking for new trends, take a tour of the Marais district, where plenty of up and coming designers can be found. Many established designers have settled around the Place de la République, where they offer their creations. However, the Left Bank is determined not to be outdone in terms of fashion and on this side of the Seine you can visit the world-famous Bon Marché department store. You’ll discover stylish items at prices to help you make the most of your budget.

Don’t miss the Boulevard Haussmann and its famous department stores, Printemps and Galeries Lafayette, which offer just about everything you could want in one place. Wander the prestigious surroundings and enjoy the Art Deco dome of the Galeries, then visit the tea room to taste macaroons and other delicacies made by the great Parisian chocolatiers and pâtissiers.
Arms loaded with packages, you can quickly return to the Cler Hotel, ideally located in the heart of Paris.

A journey into yesteryear

After a good night's rest, why not continue your shopping spree by visiting the capital’s covered passages? The majority of these glass-roofed arcades were built during the early 19th century to give the shopping clientele of the day an opportunity to browse and buy in comfort and style. Among the twenty still-extant ones, several are particularly worth visiting, including the Passage des Panoramas, Galerie Vivienne, Passage Verdeau, Passage Brady, Passage du Caire, Passage Jouffroy and Passage des Princes. These shelter shops but also restaurants and even theatres and museums.

The two oldest, Panoramas and Caire, were built between 1798 and 1799. The chic elegance of the Passage des Panoramas, where you can see a performance at the Théâtre des Variétés, contrasts interestingly with the long and narrow Passage du Caire, a busy retail arcade in the Sentier district. This has an entrance decorated with statues of Hathor, an Egyptian goddess.

The Passage Jouffroy is effectively a continuation of the Passage des Panoramas on the other side of the Boulevard Montmartre and is home to some great boutiques and the famous Musée Grévin wax museum.

The most iconic passage is undoubtedly the Galerie Vivienne, with its colourful mosaics and numerous shops. The Galerie Colbert, a few steps away, is more intimate. Unlike the other covered passages, this has no shops but is oriented towards culture. Here you can find Le Grand Colbert, an Art Nouveau-style brasserie, as well as the Institut Nationale d’Histoire de l’Art and the Institut National du Patrimoine.

Finally, if you like an eastern ambience, the Passage Brady is a must. Here you can find the various Indian, Pakistani, Reunion and Mauritian shops that have earned the arcade the name Little India. Colourful saris and exotic food flavours add spice to the experience.

Le Cler Hotel, a classic and contemporary 3-star hotel in Paris, close to the Eiffel Tower