From Palais royal to the "Grands Boulevards"

The Parisian arcades experienced a golden age during the first half of the 19th century. Of the fifty or so built at this time, fifteen have survived. Their creation was due to several different factors including the rising affluence of the commercial classes and innovations in architectural design. They offered Parisians a new exciting place to shop or saunter, before the arrival of the "Grands Boulevards" and department stores.

The proposed visit includes some of the remaining arcades between Palais Royal and the Grands Boulevards, which will show their charm and variety from up market luxury to more modest and basic environments. The whole walk made more enjoyable by the protection of their glass roofs.