The secret places of the 9th arrondissement of Paris
On Rue de Milan in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, the LAZ' Hotel Spa Urbain sits at the crossroads of temples of shopping, concert halls and business centers — but that's not all, because the 9th arrondissement of Paris is also full of many other secret spots often unknown to the general public. Shopping enthusiasts of course know Galeries Lafayette and Le Printemps on the Grands Boulevards, home to many contemporary brands, but few actually know about the covered passages, hidden spots between these Grands Boulevards, home to many unusual shops.
Looking to get off the beaten path? Between forgotten covered passages, Art Nouveau façades and hidden shops, Paris 9 is full of secret and unusual spots that even Parisians sometimes don't know about. Here is our selection of the most beautiful secret spots in Paris, secret places in Paris, and hidden gems in Paris to discover just steps from the LAZ' Hotel.
THE SECRETS OF THE GALLERIES IN PARIS' 9TH ARRONDISSEMENT
In everyone's mind, the 9th arrondissement of Paris is undoubtedly linked to shopping, and you simply can't talk about this topic without paying tribute to the Grands Magasins, iconic landmarks of the 9th arrondissement of Paris. This time, though, we've chosen to reveal them from a different angle.
A symbol of French elegance that has become famous throughout Paris' history, Galeries Lafayette is a must-see stop in the 9th arrondissement. For the curious, it's possible to learn more about its history and uncover its secrets by taking a guided tour of the building, which will take you back in time and reveal the secrets of this iconic 9th arrondissement landmark: The secrets of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann.
Just steps away, Le Printemps, a major French fashion brand, is also a must-see stop among the temples of shopping, and is well worth a visit just for the breathtaking view from the terrace of its rooftop restaurants. Take a seat at one of the tables and see the Opéra and the Eiffel Tower like you've never seen them before!
UNUSUAL SPOTS IN PARIS 9: DISCOVERING THE SECRETS AROUND THE GRANDS MAGASINS
Behind the Haussmannian façade of the Grands Magasins also lie some of the most beautiful unusual spots in Paris 9: Art Nouveau domes, historic glass roofs and interior courtyards that few visitors take the time to look up and notice. These are the details, often invisible at first glance, that make the 9th arrondissement one of the capital's richest neighborhoods in terms of secret spots, far beyond its best-known shops.
THE SECRET PASSAGES OF PARIS' 9TH ARRONDISSEMENT
Like a trip back in time, the Grands Boulevards are also home to shops from another era. A few streets from the Grands Magasins begins a tangled series of covered passages dating back to the 19th century — like pierced-through galleries that were once used to get around Paris, back when the capital was a chaotic maze of buildings.
Ancestors of today's shopping malls, cut off from noise and crowds, the unique charm of Paris' covered passages will instantly transport you back to the 19th century. Giving this neighborhood its unmistakable charm, the most famous of these passages, located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, is without a doubt Passage Jouffroy, at 10-12 Boulevard Montmartre. Built in 1836, Passage Jouffroy owes its charm to its beautiful iron-and-glass architecture and marble flooring. Another distinctive feature is the variety and originality of the establishments it houses. This is where you'll find the Musée Grévin, Le Salon des Miroirs, as well as numerous shops, each more original than the last, which alone are worth the detour.
If you'd like to learn more about the secrets of the 9th arrondissement of Paris and lose yourself further in the maze of these covered passages, you can discover them on a walk that starts at Passage VERDEAU, at 31 bis Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009 Paris, and continues through the 9th and 2nd arrondissements of Paris.
PASSAGE IN PARIS 9: A STROLL THROUGH THE COVERED PASSAGES OF THE 9TH ARRONDISSEMENT
To extend the stroll, head to the Grands Boulevards neighborhood, home to the finest collection of covered passages in Paris 9: Passage Jouffroy, Passage Verdeau and their neighboring galleries in the 2nd arrondissement follow one another in a row. Each passage in the 9th arrondissement has its own atmosphere, between old bookshops, artisan workshops and retro storefronts, offering a timeless break just a few minutes' walk from the LAZ' Hotel.
THE 9TH ARRONDISSEMENT OF PARIS, A NEIGHBORHOOD TO EXPERIENCE DIFFERENTLY
Beyond its secret spots and covered passages, the 9th arrondissement of Paris can also be discovered through its more secluded streets, listed façades and neighborhood addresses. To plan your stay and find other great addresses around the hotel, check out our Saint-Lazare neighbourhood guide and discover why the LAZ' Hotel, a boutique hotel in Paris 9, is the ideal starting point for exploring this side of Paris that isn't visible at first glance.
FAQ: SECRET AND UNUSUAL SPOTS IN PARIS' 9TH ARRONDISSEMENT
What are the secret spots in the 9th arrondissement of Paris?
Among the secret spots in the 9th arrondissement are covered passages like Passage Jouffroy and Passage Verdeau, as well as the lesser-known backstage areas of Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, true hidden gems at the heart of the Grands Boulevards.
Where can you see a passage in Paris' 9th arrondissement?
The most iconic passage in the 9th arrondissement is Passage Jouffroy, at 10-12 Boulevard Montmartre. It continues into Passage Verdeau, at 31 bis Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, for an uninterrupted stroll through the 9th arrondissement.
What unusual places are worth visiting near the LAZ' Hotel?
Around the LAZ' Hotel, unusual spots in the 9th arrondissement include the Art Nouveau glass roofs and domes of the Grands Magasins, as well as the covered passages of the 9th arrondissement, just a few minutes' walk from the hotel.
Is the 9th arrondissement of Paris worth visiting beyond shopping?
Yes: the 9th arrondissement isn't just about the Grands Magasins. Its covered passages, façades, and secret spots make it a neighborhood worth exploring on foot, at any time of day.