Place des Arcades

“Lost beneath the glitter of the Champs-Élysées,” I began, my voice low and conspiratorial, “lies a secret world of elegance and history. A place where Art Deco whispers and the ghosts of Parisian luxury still linger. Welcome to Place des Arcades.” Place des Arcades isn’t just a shopping gallery. It’s a portal to a bygone era, nestled right here on the Champs-Élysées. Inaugurated in 1926, Place des Arcades stretches from 76-78 Avenue des Champs-Élysées to 59 Rue de Ponthieu. This elegant passage, also known as the Arcades du Lido, once housed some of the most prestigious shops in Paris. The very air here seems to hum with the echoes of whispered deals and the rustle of silk gowns. Place des Arcades was the brainchild of Leonard Rosenthal, a diamond merchant with a vision. He saw the potential of the location, formerly the site of the Hôtel Dufayel, and transformed it into this iconic gallery. Architects Charles Lefebvre, Marcel Julien, and Louis Duhayon blended Art Deco and neoclassical influences to create a space of timeless beauty. Eight majestic grey granite columns, salvaged from the old hotel, stand sentinel alongside newer red granite columns. Look up. The glass roof, a hallmark of Parisian covered passages, floods the space with light. It’s a masterpiece by Fernand Jacopozzi, a renowned glassmaker. The intricate wrought-iron details are the work of René Gobert, a master ironworker. And the lighting? Designed by none other than René Lalique, the celebrated glassmaker and lighting designer. He also created two magnificent glass fountains for Place des Arcades. Sadly, they’re no longer here. One now graces a collection in Tokyo, the other resides in the United States. But even without the fountains, the spirit of Lalique’s artistry still illuminates this space. Place des Arcades holds another secret, hidden beneath its elegant façade. In its basement once thrived the legendary Lido. Initially a luxurious spa with a Venetian theme, complete with a massive heated pool, it later transformed into a dinner-theater, and finally, the world-famous cabaret. Imagine the glamorous clientele who once frequented this place, seeking rejuvenation or an evening of dazzling entertainment. The Lido eventually outgrew its subterranean home and moved to a larger venue further down the Champs-Élysées in 1977. But the legend of the Lido began right here, under Place des Arcades. One of Place des Arcades’ most iconic shops was “Pompadour,” the flagship store of the luxury leather goods brand, Offenthal. So eager were the Offenthals to secure a prime location that they contributed to the gallery’s construction costs. Their investment paid off, securing them a central spot in the arcade. Inside, a massive octagonal table with an Alpine marble top, rumored to be from the Château de Fontainebleau, dominated the space. A Baccarat chandelier, mirroring the table’s size, added to the shop’s opulent atmosphere. Place des Arcades is more than just a shopping gallery. It’s a living testament to Parisian elegance, a place where history and luxury intertwine. So, next time you stroll down the Champs-Élysées, take a detour. Step into the hushed elegance of Place des Arcades, and let its stories transport you to a more glamorous age.