Hidden from view lies the Passage Potier a captivating alleyway in Paris’s 1st arrondissement. It’s a secret passage a hidden gem. This short passage connects the Rue de Montpensier to the Rue de Richelieu. It’s only 16 meters long and 3 meters wide.
Imagine strolling down the Passage Potier. You’d be walking in the footsteps of history. This isn’t just any alleyway. This is the first passage built to connect these two streets. It provided easy access to the Palais Royal Gardens. The passage opened in 1785 a gift from Louis Philippe d’Orléans. He commissioned the construction of shopping arcades around the Palais Royal. He gave this access to the building at 26 Rue de Richelieu.
The residents of 26 Rue de Richelieu weren’t thrilled. They used to have direct access to the gardens. The Passage Potier was a small consolation. The passage’s history is rich with famous names. Rose Bertin Marie-Antoinette’s “Minister of Fashion” worked nearby. Antoine Beauvilliers the creator of France’s first gastronomic restaurant was also connected to this place. Even the renowned actor Charles Gabriel Potier left his mark. The passage was originally called Passage Beauvilliers after Beauvilliers. It was renamed Passage Potier in 1823 after the actor purchased the building that houses the passage.
During the French Revolution 1793-1804 26 Rue de Richelieu was called Rue de la Loi. The passage itself was a witness to history. It stands in silence. It has seen a great many things. It witnessed the changing names and shifting fortunes of the buildings that surround it. It stands as a quiet yet significant testament to centuries of Parisian life.
The Passage Potier closed in October 2022. High costs for maintenance and repairs led to the closure. The building needs significant work to remain viable. The passage was once a vibrant hub. Now it is mostly silent.
Even though it’s closed you can still see the building. It’s a reminder of the passage’s vibrant past. A carved head of Antoine Beauvilliers adorns the entrance at 26 Rue de Richelieu. This is the legacy of the Passage Potier. A small alleyway with a big story. Its temporary silence allows you to reflect on its colourful past. It anticipates a future reopening. Perhaps one day the Passage Potier will again welcome visitors. Then it will continue its rich story. It’s a story interwoven with fashion food and revolution. It’s a story waiting to be rediscovered.