Grands Boulevards

The Basics

The district encompasses a large area, roughly from Place de l’Opera in the 9th arrondissement to Porte St Denis in the 10th district, and has a wealth of shopping and entertainment opportunities ranging from high-brow and designer to mass-market and wholesale. Peruse the finery at legendary stores Galeries Lafayette and Au Printemps. Take in an opera at the National Theater of the Opera Comique, a blockbuster at Grand Rex, or cabaret at Folies Bergère. See the astonishingly realistic wax figures at Musée Grévin, or catch French comedian Olivier Giraudan’s popular comedy show at Théâtre des Nouveautés.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Grand Boulevards is an ideal spot for architecture buffs, shoppers, and night owls.
• Check out all eight so-called “grand” boulevards:xa0Madeleine, Capucines, Italiens, Montmartre, Poissonnière, Bonne Nouvelle, St-Denis, and St-Martin.
• Relax in the English-style Parc Monceau, which features a large pond, a collection of odd architectural features (a Dutch windmill, a Chinese fortress, and an Egyptian pyramid), and statues of famous French cultural figures.

How to Get There

The Grand Boulevards district is serviced by several Metro stations including Grands Boulevards, Opéra, Strasbourg Saint-Denis, Bourse, and Chaussée d’Antin via lines 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 12, and 14.

When to Get There

There is something for everyone at any hour in Grands Boulevards. Shoppers appear in droves during the daytime, and at night, the neighborhood gets a second wind, with bars starting to fill and lines starting to form outside nightclubs.

Glass Passageways and Arcades

While you’re exploring the neighborhood, look for the glass-covered passageways and arcades created around the turn of the 19th century to keep the upper crust denizens dry as they shopped. An architectural style unique to Paris, and especially to Grands Boulevards, each pedestrian passageway has its own character, whether it be a particular ethnic focus, wholesale goods, or designer clothing. Many have tea rooms, cafés, and restaurants.

Ways to explore

Whether you explore on foot, by bike, or in a vintage sidecar, many city tours include a visit to the Grands Boulevards. Take a walking tour of Paris’s Covered Passages, a shopping tour that stops by the nearby Galeries Lafayette, or an architecture-focused tour that includes Place de l’Opéra and the Palais Garnier, the Hôtel Drouot, and Porte Saint-Denis.

Other highlights of the Grands Boulevards include the Grevin Museum (Musée Grevin), La Grand REX Cinema, and the Folies Bergère cabaret. For a memorable experience, book tickets to a show at the Opéra Comique or one of the many theaters.

Accessibility

The wide sidewalks of the Grands Boulevards make the area largely wheelchair accessible; some of the historic arcades can be narrow and crowded.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, shopping/tote bags, photo ID (all travelers should carry ID in France), reusable water bottle, sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, umbrella

What to wear

Light layers, smart-casual clothing, comfortable shoes (sightseeing comes with a high step count in Paris)

Not allowed

The unwritten dress code for Parisians is simple: chic clothing in neutral colors. Leave the sportswear or bold, Emily in Paris-inspired outfits at home if you want to blend in.

Amenities

Restaurants, hotels, cafés, public restrooms, drinking water fountains, free Wi-Fi hotspots

Address

The Grand Boulevards district lies between Place de l’Opéra and Place de la République within Paris’ 2nd, 9th, and 10th arrondissements. The eight main boulevards—Madeleine, Capucines, Italiens, Montmartre, Poissonière, Bonne Nouvelle, Saint-Denis, and Saint-Martin—can be easily accessed on foot or by public transport.

Driving

With heavy traffic and a convoluted 1-way system, driving in central Paris is best left to the professionals. Hop on the metro instead, or take a taxi or rideshare service.

Public transportation

The Grand Boulevards district has several metro stations, and it’s best to pick one and walk from there. The most popular starting points for a walking tour are Opéra (3, 7, 8) by the Palais Garnier, Grands Boulevards (8, 9) along Boulevard Montmartre, and Strasbourg–Saint-Denis (4, 8, 9) at the meeting point of Bonne Nouvelle.

Best times to visit

Both shoppers and night owls frequent the Grands Boulevards, and the district is liveliest from midafternoon through to 12am. Come before 12pm to admire the Covered Passages without the crowds, or in the evening to enjoy a pre-show dinner and drinks.

Best days to visit

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights are most atmospheric for experiencing the district’s nightlife, but advance booking is essential for restaurants and theaters. Many shops and arcades are closed on Sundays.

Best months to visit

Spring (April through June) is the ideal time to explore the Grands Boulevards, when the mild weather is perfect for shopping, the summer tourists haven’t arrived yet, and there’s usually a busy cultural calendar at the area’s theaters and live venues.

Special events

Festivals and special events: Theaters and other attractions along the Grands Boulevards take part in national events such as the Fête de la Musique (June), Nuit Blanche (October), and European Heritage Days (September). If you’re in Paris over the holidays, don’t miss the illuminations along Boulevard Haussmann and at the Galeries Lafayette department store.