"Home to the first gas lights in Paris" Paris Things to Do Tip by CatherineReichardt

The Passage des Panoramas was opened at turn of the 19th century, and must have been quite a marvel in its time - certainly enough to justify its expansion a couple of decades later. Its cachet must have been greatly enhanced when it became the first place in Paris to be lit by gas in 1834, and one can only imagine the buzz of excitement at the 'modernity' of a place that had graduated beyond candlelight.

Sadly, at least in my very subjective opinion, Passage des Panoramas and the other passages in the area have not managed to retain their charm. Maybe because I visited in the middle of the day, they were not at their best - which I assume is after nightfall? - but I confess to finding them a little down at heel and somewhat lacking in appeal. The space is largely populated by unsuccessful-looking bookshops, stamp dealers and restaurants, and the atmosphere - at least during daylight - is disappointingly flat.

Probably best visited after dusk or when the weather turns foul and you need a refuge.