Beaupassage, the art of good living complex in Paris

Because Paris never ends… Hemingway.

Paris never allows those who engage in it to freeze in their tracks. The season of previous traveling lectures and seminars has not yet ended, and already (in anticipation of the next series of activities) I am diving headlong into the depths of the city's soul, which was updated at the end of 2018 in a new, modern, and wonderful complex.

What is the “Beau Passage” complex?

This is a cluster of unwalled inner courtyards (passages) that run between typical Parisian building blocks from different periods, which have recently been connected and converted together – into an innovative, intriguing, tempting and inspiring area for strolling and entertainment.

The project was established by the real estate company Emerige – which breathed life into the inner courtyards and the diverse buildings surrounding them – and created an innovative, harmonious, enlightening and graceful project of 10,000 square meters, interwoven with: residential apartments, a variety of restaurants, walking areas, stylish gardens, art installations and… lots of French charm.

The Bo Passage complex is entirely dedicated to the “art of good living” and the cultivation of a “culture of proper everyday living” (the “Bien-être”).

It combines intellectual and sensual pleasures, elevates the pleasures of life to a miracle – and is a paradise for lovers of gastronomy, culture, architecture, art and sports. Gracefully intertwined, along well-kept walking paths – unique food shops, cafes, restaurants and eateries, patisseries and bakeries – by the best chefs in France (at a relatively reasonable price). A gallery is not missing… and even a prestigious sports center and spa – for the care of the body’s health, operated by Abdoulaye Fadiga – the world boxing champion, to burn off the calories that have been stored up…

In "Bo Passage" you will find, among other things:

• The Mersea fish restaurant where Breton chef Olivier Belen (decorated with stars) concocts dishes and sells freshly arrived goods.

• The elegant butcher shop and restaurant of Alexandre Polmard, La boucherie-restaurant Polmard, which displays its wares in “showcases.”

• Anne-Sophie Pick's Food Canteen – the famous star-studded chef, who opened a fast food canteen in Beau Passage where she serves iconic dishes associated with her name.

• Shop Cheeses From the legendary chain Fromagerie Barthélémy.

• A new bakery by chef Thierry Marx, who holds 2 Michelin stars.

• A bistro, bar and design gallery called Allénothèque operated by the legendary, starred chef Yannick Allénothèque, who is also decorated with 3 stars.

• A pastry shop by pastry chef Pierre Hermé, who opened a cafe where pastries, macarons and chocolates coexist, with a menu for meals…and more and more…

The aesthetics, grandeur, beauty, and architectural wisdom are evident in every corner along the Beau Passage.

• They are evident in the interesting contemporary art installations interwoven at the entrances to the complex and others embedded along the walking route:
  Like the Neuronal Tree, L'Arbre Neuronal, which simulates the Tree of Knowledge – the work of Marc Vellay. Or the 3 Mangostes Les Mangoustes de Beauvais – the expressive allegorical sculpture by artist Stefan Rinck, which stands right in the middle of the complex – depicts 3 mongooses connected to each other, tied with a rope, made of white limestone.

• In the heart of the park are the blooming gardens – which accompany the central walkway, including about 60 trees, plants and flowers. These constitute a green lung, beautifying the urban space of the area, introducing pieces of nature into it and embellishing the whole with a colorful and experiential charm.

• In an architectural setting that preserves, emphasizes, and highlights the facades of the diverse buildings bordering the Beau Passage walkway. Because in Paris, as always in Paris, the developers and architects who were entrusted with the task of converting the old courtyards into a new complex took care to preserve the imprint of the organic city in the place, the many layers of the period, and highlighted the different planes of time, which were evident in the facades and the various layers of cladding. They welcomed the mixture of styles, emphasized the multitude of building materials in the place (stone, concrete, iron, glass, bricks), and succeeded in creating a spectacular architectural masterpiece, charged with authenticity and historical resonance. This is how the tourist route integrates: the walls of a monastery and chapel of the 17th century Couvent des Récollets, a former garage and industrial buildings with an urban charm from the 18th-19th century, and innovative modern buildings.

• The entrance to “Beau Passage” is possible through three busy central streets that the complex extends and connects: Boulevard Raspail, Rue du Bac, Rue de Grenelle. The three streets mentioned are interwoven with three entrances, decorated with astonishing contemporary works of art. These succeed in separating the person entering Beau Passage from the hustle and bustle of the bustling city – and introduce him to an atmosphere of intimacy, beauty and the refinement of culture and taste.

• At the entrance from Boulevard Raspail – an art installation by Eva Jospin – simulating trees in a forest, with the trees made from recycled corrugated cardboard packaging. In front of the installation – a mirror, in which the work is reflected and transforms the experience of entering the area – into walking in a path covered entirely with forest trees.

• The entrance from Rue du Bac passes through the passageways of old houses and is crowned with a fresco by Roman Bernini, which depicts a “forest spirit” and boasts psychedelic colors.

• Another entrance from Rue de Grenelle 53-57, passes through an installation, in which oak trees create a dreamy colorful rainbow at their tops – the work of Fabrice Hyber.

And here, from September 2018 – another pilgrimage point – in Paris. Intimate, graceful, practical, full of charm and interest, symbolizing so much – the good taste and cultural sophistication – of the French.

Want to discover more secret places in Paris?

This article was created as part of the project Parisian Secrets In which veteran Francophiles talk about their secret places in Paris. You are invited to join the project and discover additional secret places.