Patrimony, when you capture us...

Upon leaving the Galeries Lafayette, continue along the boulevard Haussmann, heading North. The boulevard is a reflection of the Prefect Baron Haussmann, who redefined Paris by creating a pattern of large axes all across the capital. His architectural signature can be felt throughout Paris, but its the area near the Opéra that most adequately bears the style of the Second Empire. In fact, its quite emblematic of the European capital of luxury.  No wonder Paris attracts the Royal families from all over Europe!

Heritage of this luminous period, the Hôtel Drouot, a famous auction house, can be found just a few hundred metres from the Richelieu-Drouot metro station. Just turn left onto the rue Drouot and loose yourself among the art dealers and collectors forever found in the auction rooms. Entry is free and all are welcome.  Note that you may view the objects from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., but the auction begins at 2 p.m.. There are between 200-300 objects sold pre day, 60 objects sold every hour!

Head back towards the boulevard Haussmann, which rapidly turns into the boulevard Montmartre. On the left, don't miss the fabulous wax sculptures at the Grévin Museum. The museum is currently being renovated, but remains open to the public.

After a brief interlude with the legendary wax figures, step backinto reality with a stroll through the passage Jouffroy, a bit furtherup the boulevard Montmartre. The glass and steel ceiling shelters thebook-sellers, and the enchanting Hôtel Chopin. Following in thefootsteps of the passage Jouffroy, wonder at the beauty in thepicturesque Passage Verdeau , full of old camera shops selling retropostcards.

On the other side of the boulevard Montmartre,across from the passage Jouffroy, lies another series of coveredpassages: that of Panoramas , the Feydeau Gallery and the Saint-MarcGallery... For unconditional fans of stylish architecture, know thatyou can walk  through the passages all the way from the Grands Boulevards to the Palais-Royal . The passage of Caire, Ponceau or Grand Cerf , the Galleries Vivienne, Colbert (near metro Bourse) or the Salondes Miroirs (Room of Mirrors)... A literary ambience reigns heavilyover these ornate tunnels, decorated with Art Nouveau tiles,cobblestones, colourful signs and sophisticated iron-work of the period.