Need help w/ 2 areas in Paris that I previously read about here or elsewhere. The 1st is in Monte Marte (sp?) I believe. Kind of a historic shopping arcade, perhaps one of the first of its kinds. Does this ring a bell and, if you are familiar with it, what were your impressions, etc. Thx. 2nd question: Elsewhere in Paris, I tend to recall that there was an abandoned train tunnel or track or bridge where there were a number of shops and/or artists were located. Sorry for being vague, but does this ring a bell..... Thnks.

Check out these two articles, by Seattle Times travel writer Carol Pucci:<BR><BR>"Paris Under Cover": <BR><BR>http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=paris11&date=20010211&query=pucci+par is<BR><BR>and<BR><BR>Viaduc des Arts:<BR><BR>http://archives.seattletimes.nwsourc...ry=pucci+paris

Perhaps you mean Avenue Daumesnil.<BR>There's an old train viaduct known as "Viaduc des Artes" near ave Ledru and ave Diderot. Has lots of antique places, crafts, etc. Don't about Montmartre. There's another interesting area right at station Cours St Emilion on the new #14 line. As you exit the station you enter Bercy Village which is a bunch of stores and restaurants, outdoors, all built into stone buildings sort of like caves. For more Paris information e-mail me: [email protected]<BR>

As far as the passage, I imagine you are thinking of passage Jouffroy in the 9th arr. It's not in Montmartre, but is north off bd Montmartre in-between the Drouot and Grands Boulevards metro stops. I don't think it was the first, but the first heated. Here is a good article on it and the history of passages in Paris:http://www.metropoleparis.com/1996/61111038/jouffroy.html<BR>What did I think? It's worth a look if you are in that area, and it's of unique historical and architectural interest, but it seemed to be mainly small toy, souvenir, decorative item stores and a few good bakeries or candy shops. It's not that big. I would stop in if you're in that neighborhood. I didn't see anything of interest in Viaduc des Arts, perhaps I missed something as I only went by it (more than once) and only saw chic home furnishings shops, maybe a few expensive clothing stores (I sort of remember office supplies, not Staples, but expensive stuff), but I didn't see any small artisan shops where a tourist might want to browse. I only saw one side of it, though (ave Daumesnil), where the bus goes by which I rode a lot.

gallerie vivienne, maybe? Old shopping arcade, beautiful. i'm at work, will look up more details later.

Topper