I did my first visit to a couple the last time I was in Paris. I had just left the area of the Grands Magasins and was hoping to get back to Rivoli, looked at map and noticed...there as an entrance 'right over there'. They really are neat. I'd probably go out of my way to see them.

I think the word should be 'unknown' rather than 'secret'

Thanks everyone for this information, I'm heading to Paris in the middle of Feb and I'm just piggybacking onto everyone else's questions:) and getting great info.

I've learned a lot and can't wait to take this Passages walk.

My faves are Galerie Vero-Dodat, very well preserved from 1824 I think, where I like to try on Christian Louboutin stilettos, the elegant 1826 Galerie Vivienne where a headliner tenant is Jean Paul Gautier, and the very nearby Galerie Colbert. In the Galerie Colbert I like the atmosphere of Le Grand Colbert for lunch. Check out the 1830 friezes on the wall. This brasserie was in the movie "Something's Gotta Give" where Keanu Reeves plans to propose to Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson shows up.
Ann Marie

They aren't secret or unknown, they are public and listed on maps.

When in doubt...go to Fodor's guide. Yes, there are a couple mentioned. I guess it's more that...for what they offer, it is surprising that they are not mentioned more often. As a tourist attraction, I would think they should be added to people's itineraries when they are around that area.

Michel_Paris: Maybe it's best they are not on MORE tourists itineraries!D