Place de la Bastille
4.3
(25.5k)Place de la Bastille is a historic square in Paris, once home to the infamous Bastille Prison until its destruction during the French Revolution. Today, it's a lively hub marked by the July Column, which commemorates the 1830 July Revolution. The area is surrounded by restaurants, bars, and the modern Bastille Opera.
Address
Pl. de la Bastille, 75004 Paris, France
Phone
+33 1 49 52 42 81
Worth it?
Worth it if you appreciate a vibrant atmosphere with historical significance and enjoy people-watching from a cafe
Skip if you're expecting visible remnants of the original Bastille prison
Location
Pl. de la Bastille, 75004 Paris, France
Nearby places
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Highlights
The July Column, topped with a bright gold angelic figure, stands prominently in the center of the square.
A large open-air market sets up on Thursdays and Sundays along Boulevard Richard-Lenoir, offering fresh produce, fish, and flea market finds.
The surrounding area is bustling at night with numerous cafés, bars, and concert halls.
Nearby eats
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Who it's for
Travelers interested in French history, especially the Revolution, and those looking for a lively area with dining and cultural options. It's also good for families.
Know before you go
The square is often a starting point for political demonstrations due to its historical significance.
Nearby stays
Reviews
4.3
Very good
5 ReviewsReviewers consistently highlight the vibrant energy of the square, especially with its surrounding restaurants and the weekend market. Many appreciate the historical significance, even though no part of the original prison remains.
Fun facts
The Bastille Prison was built between 1370 and 1383 as part of Paris's defenses and later became a state prison, primarily housing political prisoners.
No physical vestige of the Bastille Prison remains today, as it was completely destroyed between 1789 and 1790.
Before the current opera house, the Bastille railway station stood on the site.
Napoleon once planned to build a 24-meter-tall elephant monument here, cast from Spanish cannons, but only a plaster model was ever constructed.
