11th Arrondissement

The Place de la Bastille is a square located in Paris, France. Beneath it is the Bastille subway station and in its center is the July Column. In its southeast corner is the Bastille Opéra.

The Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine connects the Place de la Bastille to a roundabout in the east, where the Nation station of the Paris Métro is located.

Sights & Activities:

The Bastille prison once stood where the Place de la Bastille is presently located. The prison was destroyed during the French Revolution. The square was established in 1792 and a fountain was erected a year later. South of the square is a small marina where yachts and small boats are docked. At the center of the square is the July Column, a monument erected to commemorate the Revolution of 1830. Made of bronze, it stands 154 feet tall. On the base are several bas-reliefs, including that of a lion made by Antoine-Louis Barye. The column also bears the name of those who died during the revolution. At the top is the statue called Génie de la Liberté or the Spirit of Freedom.

The Boulevard Richard Lenoir, located north of the square, is the location of an open-air market that sells fresh produce as well as cheese and bread. During weekends, stalls selling crafts and artworks are installed so artisans and artists can hawk their wares. Strolling along this tree-lined boulevard is also one way to spend a pleasant time in the area.

L’Opéra de la Bastille or the Bastille Opéra is an opera house that houses the Opéra National de Paris. It was built on the site where the Bastille train station was located. With a capacity of more than 2,700 seats, this modern structure was inaugurated in 1989.

The Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine extends from the eastern side of the square and ends at the Place de la Nation, a square located in the eastern part of the city. Underneath it is the Paris Métro station that bears the name Nation. The square was once known as the Place du Trône, where the city welcomed Louis XIV and Marie Therèse with a throne set in the site. It is also where a guillotine was set up during the French Revolution. The square changed its name following the July 14 celebration. A fountain is erected in the center of the square, with several sculptures in its design. The most prominent of which would be the Triumph of the Republic, which is made by Dalou in 1899.

Eating Out

Around the Place de la Bastille are several dining establishments that cater to the numerous visitors who come to view this popular landmark. The Les Grandes Marches offers varied dishes, from seafood to steaks. The Brasserie Bofinger, located along Rue Bastille, has been operational since 1864 and serves traditional French cuisine. Along the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine is the Barrio Latino, Le Balto, the Via Antoine, La Liberte, and the Chez Ramucaud which is a popular place for eating lunch. Those who come to see the Place de la Nation also has varied options when it comes to finding a place to eat, including the Le Dalou and the Casino Cafétéria.

The Falstaff situated on Place Bastille has a large selection of beers, making it an ideal destination for those who seek for something to drink. Other pubs in the area include the Au Cheval Blanc on Rue Roquette, and the Le 138 along Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine.