Place de la Bastille
Place de la Bastille is a historic Parisian square, home to the iconic July Column and the invisible echoes of the infamous Bastille prison, surrounde...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the lively Bastille market
Place de la Bastille
Best Time
Experience the lively Bastille market

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Place de la Bastille is a historic Parisian square, home to the iconic July Column and the invisible echoes of the infamous Bastille prison, surrounded by a vibrant, local neighborhood.
"A lively hub where history meets modern Parisian life, offering vibrant markets and buzzing nightlife."
🚶♀️ Walk the History
Look down for the outline of the Bastille prison on the ground; it's a powerful, hidden detail .
🛍️ Market Mornings
Visit the Place de la Bastille market on Thursdays or Sundays for fresh food and local vibes .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The July Column
Center of Place de la Bastille
An iconic bastille monument commemorating the 1830 revolution, offering a striking focal point and a symbol of French liberty.

Traces of the Bastille Prison
On the ground of the square
Discover the subtle outline of the former Bastille prison on the pavement, a powerful, often-missed reminder of its revolutionary past.

Place de la Bastille Market
Boulevard Richard Lenoir
Immerse yourself in a bustling open-air market on Thursdays and Sundays, offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and unique finds.

Opéra Bastille
Eastern side of the square
Admire the modern architecture of one of Paris's premier opera houses, a stark contrast to the square's ancient history.
Planning Your Visit
Navigating History & Crowds at Place de la Bastille
Beyond the Square: Exploring the Vibrant Bastille Quarter
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the History
Look down for the outline of the Bastille prison on the ground; it's a powerful, hidden detail.
🛍️ Market Mornings
Visit the Place de la Bastille market on Thursdays or Sundays for fresh food and local vibes.
🌃 Nightlife Hub
Explore Rue de Lappe and surrounding streets for a lively bar and club scene after dark.
👟 Comfy Shoes are Key
The Bastille area is perfect for walking; explore nearby Le Marais or Promenade Plantée.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the History
Look down for the outline of the Bastille prison on the ground; it's a powerful, hidden detail.
🛍️ Market Mornings
Visit the Place de la Bastille market on Thursdays or Sundays for fresh food and local vibes.
🌃 Nightlife Hub
Explore Rue de Lappe and surrounding streets for a lively bar and club scene after dark.
👟 Comfy Shoes are Key
The Bastille area is perfect for walking; explore nearby Le Marais or Promenade Plantée.
🚇 Easy Metro Access
The Bastille metro station (lines 1, 5, 8) makes getting here and around Paris simple.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Place de la Bastille is widely appreciated for its profound historical significance and its role as a vibrant, lively hub in Paris. Visitors enjoy the bustling market, diverse dining, and energetic nightlife, though some note it can be crowded and less picturesque than other Parisian landmarks. It offers a genuine local experience amidst its revolutionary past.
"Place de la Bastille in Paris is a very versatile area. The monument itself is a beacon in the city with the tall column with the bright gold angelic figure on top with wings spread wide. The metro station is a major hub that can get you just about anywhere in the city. Lots of restaurants located all around the very large circle roadway along with the Opera. Market on weekends is great too."
The K Green Show
"Place de la Bastille is full of life! The surrounding restaurants and especially the Sunday market bring a vibrant energy, in such a striking contrast with the historic events that took place here."
Dascalu Constantin
"My first time to visit a French market and the flea market on the next street. We had a great time here. We came in at around lunch time and were able to get some food, fruits, vintage pendant, vintage broach and a cute top for my mom. Merchants are nice and be prepared to get out your google translator cause not all merchant can speak English. Remember you are in their country so at least a little French and smile will come a long way. I never had any issues with anyone in France."
Jeannie Capellan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Place de la Bastille is easily accessible via the Bastille metro station, served by lines 1, 5, and 8. This central location makes it a convenient hub for exploring Paris.
Yes, the Bastille area is very walkable. You can easily stroll to the charming Le Marais district and Place des Vosges to the west, or explore the local streets like Rue de Charonne to the east.
From Gare de Lyon, Place de la Bastille is just a short walk or one metro stop away. Many Reddit users confirm it's a safe and straightforward journey, even at night.
Yes, numerous bus lines stop directly at Place de la Bastille, connecting it to various parts of Paris. Check local RATP maps for specific routes that suit your itinerary.
Generally, the Bastille area is considered safe, with a lively atmosphere, especially around its nightlife spots. However, like any busy urban area, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, particularly on streets like Rue de Lappe which can get rowdy.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting Place de la Bastille itself, including viewing the July Column and the ground markings of the former prison, is completely free. It's an open public square, making it a great stop for budget travelers.
The July Column (Colonne de Juillet) is a public monument in the center of the square and can be viewed at any time. While you can't go inside, its presence is a constant reminder of the area's history.
The popular Place de la Bastille market operates on Thursdays and Sundays mornings. These are the best days to experience its vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings.
While there aren't official tours of the square itself, many historical walking tours of Paris or the Bastille neighborhood will include the square and its significance. Look for local tour operators specializing in revolutionary history.
The square itself is largely flat and accessible. However, navigating the bustling market on Thursdays and Sundays with a stroller or wheelchair might be challenging due to crowds. The surrounding sidewalks and metro stations are generally accessible, though some older metro exits may have stairs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Place de la Bastille is a pivotal site in French history, marking the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789, which ignited the French Revolution. Today, the July Column stands as a bastille monument to later revolutions, making it a powerful symbol of liberty.
While the prison itself was demolished, its original footprint is marked on the ground of the square by a series of paving stones. Look closely near the Opéra Bastille for these subtle, yet profound, historical traces.
The Bastille place area is known for its diverse offerings, from trendy cafes and restaurants to unique boutiques. You'll find everything from traditional French bistros to international cuisine, including highly-rated halal burger spots.
The July Column offers a grand photographic subject, especially against the backdrop of the Opéra Bastille. For a unique perspective, try capturing the market's vibrant energy on market days or the illuminated column at night.
The Promenade Plantée, also known as the Coulée Verte, is an elevated park built on an old railway line, starting near Bastille. It's a fantastic 2km walking path offering unique views and a peaceful escape above the city streets, highly recommended by Reddit travelers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Bastille neighborhood is a foodie's delight. Explore Rue de Charonne and Rue de la Roquette for a variety of restaurants, or head to the Place d'Aligre market for fresh produce and street food.
Yes, the Bastille area is home to several excellent halal restaurants. TikTok creators have even highlighted specific spots for the 'best halal burger in Paris' near Bastille, indicating a strong presence of such options.
The Place de la Bastille market is a treasure trove of culinary delights. You'll find fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats, and seafood, alongside prepared foods like rotisserie chicken, crepes, and various international snacks. It's a great spot for lunch.
Absolutely! Reddit users specifically recommend Mio Posto on Rue Keller as one of the best pizzerias in Paris, located right in the Bastille area. It's a must-try for pizza lovers.
For a vibrant nightlife experience, head to Rue de Lappe and the surrounding streets. This area is famous for its numerous bars, clubs, and lively atmosphere, making it a popular spot for an evening out.
For Different Travelers
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit