Bastille, an iconic square in Paris’s 11th arrondissement
Bastille, a symbol of Parisian history
Place de la Bastille, 75011 Paris. A symbol of the French Revolution, Place de la Bastille is one of the most important historical and cultural landmarks in Paris. On 14 July 1789, the royal fortress that once stood here was stormed, marking a decisive turning point in French history. Today, the July Column rises at the centre of the square. Built to commemorate the Revolution of 1830, it overlooks a lively crossroads between the 4th, 11th and 12th arrondissements of Paris. Place de la Bastille is also within easy reach of the Canal Saint-Martin, the Marais district and the banks of the Seine.
What to see around Place de la Bastille
- The Marais district: The Marais can be reached in approximately 15 minutes on foot via Rue Saint-Antoine. This historic Paris neighbourhood is home to the Musée Carnavalet, Place des Vosges and numerous contemporary art galleries.
- La Coulée Verte René-Dumont : The Coulée Verte René-Dumont begins near Place de la Bastille. This 4.5-kilometre elevated garden follows the route of a former railway line and its viaducts towards the Bois de Vincennes.
- Coulée Verte René-Dumont: Located on Avenue Daumesnil in Paris’s 12th arrondissement, the Viaduc des Arts occupies the restored arches of a former railway viaduct. Its workshops are home to craftspeople, designers and creative professionals.
- Canal Saint-Martin : From Port de l’Arsenal, close to Bastille, the Canal Saint-Martin runs towards the 10th arrondissement. It is known for its locks, footbridges and lively waterside walkways.
- Le bois de Vincennes : The Bois de Vincennes is accessible from Bastille by Metro line 1. The largest green space in Paris includes the Château de Vincennes, the Parc Floral de Paris and Lac Daumesnil.
Stay near Bastille
Appart’City Collection Paris Gare de Lyon, a four-star aparthotel in Paris
Appart’City Collection Paris Gare de Lyon, a four-star aparthotel in Paris
Appart’City Collection Paris Gare de Lyon is located in Paris’s 12th arrondissement, approximately ten minutes on foot from Place de la Bastille. The aparthotel enjoys a strategic location between Gare de Lyon, Accor Arena in Bercy and the Coulée Verte René-Dumont. Gare de Lyon is approximately five minutes away on foot. Place de la Bastille and Accor Arena are around ten minutes away. Metro lines 6 and 8 provide convenient connections across Paris. Paris-Orly Airport is approximately 16 kilometres away, while Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport is around 28 kilometres from the aparthotel.
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Frequently asked questions about Place de la Bastille
What remains of the Bastille today?
The Bastille fortress was completely demolished after it was stormed in 1789. The outline of part of its foundations can still be seen on the ground around Place de la Bastille. The July Column standing in the centre of the square commemorates the Revolution of 1830 rather than the French Revolution of 1789.
How do you get to Place de la Bastille from Gare de Lyon?
Place de la Bastille is approximately a ten-minute walk from Gare de Lyon via Boulevard Diderot. It can also be reached in around five minutes by taking Metro line 1 to Bastille station.
Which Metro station is closest to Bastille?
Bastille station is served by Metro lines 1, 5 and 8. It is one of the best-connected stations in eastern Paris, providing quick access to central Paris, the Marais and Gare de Lyon.
What is the Coulée Verte and how can you access it?
The Coulée Verte René-Dumont is a 4.5-kilometre elevated garden running from the Bastille and Avenue Daumesnil area towards the Bois de Vincennes. The route follows the former railway arches of the Viaduc des Arts, which have been converted into workshops for craftspeople and designers. Access to the Coulée Verte is free, and the promenade is open every day.
Where is Marché d’Aligre?
Marché d’Aligre is located on Rue d’Aligre in Paris’s 12th arrondissement, approximately ten minutes on foot from Place de la Bastille. Open every morning except Monday, it is one of the most popular and affordable food markets in Paris.
Which aparthotel in Paris should you choose when visiting Bastille?
Appart’City Collection Paris Gare de Lyon is a four-star aparthotel in Paris’s 12th arrondissement, ideally located approximately ten minutes on foot from Place de la Bastille. It offers 109 fully equipped studios and apartments, a reception desk open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and immediate access to Gare de Lyon and the Paris Metro.
Is there parking near Place de la Bastille?
Several public car parks are available near Place de la Bastille. Options include the Bastille car park on Boulevard de la Bastille, the Opéra Bastille car park on Rue de Lyon and the Bourdon car park on Boulevard Bourdon.
Is there parking near Appart’City Collection Paris Gare de Lyon?
Appart’City Collection Paris Gare de Lyon is accessible by car from the Porte de Bercy or Porte Dorée exits of the Paris ring road. Several public car parks are available nearby, particularly around Avenue Daumesnil and Boulevard Diderot in Paris’s 12th arrondissement.
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