a guide to Bastille
about Bastille
These days reportedly one of the city's best nightspots, most people will of course associate the name Bastille with something markedly less enjoyable. The infamous prison was demolished in 1789, after the historic ‘storming' incident in which Parisians broke in to secure the considerable supply of weapons and gunpowder stored there. In fact, much of the reputation surrounding the prison is down to the fact that very little was actually known about what went on inside. Indeed, the identity of its most famous prisoner, the Man in the Iron Mask, is still debated even now.
Today, there are only a few old ruins of the prison to be found, with the site now home to the Place de la Bastille, which thanks to the history of its location is a popular place for political demonstrations. At the centre of the square is the Colonne de Juillet, a monument to the Revolution of 1830, engraved with the names of those who died for the cause. The relatively modern Opéra Bastille is also found at the edge of the square, hosting performances all year round.
Our tip: The relaxed surroundings of the Promenade Plantée is the perfect way to get from here to the nearby Bois de Vincennes.
top hotels in BastilleHotels in Bastille
how to get there
by car
Exit the Périphérique at Junction 1 (Porte de Bercy). As the slip road takes you under the Périphérique, you will be confronted with a choice of three roads. Take the middle one, which will bring you onto Quai de Bercy. Continue along this road, which follows the river until it becomes Quai de la Rapée. When you reach the end of the main road, take a left, then take the third right onto Boulevard de la Bastille. This road continues in a straight line for a while; when you reach the end of it simply take a left onto Place de la Bastille.
For satellite navigation systems enter postcode 75012.
Nearest underground parking: Bastille, 53 Boulevard de la Bastille, 75012
by bus
The following bus routes pass through Bastille: 20, 29, 65, 69, 76, 86, 87 and 91.
by tube
Nearest station: Bastille (Lines 1, 5 and 8)
From Gare du Nord: Take Line 5 towards Place d'Italie, which stops at Bastille along the way (6 stops).
From Gare de Lyon: Take Line 1 towards La Défense Grande Arche to get to Bastille (1 stop).
From Gare Montparnasse: Take Line 4 towards Porte de Clignancourt and get off at Châtelet (7 stops). Change to the Line 1 service to Chateau de Vincennes, alighting at Bastille (3 stops).
by train
Nearest RER station: Gare de Lyon (RER A, RER D)
attractions
upcoming events
Jan 11
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06
Jan 14
Zadig & Voltaire in the Marais district has won over Parisian ladies by combining delicate fabrics like cashmere, washed silk, lace and metallic leather. Their clothes have simple but feminine cuts and include popular separates and cool jeans.
Dec 10
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20
Dec 13
In the heart of the Marais, by the Place des Vosges, is the intriguing Musée Carnavalet, keeper of Paris' memories. The museum is actually two buildings, the Hôtel Carnavalet and the Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint-Fargeau, joined by a passage.
Jan 11
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06
Jan 14
Fashionistas are deserting Paris's fabled houses of scent and heading for this counterculture, chic perfume shop, run by father-daughter team Jean-Claude and Céline Ellana. Scents, including <i>Sel de Vétiver</i> and <i>Rose Poivrée</i>, have been called "fragrances for the 21st century".
