Bastille neighbourhood, Paris
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Bastille - by JSquish (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Description
The Bastille neighbourhood covers the area between Place de la Bastille and Place de la Nation (about 2km apart). Historically, it had strong ties with the French Revolution but those are now only evidenced by the July column at the centre of Place de la Bastille (which commemorates the events of the July Revolution in 1830 (not 1789)) and The Triumph of the Republic bronze statue depicting Marianne in the center of the Place de la Nation square, which was one of the main guillotine execution sites during the French Revolution. The area takes its name from the storming of the Bastille (a medieval fortress and political prison) on 14 July 1789, one of the key triggers of the Revolution, but no vestige remains from it. Nowadays, the area is best known for its active nightlife, the Marché d'Aligre (one of the city's most popular fresh products market), the Opéra Bastille and the Port de l'Arsenal, where the canal Saint Martin ends.
Access & Transport
Bastille métro (1,5,8) is next to the namesake square, Quai de La Rapée (5) for Port de l'Arsenal, Ledru-Rollin (8) for Marché d'Aligre with Faidherbe-Chaligny (8) further east and finally Nation (1, 2, 6, 9 and RER A). The 2 squares are linked by Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine which also has regular bus stops.
Instructions & Recommendations
Depending on your interest, the neighbourhood can be explored in the morning (Marché d'Aligre outdoor section closes after lunch and on Mondays) or in the late afternoon/evening followed by dinner and a few drinks in a bar afterwards. A visit to this area can be combined with the Coulee-Verte (green corridor) urban walk, Le Marais neighbourhood or l'Île Saint-Louis.
Environmental & Social
Very urban environment. Socially neutral
Conclusion
In our opinion, the neighbourhood serves three purposes: (i) the opportunity for visitors to learn about the French Revolution - not from what they see but reading about what the monuments symbolize, (ii) discovering a Parisian neighbourhood with a popular market and a dynamic nightlife not overwhelmed by tourism, and (iii) enjoying the Bassin de L'Arsenal / end of Canal Saint Martin.
Key positive
Several nice spots to explore
Parisian, rather than touristic, atmosphere and prices
Key negative
No "must see" attraction or monument
Road traffic tends to be heavy around Place de la Nation and Place de la Bastille
Suitability
Suitable for all ages but the "highlights" are not children oriented. Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 25m
est. visit time:2h 30m
Sunrise / early morningNo
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo