Place de la Bastille | Things to Do, Plan Your Visit & FAQ's

About Place De La Bastille

The Place de la Bastille is one of the most important squares in Paris. It is now a bustling square, frequented by locals and tourists alike and is also home to the Opera Bastille, one of the city's most popular concert venues. This fortress was used as a prison during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and some of the most famous political prisoners of France were held here, including Marie Antoinette and Voltaire.

The Place de la Bastille is a popular meeting place and destination for an evening out, with many bars and restaurants in the surrounding area. Over the years, the Place de la Bastille Paris has been captured in countless works of art, from paintings and sketches to photographs and films. It has also been mentioned in numerous literary works, both fiction and non-fiction. You can also visit the Opera Bastille, see the Bastille monument, explore Rue Saint-Antoine and explore the market for a complete experience.

Things to Do at Place De La Bastille

Watch a show at Opéra Bastille

A visit to the Opera House should be high on your list of things to do and see while in Place de la Bastille. It is a beautiful building, and houses some of the most popular operas in the world. If you are not an opera fan, you can still enjoy the architecture of the Opera House by taking a tour of the facility.

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See the Colonne de Juillet, Symbol of Revolutions

The Colonne de Juillet, also known as the July Column, is a monument located in the centre of the Place de la Bastille. The column was built in memory of those who perished during the 1830 Revolution. The column is topped with a golden “Spirit of Liberty'', which became an icon of revolutions to follow.

Stroll on an Above-Ground Promenade

When you’re in the mood for a leisurely stroll, head to the Promenade Plantée. This elevated walkway, built on an old railway viaduct, stretches for nearly 2.5km from Bastille to Boissy-Saint-Léger. Along the way, you’ll enjoy gorgeous views of the cityscape and several parks and gardens.

Stroll around the Place de la Bastille

After exploring the Place de la Bastille, stroll around the nearby streets to see some of Paris' most iconic sights. The area is home to the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and countless other historical landmarks. If you're looking for a bite to eat, stop by one of the many cafes or restaurants in the area.

Visit Port de l’Arsenal

Place de la Bastille is home to one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris – the Port de l’Arsenal. The port is a beautiful area to stroll around, with its old-fashioned boats and bridges. You can also take a boat ride on the canal, or go for a swim in the river. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the port, so you can stop for a bite to eat or a drink while you enjoy the view.

Plan your Visit to Place De La Bastille

Essential Information

How to Reach

Opening Hours:

It’s open for 24 hours. But if you want to enjoy it at its best, it is advised to visit Place de la Bastille between 4 pm to 6 pm.

Location:

Place de la Bastille, 75011 Paris, France

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Place de la Bastille is from June to August, the weather is warm and sunny making your trip more pleasant. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, September and October are also good months to visit. November through February are the coldest months, but you can still find plenty of things to do in the area.