In short
World-famous for the event of July 14, 1789, that changed the history of France, the square is today a cultural landmark. The large central bronze column and the imposing contemporary opera house make it one of the most significant places in Parisian life.
Period: 18th century
Architecture: monumental and contemporary
Function: public square and road junction
Best time: late afternoon
☰ Table of Contents
The ideal stop
Best visited on Sunday mornings to coincide with the historic local market on Boulevard Richard-Lenoir.
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Recommended parking time 25'
Twenty-five minutes for a tour of the monuments.
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The local rite
Walk down to the docks of the Porto dell'Arsenale to enjoy a relaxing stroll by the water.
What to see at Place de la Bastille
Explore a place that symbolizes freedom by walking among the signs of the past and the structures of the present.
The July Column
Admire the central bronze monument surmounted by the Genius of Liberty.
The Bastille Opera Very busy
See the grand modern opera house opened in 1989.
The Arsenal Port
Discover the river basin located immediately south of the square.
The layout of the fortress Historical detail
Look for the special cobblestones that mark themetro of the ancient prison.
The old metro stations
Look at the historic decorations visible inside the underground platforms.
The visit to Place de la Bastille
Optimize your time by discovering the key details not to be missed during the tour.
Best moment
Sunday morning in conjunction with the market.
Crowding
High due to traffic flows.
Suitable for children
Yes, to walk near the canal.
What not to miss
The golden statue on top of the column.
Type of experience
Historic, urban and very dynamic.
What to expect
A lively and chaotic city center.
How to visit Place de la Bastille
Use the protected pedestrian walkways to admire the various facades of the historic buildings.
Need to know
- The medieval fortress was entirely demolished after the Revolution.
- The July Column commemorates the three glorious days of 1830.
- The crypt beneath the monument houses the remains of the revolutionaries.
- The Opéra theatre was designed by the architect Carlos Ott.
Practical advice
Pay attention to the strong traffic flow around the column.
Walk down to the river port for a relaxing stroll.
Visit the large local market held on weekdays.
Look at the ground to spot the lines of the old fortress.
How to get to Place de la Bastille
The square is located in the eastern part of the city centre, a meeting point of important roads.
Lines 1, 5 and 8 stop at Bastille station.
Gare de Lyon station ( RER A and D) is a fifteen-minute walk south.
Lines 29, 69, 76, 86, 87 and 91 stop nearby.
Walk down Rue Saint-Antoine from the nearby Marais district.
Place de la Bastille, 75004
Official Transport Paris
- Paris Metro Map
- RER tickets and fares
- Taxis in Paris (numbers and alternatives)
History of Place de la Bastille
In the fourteenth century, King Charles V built the Bastille fortress to defend the eastern gate of the city. The structure was later transformed into a state prison by Cardinal Richelieu, becoming the emblem of French monarchical absolutism.
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On July 14, 1789, a Parisian mob stormed and captured the building, officially marking the beginning of the French Revolution. The enormous stone structure was demolished piece by piece over the following months, and the materials were used to build the Pont de la Concorde.
During the Napoleonic era, the empty space was reorganized and it was decided to place a monumental plaster elephant-shaped fountain. The structure remained for several years before being replaced by the current commemorative bronze column.
In 1840, the July Column was inaugurated to honor the citizens who fell during the 1830 revolution against King Charles X. The square maintained its strong popular and political identity, remaining the center of the workers' movements of the nineteenth century.
In preparation for the bicentenary of the Revolution, President François Mitterrand promoted the construction of the Opéra Bastille to make opera accessible to a wider audience. Today, the square is a modernized space hosting concerts and major democratic events.
Curiosities about Place de la Bastille
Unique anecdotes and singular historical facts characterize the memory of this famous Parisian place.
- The Talking Stones: Some stones from the demolished fortress were carved to create miniature models of the prison itself.
- Hugo's Elephant: the large temporary monument commissioned by Napoleon was described by Victor Hugo in the Parisian novel Les Misérables.
- The first ball: In 1790, the first dance was held to celebrate the fall of the prison, a tradition that continues to this day.
- Hidden remains: Some sections of the ancient fortress walls have been found and relocated to nearby Square Henri-Galli.
Activities that include Place de la Bastille
Find accommodation near Place de la Bastille
Don't waste time and explore the best options for sleeping near the Bastille.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you still see the ruins of the prison?
The fortress is demolished, but the perimetermetro visible on the pavement.
Is it possible to climb to the top of the central column?
No, the internal staircase of the monument is closed to public transit.
Is the Opéra Bastille open for tourists?
The theatre periodically organizes paid guided tours of the interior spaces.
Are there any bars open late at night in the area?
Yes, the nearby Rue de Lappe is famous for its nightlife.
Is the canal under the square navigable by boats?
Yes, the canal crosses the square inside an underground tunnel.
Is the square wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the sidewalks are wide and the road ramps make it easy to get around.
When is the market held near the square?
The market takes place every Thursday and Sunday morning on Boulevard Richard-Lenoir. Visit it if you're passing through or staying in Paris for at least three days.
How long does it take to see the entire area?
A stop to observe the monuments takes about twenty minutes in total.
