Place de la Bastille: Paris's Revolutionary Heart

Place de la Bastille straddles the 4th and 11th arrondissements, at the junction of the Marais, Faubourg Saint-Antoine, and Faubourg Saint-Bernard. It's the symbolic epicenter of the French Revolution.

History

The Bastille prison stood here until its storming on July 14, 1789, and subsequent demolition (1789–92). The square was laid out on its footprint.

Key Features

• Colonne de Juillet (July Column): 1830 revolution memorial; gilded Génie de la Liberté atop.
• Opéra Bastille: Modern 2,700-seat opera house (opened 1989); dominates the square's east side.
• Fontaine des Naiades: 19th-century fountain by Carpeaux.
• Bastille Métro (Lines 1, 5, 8): Guimard entrance (Art Nouveau).

Today

Vibrant day/night hub: cafés, bars, restaurants, galleries, weekend markets. Frequent political demonstrations, concerts, and celebrations (especially July 14). A living symbol of liberty.