Place de la Bastille

About

The Place de la Bastille, a public square situated at the site of the former Bastille prison, is a living monument to Parisian history and contemporary life. It sits at the intersection of the 4th, 11th, and 12th arrondissements, and is dominated by the iconic July Column commemorating the 1830 July Revolution. The square is home to the modern Opéra Bastille, the city’s largest opera house, and a bustling pedestrian zone that hosts markets, cafés, bars, and live music. On Thursdays and Sundays a lively open‑air market fills part of the square, offering fresh produce, street food, and crafts. Visitors can also wander along the Canal Saint‑Martin and enjoy the marina built on the former fort’s ditch.

Highlights

• July Column
• Opéra Bastille
• Canal Saint-Martin Marina

Must-See Areas

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At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes