Bastille

The basics

Due to its historical significance, the Bastille district is an integral part of many Paris city tours, and outings that focus solely on the Bastille arrondissement are also available. Highlights include the Viaduc des Arts, a modern version of an old Paris viaduct; Port de l'Arsenal; and Opéra Bastille, which you can explore on a guided tour.

One of the best ways to absorb the culture of the neighborhood is on a food tour—feast on French delicacies and sample wines at Marche d'Aligre market, browse shops selling charcuterie and cheese, and stroll along Promenade Plantée.

Things to know before you go

• A Bastille tour is ideal for history and food lovers.

• The neighborhood is most often visited on half-day walking tours of Paris.

• Book a tour of Opéra Bastille in advance to see the opera house's interior.

• The Bastille neighborhood is mostly accessible to wheelchair users, but some of the attractions might not be.

How to get there

You can reach the Bastille neighborhood by car, train, or metro—Line 5 will take you to the Bastille metro station. Walking to the Bastille district along the banks of the Seine River is also a pleasant—if more time-consuming—way to arrive. Another option is taking a guided walking or Segway tour.

When to get there

At night, Bastille comes to life with an eclectic mix of swanky wine bars, raucous taverns, atmospheric jazz clubs, and cutting-edge cocktail bars. Begin your evening with fine French fare at an intimate bistro and end your night dancing among Parisians. Or, visit by day to soak up the neighborhood's history.

Bastille Day

A French celebration established to commemorate the storming of the Bastille in 1789 by Parisian revolutionaries, Bastille Day—or la Fête Nationale in French—takes place on July 14 and is one of France's major national holidays. Now, Bastille Day is celebrated with one of Europe's largest regular military parades, and the Louvre even offers free admission. Expect large crowds, of course.

Ways to explore

Even if you’re not staying in the Bastille neighborhood, you could spend a day taking in its architecture and artisan workshops. Walking is a great way to soak up the atmosphere, and walking tours range from self-guided explorations to expert-led trips highlighting themes like history, family-friendly sites, and apéro (apertif) bars. If you’d like to experience the Bastille Opera House, you can book a behind-the-scenes, guided tour of the modern theater or buy tickets for a ballet, opera, recitals, or other performances.

Accessibility

Some tours of the Bastille neighborhood are wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Refillable water bottle, cash, shopping bag (for visiting markets)

What to wear

Comfortable shoes for Bastille’s cobblestone streets

Not allowed

Don’t be shy when you enter shops or studios—in France, it’s considered polite to greet staff with “Bonjour Madame/Monsieur.”

Amenities

Restrooms, car-free walking paths (Coulée verte René-Dumont), picnic areas (Canal Saint-Martin)

Address

You can reach the Bastille neighborhood by car, train, or metro—or even walk the pleasant path along Bassin de l’Arsenal from the Seine River to Canal Saint-Martin.

Driving

Limited street parking and traffic restrictions mean driving isn’t always the most convenient way to reach the Bastille neighborhood. If you do have a car, you’ll find secure parking at off-street garages such as Indigo Bastille (53 Boulevard de la Bastille).

Public transportation

The Bastille metro station is served by trains on Lines 1, 5, and 8. Nearby bus stops include Bastille (bus lines 29, 87, 91) and Bastille Faubourg Saint-Antoine (bus lines 76 and 86).

Best times to visit

The Bastille nightlife scene generally starts around 6pm or 7pm with the after-work apéro crowd, but goes late—while bars generally close by 2am, some clubs stay open until 6am.

Best days to visit

Overflowing with produce and food, the open-air Bastille Market (Marché Bastille) is held on Thursday and Sunday mornings.

Best months to visit

Mild temperatures and fewer crowds mean that spring and fall are among the best times to visit Paris. Consider April through June, September, or October.

Special events

Paris’ huge Bastille Day celebrations on July 14 center on Place de la Bastille, where huge crowds celebrate the country’s national holiday.