Bastille
© Amnaye Nhas / Rue89

Bastille area guide

The area around the city’s revolutionary roundabout overflows with trendy bars, theatres and bobo boutiques

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The famous fortress-cum-prison is long gone, but its role in the kick-off to the French revolution makes this patch of Paris one of the most historic pieces of soil in the whole country and one of the most politically symbolic places in Europe. The spot is now a large roundabout (you can see a chunk of the foundations in the metro station underneath) that is usually choked either with traffic or with mass demonstrations. The streets immediately north and east are particularly strong on good yet affordable restaurants, smart private galleries, bobo boutiques and grungy record stores.

The best venues in Bastille

Art galleries
Art

Art galleries

Three independent galleries showcasing contemporary art and photography pieces in the area – all away from the crowds.

Bars
Bars and pubs

Bars

Scruffy dives, jazz clubs and upmarket wine bars all feature in our pick of the best nearby bars.

Shopping
Shopping

Shopping

The best markets, high-end fashion, wine, books, records and vintage clothes in eastern Paris.

Theatres and music venues
Things to do

Theatres and music venues

Beyond the imposing Opéra venue, the Bastille live scene is full of mini theatres and lively rock and jazz clubs.

Restaurants
Restaurants

Restaurants

From traditional creperies to modern Argentinian cooking, the Bastille food scene is brilliantly diverse.