m.touch travel
11th Arrondissement
Favorites:
Streets
Viaduc des Arts
Just south of the Bastille Opera was a former railway viaduct that has now been converted into craftsmen's stores and design boutiques. Above the Viaduct is the Promenade Plante, which is an elevated Park stretching from the Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes.
Districts Map
Let our bilingual Local Connection© will meet you in your hotel or apartment just after arrival to help you get acquainted with your neighborhood.
Find out what only a local could tell you about the area you are staying in.
Search by District:
Paris 11th Arrondissement - Bastille
The Place de Bastille in the 11th Arrondissement was where the Bastille stood, a prison whose name has reverberated around the world as a symbol of democracy, and has always been a rallying point for political protestors. The area around the Bastille, especially rue de Lappe, rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine and part of rue de Charonne has become a rather hip neighborhood.
What to See
Sites, Covered Passages, Museums and more
more details
Places of Interest
The Bastille
Built around 1370, was once part of the defenses of Paris. Louis XIV had the wall demolished but left the Bastille, which later became a luxury prison for aristocratic and notable people who could have goods and services sent in. The Marquis de Sade was a prisoner here as were Mirabeau and Voltaire. It was stormed on 14 July 1789, but at that time there were only seven prisoners. It was later razed and replaced in 1831 by the column, called the July Column, now standing surmounted by the "Spirit of Liberty". In Place Henri Galli can be found a commemorative pile of stones from the original Bastille.
Oberkamp
The Bastille area around Rues de Charonne, Oberkamp and de la Roquette have numerous atmospheric bars and small restaurants and on Rues de Charonne and Oberkamp there are a number of bars appealing to those who like rock music, motorbikes and leather jackets. The rue du Faubourg St. Antoine has always been a center for furniture makers but there are picturesque little alleys and streets in the area. Rue de Lappe typifies the rejuvenation of the Bastille area. There are still traces of it being part of the "Gay Paris"of the 1930's,with its "bals musettes", or dance halls, frequented between the wars by Piaf, Jean Gabin and Rita Hayworth. "The Balajo" Dance Hall is still in existence.
CLOSE
What to Do
City Tours, Cooking, Wine Promenades, Photo Adventures, Private Guides & More
more details
Tour Paris in a 2CV
Venice has its gondolas, Vienna its horses and carriages, Bangkok its tuk-tuks, and now Paris has its 2CVs! Jump into this distinctive car for a privately chauffeured open-air tour of the capital's famous squares and its lesser known districts.. Pick up from your hotel or apartment.
More Details
Walking Tour along the Canal St Martin
A look at what’s left of the Bastille’s story and reality, the handsome (!) early-17th-century St. Louis plague hospital, and Paris’ main “inland waterway” – a strollers’ delight
More Details
Don Juan Gourmet Dinner Cruise
Every evening Yachts de Paris invites you to enjoy an unforgettable cruise aboard one of their magnificent yachts. What better way to see Paris than by taking a leisurely cruise on the Seine passing through the heart of Old Paris. Twenty centuries of history passing before your eyes.
More Details
Pullman Orient Express
The Pullman Orient Express departs from the Gare de Lyon and is one of the few trains still operating today much as it did over a hundred years ago.In a wonderful combination of travel, luxury and the art of fine living, it has succeeded in preserving its authenticity: in the carriages classified as "Historic Monuments", which have been completely renovated, the train features the on-board gourmet cuisine that was once its hallmark, with superb recipes devised by Lenotre in keeping with meals in times past, served from silver dishes by a staff dressed in uniforms recreated from the period
More Details
Hop On Hop Off Bus
More Details
CLOSE
Where to Eat
Grand Café : Opéra-4, bd des Capuciness
In 1875, the Grand Café was already one of the 'in' spots on the grand boulevards, bustling with the dazzling lights and music of the Opera. With its Art Deco style glass roof, this shimmering brasserie brings the Paris of a bygone era back to life. The Grand Café proposes: smoked salmon, St-Jacques tart with green tomato jam or duck with olives and turnips cooked to your taste.
