Place de la Bastille is one of the more well-known squares in Paris and occupies an important place in French history. This is where the Bastille Prison stood until 1789. Built as the Bastion de Saint-Antoine during the Hundred Years’ War under Charles V of France, this gate was extended to create a fortress to defend the east end of Paris and the Hotel Saint-Pol royal palace.
The Bastille Theatre is one of the best known and loved theatres in central Paris. A beautiful and historic structure, it offers a great place for visitors and locals to enjoy French theatre at its very best in a wonderful auditorium. There is a long programme of events at the theatre that crosses many different genres. The theatre is always looking to excel itself in productions and create performances that stay in the hearts and minds of its audiences forever.
Colonne de Juillet
The July Column doesn't commemorate the Revolution, but honors the victims of the July Revolution of 1830, which put Louis-Philippe on the throne after the heady but wrenching victories and defeats of Napoleon Bonaparte. The winged God of Liberty, whose forehead bears an emerging star, crowns the tower.
From place de la Bastille, walk west along rue St-Antoine for about a block. Turn right and walk north along rue des Tournelles, noting the:
Statue of Beaumarchais
Erected in 1895, it honors the 18th-century author of The Barber of Seville and The Marriage of Figaro, set to music by Rossini and Mozart, respectively.
Travellers planning upon visiting Paris and looking for more history about the Bastille should check here for more information. Bastille hotels worth looking into include Classics hotel Bastille and the Holiday Inn Paris Bastille.
