Bastille Tours and Tickets

Yes, there are guided tours of the Bastille neighborhood, and many Paris tours spend time in this part of town. Popular options include self-guided tours that focus on the neighborhood’s architecture, as well as food tours that take you to local markets to sample food and wine.

Yes, visiting the Bastille neighborhood is worth it. It’s a lively part of town with a lot to see and do, from the restaurants and clubs of Rue de la Roquette to the Opéra Bastille and the famous Place de la Bastille—which marks where the Bastille fortress once stood.

It depends. If you’re into nightlife, consider coming in the evening, when the area’s many shops, bars, and restaurants are at their most bustling. For sightseeing, a daytime visit is a better plan. Come on a Thursday or Sunday morning to experience the twice weekly Bastille Market.

Yes, there are lots of dining options near the Place de la Bastille and in the Bastille neighborhood, in general. Streets with a high concentration of restaurants include the Rue de Lappe and the Rue de la Roquette, though you’ll find great places to eat throughout the neighborhood.

The easiest way to get to the Bastille from central Paris is by taking lines 1, 5, or 8 of the Paris Metro to the Bastille Metro Station. Buses also stop at the station, including numbers 29, 87, and 91—as well as night buses N02, N11, and N16.

Yes, there are special events held at the Place de la Bastille and in the surrounding area. The most popular is Bastille Day (July 14), which celebrates the French Revolution. There are also outdoor concerts during the annual Fête de la Musique, which usually takes place on June 21.