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Remains of the Bastille: Echoes of Revolution

Discover the remnants of the Bastille, a symbol of the French Revolution, in a serene Parisian square. A poignant reminder of liberty and change.

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The Remains of the Bastille offer a glimpse into France's revolutionary past. Located in Square Henri-Galli, near Place de la Bastille, these remnants evoke the fight for freedom and justice during the French Revolution. While most of the structure was demolished in 1789, the remaining stones serve as a reminder of the events that shaped modern France.

A brief summary to Remains of the Bastille

  • 7 Bd Henri IV, Paris, 75004, FR

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Explore the nearby Place de la Bastille for additional historical context and vibrant local culture.
  • Look for the cobblestones on Place de la Bastille that outline the site of the former fortress.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Remains of the Bastille, take the Paris Métro to the Bastille station, which is served by lines 1, 5, and 8. From the station, it's a short walk to Square Henri-Galli, located near the quays of the Seine along Boulevard Henri IV. A single metro ticket costs €2.50. Alternatively, bus lines 20 (from Gare Saint-Lazare) and 65 (from Gare de Lyon) stop at Bastille, a short walk from the remains.

  • Walking

    From Place de la Bastille, walk east along Boulevard Henri IV. Square Henri-Galli will be on your right, a short distance from the Place. The walk is approximately 5 minutes. Look for the stone base of the Liberty Tower, one of the original towers of the Bastille prison.

  • Car

    If driving, navigate to 7 Boulevard Henri IV, 75004 Paris. Parking is available nearby, but can be limited and expensive. The closest parking garage is Parking Bastille at 9 Rue de la Roquette, a 6-minute walk away. Expect to pay hourly parking rates, typically around €4-€6 per hour. Be aware of on-street parking restrictions and fees, which are enforced Monday through Saturday from 9:00 to 20:00.

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Discover more about Remains of the Bastille

The Remains of the Bastille, found in Paris's Square Henri-Galli, provide a tangible link to the French Revolution. The Bastille, originally constructed in the late 1300s as a fortress, later became a state prison in the early 1700s, symbolizing royal authority and extravagance. On July 14, 1789, revolutionaries stormed the Bastille seeking arms and ammunition, marking a pivotal moment in the French Revolution. Following the storming, the Bastille was demolished, and its stones were taken as souvenirs or used for construction. Today, a section of the foundation from one of the eight towers, the Liberty Tower, is preserved in Square Henri-Galli. This square, near the Seine, offers a quiet space for reflection amidst a bustling city. The cobblestones on the ground outline the location of the former fortress. Visitors can also find traces of the Bastille at other locations : the Bastille Metro platforms on lines 1 and 5, where pieces of the old walls are visible ; a plaque on a building in the IVth arrondissement indicating the fortress's position relative to the current layout ; and the Musée Carnavalet, which houses artifacts from the revolution and a model of the Bastille made from its stones.

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