Hi! I am planning a trip in March with 3 others and are trying to figure out accommodation for Paris. Is the Bastille area a good choice? Good for mid twenties and easy access to main attractions? Does anyone else have any other area recommendations?
Thanks!
Yes, Bastille is an interesting area, having become trendy in recent years. Lots of bars, cafes, restaurants, etc. and a great street market on Sundays. Easy access to Metro and buses. It's a very lively, very Parisian area.
It is a good area with good transport and plenty of restaurants and cafes. It is IMHO not generally as attractive as some other area of Paris but that will vary street by street.
Agree with everyone else but one quick warning - if you are looking for hotels online be sure to check exactly where they are on a map. The area is sufficiently popular that some hotels have "Bastille" in the same despite being a significant distance away.
The Bastille area touches the 4th (Marais), 11th and 12th arrondisments so gives access to a range of styles, from honkey-tonk to contemporary gourmet. Just to the north of the monument, along Boulevard Richard Lenoir, one of the best open-air markets is spread out on Thursdays and Sundays. Here is a nice appreciation, although rather dated: http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2006/02/the-sunday-mark/
The Saint-Martin canal cruises start near there too, much different than the Seine boats. The nearby promenade of plants gives strollers both landscape on the old elevated rail line and artisanal shops on street level, making for excellent strolls to Gare de Lyon. Transportation connections are pretty good and the further east and north you go, the more you will see authentic inner-city neighbourhoods.
To check out urban transport, whether bus or subway, look at the interactive map on http://www.ratp.fr/en/ You will see that Bastille is served by three separate Metro lines, streamlining your commute to city attractions.
AND ... (drum roll) there is a Leon de Bruxelles restaurant right there on the Place. Love those mussels & fries!
Thanks so much for the replies! Does anyone have hotel recommendations for a reasonable price that was enjoyable/in a neat neighborhood? I know there are tons and tons of options, but I cant choose!
