The Bastille Square

Place de la Bastille

In the centre of the square, the famous "Génie de la Liberté" (Spirit of Freedom) commemorates the revolution of 1830, but is well known for the 1789 revolution. At the time, the square was occupied by the Bastille Prison, which was a symbol of absolute power in the Ancien Régime. After the prison was destroyed after the revolution, nothing remained. Today, the square plays host to large cultural events such as concerts, fairs and citizen events, and has many bars and restaurants close by on Rue de la Roquette for nightowls to frequent. The square is also the starting point for a stroll on the Faubourg Saint-Antoine, where you can discover courses and picturesque passages: Passage du Chantier, Cour de l'Etoile d'Or, Cour des Trois Frères... the iconic landmark of the district is the Opéra. Designed by architect Carlos Ott, this marvel of modern architecture with transparent facades was inaugurated on the day of the bicentenary of the French Revolution.

Jardins des Plantes

The history of the Jardin des Plantes. Just push the door of the Hôtel de Magny, built at the end of the 16th century, and you will travel back in time. The major stages in the 370-year history of the Jardin Roy, now the Jardin des Plantes, are told here. Smelted in 1631, the bell of the chapel of the royal garden of medicinal plants, the oldest remaining witness of its existence, welcomes the public at the entrance. Further on, the reproduction of an engraving from 1636 gives an idea of the layout of the site at that time, then in the next room, the bust and the portrait of Buffon illustrate the important role played by the famous naturalist with regard to the institution. Then, the construction of the various buildings, galleries, greenhouses and the menagerie are evoked. The final rooms house (under controlled conditions) the extraordinary resources - archives, old books, vellum paper - from the library of the Museum.

Buttes Chaumont Park

The Buttes-Chaumont Park, in the north-east of Paris, is one of the biggest and original green spaces in Paris, measuring 25 hectares. Its construction on quarries explains its impressive steepness and change in levels and heights. Visitors can appreciate stunning views of the city from this hilly setting, especially in the Montmartre district. The layout gives it a particular charm: caves and waterfalls, a suspended bridge, and a high viewpoint. It is brightened up with exotic, indigenous trees and numerous birds (seagulls, moorhens, and mallard ducks) share the area and enjoy the artificial lake. Entertainment for children also takes place in the park and there are break areas where you can get something to eat.