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The Best Things to Do in Bastille, Paris

Formerly a French Revolution state prison, this district in Paris delights with its diverse sights – from the Marché d’Aligre to the Opéra Bastille.

Bastille is destined to be remembered for its integral role in the French Revolution . But the area that straddles the City of Light’s 4th, 11th, and 12th arrondissements isn’t simply a magnet for those in search of history. The zoo is as popular with the kids as the food market is with the grown-ups, while discount tickets to the opera make it accessible for all. There’s also a thriving nightlife, thanks to dozens of lively bars and eateries. Here’s our pick of the best ways to spend your time in Bastille.

1. See the smoky history of Paris at Le Musée du Fumeur

Iconic scenes featuring the likes of Alain Delon and Serge Gainsbourg puffing away on a pack of Gauloises made smoking a common trait of French culture. While this once seductive charm has largely disappeared from the big screen, this private museum on Rue Pache, off Rue de la Roquette, remains staunchly proud of the habit. You’ll find the history of Paris told through tobacco, as well as a look at the origins of smoking in America, India and China. With gifts including grinders, humidors and pipes, the museum store is a smoker’s paradise.

2. Watch a show at Opéra Bastille

Opera House

Opened on the eve of the 200th anniversary of the storming of the Bastille in 1989, the Opéra Bastille has gone on to become the primary home of the Paris National Opera. While its modern design isn’t quite as prestigious as the 19th-century Palais Garnier , it does welcome more guests with over 2,700 seats. This capacity can lead to some very reasonable ticket pricing for last-minute seats.

4. Pick up a souvenir or two at Merci

Shop, Store

Bastille has plenty of eccentric boutique shops to browse. Merci, a concept store created by Bonpoint founders Bernard and Marie-France Cohen, donates profits to a foundation supporting women and children in Madagascar. Within the 1,500sqm (16,000sqft) space, you can find furniture, accessories and clothing from designers like Isabel Marant and Stella McCartney.

5. Stroll around the Place de la Bastille

Historical Landmark

6. Catch a movie at the Cinémathèque Française

Building, Cinema, Library, Museum

A cinephile’s dream lies inside the Frank Gehry-designed Cinémathèque Française, with a permanent collection of some of the most iconic props and costumes ever seen on screen. This includes costumes worn by Elizabeth Taylor and Vivien Leigh, alongside props like the head of Mrs. Bates from Psycho . The cinema also hosts retrospectives and showings of cult classics.

7. Find the best local produce at the Marché d’Aligre

The Parisian passion for food is infectious. Nowhere is this more apparent than at the Marché d’Aligre. Open every day except Monday, you’ll find the market in the 12th arrondissement. Arrive with an appetite, as you’ll soon discover a mouthwatering selection of French meats, cheeses and fresh bread in the 18th-century covered food hall, while the outdoor flea market makes for splendid souvenir spotting.

8. Get the perfect Instagram picture at Rue Crémieux

Architectural Landmark

There’s no lack of charming, cobblestoned streets in Paris, but Rue Crémieux might stand out among the lot. The iconic street can be seen in many Instagram shots due to the brightly coloured façades of the buildings and the trompe l’oeil paintings sprinkled across the street. While it’s a beautiful photo location, keep in mind it is a residential area, so be discreet!

This is an updated version of a story created by Madeleine Bazil . Alexis James contributed additional reporting.

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Place de la Bastille

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Place de la Bastille - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Bastille area guide

The area around the city’s revolutionary roundabout overflows with trendy bars, theatres and bobo boutiques

The famous fortress-cum-prison is long gone, but its role in the kick-off to the French revolution makes this patch of Paris one of the most historic pieces of soil in the whole country – and one of the most politically symbolic places in Europe. The spot is now a large roundabout (you can see a chunk of the foundations in the metro station underneath) that is usually choked either with traffic or with mass demonstrations. The streets immediately north and east are particularly strong on good yet affordable restaurants, smart private galleries, bobo boutiques and grungy record stores.

The best venues in Bastille

Art galleries

Three independent galleries showcasing contemporary art and photography pieces in the area – all away from the crowds.

Scruffy dives, jazz clubs and upmarket wine bars all feature in our pick of the best nearby bars.

The best markets, high-end fashion, wine, books, records and vintage clothes in eastern Paris.

Theatres and music venues

Beyond the imposing Opéra venue, the Bastille live scene is full of mini theatres and lively rock and jazz clubs.

From traditional creperies to modern Argentinian cooking, the Bastille food scene is brilliantly diverse.

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Place de la Bastille, Paris

Last Updated:  30 June 2023

Shared with the 4th , 11th and 12th arrondissements, the Place de la Bastille is one of Paris ’ most famous squares, owing its name to the infamous fortress that once stood there. The vast square (215m by 150m) was the scene of many revolutions which had significant consequences on the history of France: 1789, 1830 and 1848. The Place de la Bastille remains the French capital’s most crucial rallying point for demonstrations, marches and public celebrations.

  🎦 Watch our short video on the origins and traditions of Bastille Day:

Place de la Bastille: A Bit of History

The square was built on the Bastille fortress’s site and Charles V’s fortifications (as shown on the map above). It marked the limit between Paris and the ‘faubourgs’.

On the 14th of July 1790 , entrepreneur Palloy organised the first popular dancing ball on the occasion of the Fête de la Fédération . Amidst the ruins of the former prison, he planted a tent with the sign: ‘ Ici on danse ’ (here, people dance). This tradition has survived to the present day.

The square welcomed the infamous guillotine from the 9th to the 14th of June 1794. 75 people were beheaded on the Place de la Bastille before the guillotine was moved to the current Place de la Nation .

The square has changed appearance since the demolition of the Bastille prison (1789-1790), the construction of the July Column (1840), the great urban renovation of Baron Haussmann (mid-19th century), the demolition of the railway station (1984) and the inauguration of the modern Opéra-Bastille (1989).

The Bastille Fortress

The Bastille was a fortification on the medieval wall of Paris built under the reign of Charles V between 1370 and 1383. Cardinal Richelieu transformed The fortress into a prison and kept political prisoners such as Voltaire and the Man in the Iron Mask.

The fortress was stormed by a revolutionary mob from the Faubourg Saint-Antoine on the morning of the 14th of July 1789 . By late afternoon its seven prisoners were freed. This first act of the French Revolution quickly became an important date in French history.

The fortified prison was dismantled between the 14th of July 1789 and the 14th of July 1790, and its stones were partly used to build the Pont de la Concorde. 83 of its stones were carved into miniature Bastille replicas before being sent to the provinces.

Today, the ground plan of the Bastille’s towers and fortification can be seen on the pavement on the square’s western side (from numbers 5 to 49 Boulevard Henri IV).

Monuments on the Place de la Bastille

The Place de la Bastille is home to two monuments of Paris: the July Column and the monumental Paris Opera. The square opens to the Arsenal Harbour.

The July Column – la Colonne de Juillet

The monumental July Column (in French: Colonne de Juillet ) was commissioned by Louis-Philippe in 1830 and inaugurated in 1840 . The Corinthian-style column is 50.52 metres tall and was designed by architects Jean-Antoine Alavoine and Joseph-Louis Duc . A stair with 140 steps leads to the viewing platform (close to the public_. It is made of 21 bronze drums and weighs over 74 tonnes.

Its name refers to the Trois Glorieuses or the Three Glorious Days of 27-29 July 1830, when King Charles X was overruled by the ‘ July Monarchy ’ of Louis-Philippe.

A commemorative plaque bears the inscription:

“ À la gloire des citoyens français qui s’armèrent et combattirent pour la défense des libertés publiques dans les mémorables journées des 27, 28, 29 juillet 1830 .”

(To the glory of French citizens who armed themselves and fought to defend public freedoms during the memorable days of the 27th, 28th, and 29th of July 1830).

At the top of the column stands a gilded angel by Auguste Dumont called ‘ le Génie de la Liberté ’ (Spirit of Freedom). The statue holds the torch of civilisation and the remains of his broken chains.

The monument was built above a necropolis, including the 815 bodies of revolutionaries killed during the Trois Glorieuses and the 1848 Revolution.

The July Column is visible from many vantage points in Paris: from the Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre, the Père Lachaise cemetery, the towers of Notre-Dame, the Montparnasse Tower or the Institut du Monde Arabe:

The Bastille Elephant

On the site of the square, Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte wished to edify a curious counterpart to the Arc de Triomphe: the Bastille Elephant . This project was never completed; only the fountain’s circular base remains today.

Interestingly a replica of the monument was raised in Mexico City in 1910: the Columna de la Independencia .

The Opera Bastille

Before the opera was a train station called ‘ Gare de la Bastille ’. Opened between 1859 and 1969 it linked Paris to Verneuil-l’Étang and Boissy-Saint-Léger. In the mid-1960s construction of the RER A led to the abandonment of the station. The building was demolished in 1984 to give way to an ambitious project: the modern Opéra Bastille. The former railways were transformed into the Promenade Plantée .

The Opéra Bastille is part of François Mitterrand ’s Grands Projets , a grandiose plan which included the construction of the Grande Arche de la Défense , the National Library in Tolbiac, and the glass pyramid of the Louvre .

Built between 1984 and 1989, its inauguration by the French President coincided with the bicentenary of the French Revolution. Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott designed the opera, which has a capacity of 3,309 seats.

Port de l’Arsenal

The square gives way to the Port de l’Arsenal , Paris’ marina. The port was the former moat of Charles V’s fortification, and its waters link the Seine to the Canal St Martin .

Find out more on the blog

• On the trail of the remains of the historic fortress of La Bastille
• All there is to know about Bastille Day, France’s national day
• The Gems of Paris: A Discovery Online Course

Stay in and around Place de la Bastille

About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

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Getting around paris, paris travel guide, paris essentials, train travel, paris arrondissements, from prison to opera house – 11 surprising facts about the bastille.

It was once a dreaded prison , now it's only a column. On July 14, 1789, 633 angry French citizens stormed the Bastille in Paris (a prison somewhat equivalent to the Tower of London ), capturing its munitions, releasing its seven prisoners, lynching the governor and demolishing the fortress. This was the dramatic start of the French Revolution.

Our Top-Rated Paris Bastille Experiences

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1. Experience a Grand Opera at Opera Bastille…

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A Symbol Of Tyranny

Yes, there were only seven prisoners, but the Bastille prison tower had become a symbol of tyranny. The monument that stands today in the center of the Place de la Bastille commemorates not the original French Revolution, but another, later, revolution. Today, the term "Bastille" describes a column, a place , an opera house, an historic event, and an annual celebration.

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Discover what's on when you're here, the bastille column.

It was during this revolution — called la Trois Glorieuses — that the French monarchy was finally overthrown.

The column you see today in the centre of Place de la Bastille has nothing to do with the French Revolution of 1789. The Colonne de Juillet was erected at the former location of the Bastille prison (today the juncture of the 4th, 11th, and 12th Arrondissements) as a monument to another revolution that took place in 1830. In this so-called July Revolution , which lasted only three days, the French absolute monarchy was finally overthrown.

French king Charles X abdicated on August 2, 1830 and a constitutional monarchy was instituted. (How France ended up with yet another king after the revolution is another story.) The current column stands as a symbol of liberty and a memorial to those who took part. Constructed of heavy cast drums it features an interior spiral staircase. Names of Parisians who died during the 1830 revolution are engraved in gold on the column. Atop the column is the god Mercury astride a gilded globe.

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The french revolution walking tour.

You can relive the events of the French Revolution on this historical Paris walk, as you visit the sites of that historic era, including the Bastille, and learn about its fascinating history, like the capture of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI.

Experience the Splendor Of Versailles

Opera de la bastille.

Exactly 200 years after the famous riot that started the French Revolution, this landmark opera house was inaugurated in 1989 by President Mitterrand. Today, it is the main opera house of Paris, and one of the largest in Europe. However, it has not been without controversy.

Some initial attendees complained about the acoustics, other people complained about the Burgundian stones falling off the sides of the building. Complain they might, but every seat at the Opéra Bastille offers an unrestricted view of the stage and every seat is almost always filled.

Some music lovers prefer the ornate and luminous decoration of the more traditional Palais Garnier , the former opera house now used mostly for dance. It seems that although the French stormed the Bastille at some level they prefer the old-fashioned approach. See for yourself. Today the Opera Bastille is home to grand operas and elaborate ballet stagings and is well worth visiting for a spectacular performance.

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Most bastille day activities do not take place at bastille.

In France, Le Quatorze Juillet (Bastille Day, July 14) is celebrated with parades, fireworks and dances, but few of them take place at Place de la Bastille . The Bastille Day military parade, for instance, starts from the Arc de Triomphe , then follows a route along Champs-Elysées to Place de la Concorde. On Bastille Day evening, fireworks take place on and around the Eiffel Tower.

But the place is often the site of parades and demonstrations throughout the year. Because of its connection with (capital-L) Liberty, Place de la Bastille is the center of political action in Paris when it takes to the streets with protests, speeches, and political rallies.

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Cruise the seine, the canals… and under the bastille.

Did you know that you can take a slow boat ride on the canals built by the Napoleons and pass right underneath Place de la Bastille ? Napoleon Bonaparte ordered the construction of Canal St Martin and associated waterways. Half a century later his nephew, Napoleon III, modernized Paris, including sending part of this famous waterway underground.

You board a special canal boat in northeast Paris at Parc de la Villette , pass through a large artificial pond and then the boat enters a tunnel and passes right under Place de la Bastille before finally emerging into the Seine. (Some of the cruises go the other way, starting in the Seine and ending at Villette.) It's unusual, fun, and surprisingly relaxing!

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Bastille – more history & lore.

Not Intended as a Prison

Even though its claim to fame was as notorious prison, the Bastille was originally built as a fortress, a part of the city walls, to protect the city of Paris from the threat posed by the English armies during the Hundred Years' War. Work began in 1370.

A Nexus of French Conflict

Instead of protection from English troops, as was intended, the Bastille ended up being used by one side or the other during internal French conflicts, such as the wars between the Burgundians and the Armagnacs, and religious wars of the 16th century.

More Fortress Than Prison

It actually wasn't until 1659 , during the reign of Louis XIV, that the Bastille began to be used as a state penitentiary. It had been built to keep people out, not in, so it wan't the best prison ever. Most of the inmates were members of the French upper classes who disagreed with the Sun King.

A Model Fortification

When the Bastille was first constructed in the 14th century it was admired, and copied throughout Europe, as a modern, powerful fortification that pioneered such advances as four sets of drawbridges.

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A Comfortable Jail

Contrary to popular belief, the conditions for prisoners in the Bastille were exceptional. The Marquis de Sade arrived with an elaborate wardrobe, artwork, tapestries, perfumes, servants, a small library, card games, and a selection of wine.

Its Destruction Took Months

The Bastille prison wasn't destroyed overnight, not even by the end of July 1789. It took planning by a revolutionary committee and months of debate to decide on the final plans to dismantle it. It wasn't until November 1789 that the prison was destroyed.

The Fountain of Isis

In 1793, five years after the initial revolutionary events, a fountain featuring a statue of Isis was built on the former site of the fortress/prison, while the square renamed the name of Place de la Bastille.

Wine, but No Torture

There is absolutely no evidence of torture or ill-treatment of prisoners at the Bastille. Remember the Marquis de Sade with his servants, library & wine collection? Torture? — just didn't happen.

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The 8 Best Things to Do Near the Place de la Bastille, Paris

From Nightlife to Urban Nature Walks

The area around the Place de la Bastille is one of Paris' most exciting and diverse neighborhoods. It's a prime spot for nightlife, featuring both dance clubs that have been popular to ages and trendy new addresses such as "speakeasy"-style cocktail bars. It's got plenty to offer anyone interested in history, art and urban architecture, too: revolutionary monuments, leafy parks with rooftop views and local street art are but a few of the other draw cards in this area. Fantastic food markets and quirky boutiques are still others. Get off at the Bastille metro stop, cross the sprawling, busy square and explore some of the places we recommend below. It's a complex, buzzing neighborhood that's almost sure to expand your understanding and appreciation of the city.

See the Colonne de Juillet, Symbol of Revolutions

Of course, a visit to this area warrants at least a quick look at the imposing Colonne de Juillet that looms at the center of the enormous Place (Square) de la Bastille. The "July Column" was erected in July 1840 as a symbol of the revolutionary war ten years earlier, known as "Les Trois Glorieuses". This was a war that brought the French king Louis-Philippe to power, following a bloody conflict that claimed many victims. The column was inaugurated to commemorate their memory; a golden statue referred to as the "Spirit of Liberty" crowns the top.

The site is also important to revolutionary history for two other reasons. First, this is the former site of the infamous Bastille Prison, which was set afire by revolters at the onset of the French Revolution of 1789 and remains a potent symbol of that first upheaval.

Secondly, the July Column was nearly destroyed during yet another revolt in 1871, this time the botched revolution known as the Paris Commune. Come here to revel in how far France has come from that tumultuous period, before heading out into the narrow little streets beyond the square to explore the wider neighborhood.

Admire the Bastille Opera (and Take a Guided Tour)

Veronica Garbutt/Lonely Planet Images/Getty

The gleaming steel and glass building that dominates the Place de la Bastille is home to the National Opera-- an important landmark for anyone interested in art, culture and architecture. Inaugurated in 1989 and designed by Carlos Ott, the Opera Bastille is worth admiring, both inside and out.

If time allows, consider taking a guided tour of the theatre and backstage area to marvel at its elaborate layout, all designed to produce acoustic consistency and beautiful sound. And if you're an opera fan, why not buy tickets for an upcoming performance and enjoy the site to the fullest? From Verdi to Berlioz and Mozart, the opera season offers plenty of choices for music lovers.

Browse Boutiques & Shops on Rue de Charonne

VVVCFFrance/Wikimedia Commons/ CC BY-SA 4.0  

If you're in a shopping or gift-buying mood, head east from the Place de la Bastille to the Rue de Charonne, where you can browse or window-shop in some of the area's best little boutiques.

On this decidedly trendy street, up-and coming designers peddle men and women's clothing and accessories. You'll also find home design and jewelry shops, art bookstores, an old-school record store and artisan workshops, all punctuated by cool cafés and sprawling terraces.

We especially recommend Repetto (20 rue de Charonne), famous for its ballet shoes and trendy women's footwear designs, as well as for quality leather accessories; Patate Records (57 rue de Charonne), a quirky purveyor of vinyl both new and old; and Sessun (34 rue de Charonne), a trendy concept store that also includes a section dedicated to artisan jewelry and design objects made by local artists.

Taste Local Produce at a Nearby Food Market

Courtney Traub

 The area around the Bastille is a prime spot for sampling delicious local produce and traditional French goodies. In addition to the bustling open-air food market that runs down Boulevard Richard-Lenoir twice weekly (Thursday and Sunday from roughly 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), there's another market just a few minutes away on foot that's beloved by locals: the Marché d'Aligre.

Known as one of the city's finest markets, it's actually composed of two: an open-air strip that runs down the busy Rue d'Aligre, flanked by top-quality bakeries, butchers, cheesemakers and wine bars; and a covered market called the Marché Beauvau. Both feature vendors selling produce, cheeses, fresh flowers, fish, breads, and other traditional goodies that are delightful to behold —and eat, of course! For suggestions on how to enjoy this market to the fullest and a little visual inspiration, see our complete guide . You can get to the market from either the Bastille or Ledru-Rollin Metro stops.

Opening Times: The open-air market is open from Tuesday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., as well as on Saturday and Sunday between 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Marché Beauvau covered market is open Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It's also open from 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Stroll on an Above-Ground Promenade

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Little-known to tourists, the Promenade Plantée (literally, "planted stroll"), is a one-mile path built above a defunct Parisian railway and lined with colorful flowers and plants. The world's first above-ground park, it affords interesting and elegant views of Parisian rooftops and architectural details, and makes for a very pleasant walk.

Climb up from the dedicated entrances via stairways found just a few feet to the right of the Bastille Opera house , on Rue de Lyon. From there, amble through charming green trellises, admire odd street art, gaze up at statues adorning the elegant buildings flanking the path, and stop for a picnic at the sprawling lawns of the Jardin de Reuilly.

Eat Delicious Chocolate at Alain Ducasse

Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse 

The Michelin-starred French chef Alain Ducasse is also a master chocolate-maker, proffering everything from crunchy pralines to creamy ganaches and rich dark chocolate bars in his numerous boutiques around the city.

If you're craving something indulgently gourmet after a meal or a long walk, pop into the mouthwatering shop on Rue de la Roquette to indulge in some high-quality sweets. This is also an ideal spot for gift-shopping in the area.

Sip Cocktails at a Secret "Speakeasy" Bar

Moonshiner Bar

The Bastille area is, as previously mentioned, one of the best places for nightlife in the capital — and this extends to backroom, speakeasy-style cocktail bars. Moonshiner is a throwback joint with soft lighting, vintage furniture, and expert bar staff mixing creative house cocktails as well as a large selection of whiskies and other quality libations.

Head over to the Da Vito pizzeria on Rue de Sedaine and beeline to the back to access the bar — or enjoy a pizza in the front before retiring to the bar for an after-dinner drink or two.

Go Dancing at a Local Club, from Latin to Hip-Hop

Last but certainly not least, and if energy allows, enjoy an exciting nightcap near Bastille. The area is teeming with bars and dance clubs, and is one of the best spots in the city for nightlife.

You're spoiled for choice, but there are a few we recommend: La Balajo (9 rue de Lappe) is coveted for its Latin dancing, salsa and Cuban music nights, while Le Red House (1 bis, rue de la Forge Royale) is a hip-meets-kitschy Texas-themed bar and club where DJs spin eclectic sets, from hip-hop and electro to indie rock.

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Remains Of The Bastille: 4 Spots You Likely Overlooked

When in Paris, one walks a lot and it’s worth doing as there are so many sites to see.  But you can walk down a street and not even realize you’ve passed a historical monument or famous site. I recently discovered that you can see the Bastille fortress—yes, that famous ‘ storming of the Bastille ’ place—-that made July 14, 1789 famous. I found the remains of the Bastille in the most unlikely places, so if you’re in these four areas, be sure you’re on the lookout for the remnants. You’ll be looking at a little history over 230 years ago. It’s not all rocks, either, particularly at the Bastille Metro where you will see some amazing art (from France’s bicentennial).

The Bastille Fortress: A Brief History

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Today, July 14 is a national holiday called “La Fête Nationale” (Bastille Day in English), but July 14, 1789 was significant for marking the beginning of the French Revolution and the day that the storming of the Bastille took place. The mobs wanted the arms and ammunition stored in the fortress which had also imprisoned opponents of King Louis XIV.

The Bastille was originally constructed in the late 1300s to protect Paris from opponents during the Hundred Years’ War and then it became a prison in the early 1700s. To the general public, the fortress was seen as a symbol of royal extravagance and authoritarianism. So when the mobs stormed the Bastille to get the munitions, they were also rebelling against royalty.

You might also like to read these posts: – The Best Prehistoric Caves To Visit In The Dordogne – Sculptures Carved Into A Cliff North Of St. Malo: Rochers Sculptés – France’s Version Of Stonehenge: Carnac Alignments  

Place de la Bastille Today

Today, the area where the fortress stood is called Place de la Bastille and in the centre is a large column, but it has nothing to do with the history of the Bastille prison. It is called the July Column (Colonne de Juillet)or “Génie de la Liberté” (Spirit of Freedom) and it commemorates the revolution of 1830, also called the “July Revolution”. Everyone today associates it with the July 14, 1789 revolution.

The Bastille today no longer exists, except in small pieces scattered throughout Paris. After the revolution, the fortress was demolished and individual stones were taken away as souvenirs or used in the construction of roads. Place de la Bastille is now a busy area with the Opéra Bastille, many restaurants, and stores. It also has the excellent Marché Bastille every Thursday and Sunday. It’s one of Paris’ largest markets on Boulevard Richard Lenoir. Just down the street from Place de la Bastille is a quiet oasis called Promenade Plantée.

The Musée Carnavalet has a number of artifacts from the revolution as well as a model of the Bastille made from some actual stone. It was carved by Pierre-François Palloy, the building contractor who organized the dismantling of the Bastille after it was stormed. The museum is closed, however, for renovations until the end of 2019.

Remains Of The Bastille In 4 Locations

Here are a few places in Paris where you can still see the remains of the fortress.

Bastille Location #1: Murals and Stones in the Métro

Location: Bastille Métro-Line 1 and 5 Platforms

• `The Bastille station is a sprawling maze of tunnels and there are two sites worth seeing. Go to where the platform for Line 1 (either side) and you will see murals recreating events during the revolution. They were created by Liliane Belembert and Odile Jacquot   in 1989 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the French revolution.

• Then go to the Line 5 platform (direction Bobigny-Pablo Picasso). It connects with Line 1 in the Bastille station and here you will see pieces of the fortress’ foundation that were discovered in 1906 when work was being done on Line 5. They decided to leave the archeological site in tact in the Métro. You’ll also see an outline on the platform. This represents the eastern moat walls of the Bastille.

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Bastille Location #2: outline of the towers on Rue St. Antoine

Location : Where Rue St. Antoine meets Place de la Bastille at Boulevard Henri IV

The fortress walls are outlined in red stones on the street. You have to look carefully around Rue St. Antoine to even notice them.

Bastille Location #3: Square Henri-Galli

Location: corner of Boulevard Henri IV and Quai des Celestins

A large piece of the Bastille was found in 1899 when Line 1 of the Metro was being excavated.  The remains of the foundation were from one of the 8 towers (Liberty Tower) and it was moved to Square Henri-Galli which is down the street from Place de la Bastille. In this square there are swings and I noticed parents and children there playing. Little did they know that in that same square was a piece of history. It’s pretty unrecognizable and I couldn’t even find a sign indicating its importance.

Bastille Location #4: Stones at Pont de la Concorde

Location: the bridge, Pont de la Concorde which joins up with Place de la Concorde and Palais Bourbon (French National Assembly)

After the storming, many stones were used to pave the streets. Many were used to construct the bridge, Pont de la Concorde.

So, now you know where some of the remains of the Bastille are and if you are at any of these locations, you can see a bit of history. If you are in Paris on July 13, the night before Bastille Day , expect to have celebrations at night with lots of firecrackers going off, especially at Place de la Bastille.

Check out these posts to learn more about what you can do to celebrate in Paris and elsewhere:

• Guide To Celebrating Bastille Day In Paris
• Where To See The Best Bastille Day Fireworks In Normandy

TRAVEL RESOURCES Booking.com and Expedia : are the companies I use for finding accommodations. VRBO : is super for booking apartments and houses.  AutoEurope : is the only car rental supplier that I will use–with the best prices, and they will refund the difference if the price goes down.  Trainline : offers an easy way to book train tickets. Get Your Guide and Viator : Both offer tours, city cards, tickets, airport pickups, and so many other things you’ll need at your destination. Orange SIM Card -this is the company I use when I want a physical SIM card Airalo eSIM -offers eSIMS and get great reviews

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Yet another place you can find “remains” of the Bastille is in Virginia, of all places. The giant metal key that unlocked the gate was presented as a gift to George Washington by his friend Lafayette. It now hangs in Washington’s home in Mount Vernon, Virginia.

Yes I remember reading about that. Thanks for sharing.

Hi Jan, Thanks for the interesting information about the Bastille. One quick correction: the Opéra Garnier is the old opera house in the 9th arrondissement, now called Le Palais Garnier. It is not the one at the Place de la Bastille. That one is called the Opéra Bastille.

Many thanks for the clarification. I’ve updated the post.

Thank you for the list! I’ll have to look for these places when we visit Paris again some time. The red lines make me think of Boston’s Freedom Trail, Berlin’s West and East Berlin border, and Warsaw’s Ghetto Border lines. So easy to dismiss it if you don’t know what it is.

Thanks! Great article! Say, can you tell me when you took the photo of the red pavers outlining the Bastille? I have only seen the old gray pavers and the new metal markers. I’ll add your answer and photo and a link to your webpage on my (link following) webpage. Thanks again!

It was taken in 2017. Sorry but I don’t include other links.

The Palais Garnier

© Marc Walter / OnP

The Bastille Opera

© Christian Leiber / OnP

The exhibitions

Buying a ticket to visit the Palais Garnier will give you access to the current exhibitions.

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Palais garnier.

Entrance at the corner of Scribe and Auber streets 75009 Paris

Access to the Palais Garnier

Metro: Opéra station (lines 3, 7 and 8) RER: Auber station (line A) Bus: lines 20, 21, 27, 29, 32, 45, 52, 66, 68, 95 Car park: Q-Park Edouard VII - Rue Bruno Coquatrix 75009 Paris (in front of 23 Rue de Caumartin) Reserve your parking space

BASTILLE OPERA

Access through the artists and staff entry  120 rue de Lyon 75012 Paris

Access to the Bastille Opera

Metro: Bastille station (lines 1, 5 and 8, exit n°4 r. de Lyon) RER: Gare de Lyon station (line A) Bus: lines 29, 69, 76, 86, 87, 91 Car park: Q-Park Opéra Bastille - 34 rue de Lyon 75012 Paris Reserve your parking space

Individuals

Self-guided tours +33 8 92 89 90 90 (€0.35/min) or on-site, at the desks or automatic terminals.

Guided tours +33 (1) 89 16 83 02 (€0.15/min) or  [email protected]

[email protected]

Guided tours +33 (1) 89 16 83 02  (€0.15/min) or  [email protected]

Guided tours    +33 8 92 89 90 90 (€0.35/min) or on-site, at the desks or automatic terminals.

Groups [email protected]

Backstage areas' private tour +331 40 01 24 60 or [email protected]

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8 Things To in Paris on Bastille Day: A Comprehensive Guide

Planning to visit Paris on Bastille Day? Or accidentally end up there but don’t know what to do now? Or are you wondering how to celebrate France’s biggest summer celebration and not miss out on anything special happening around the town? If any of the above statement sounds like you, I can help!

Bastille Day, July 14 (also known as “Le Quatorze Juillet”), marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille in 1789, which was a significant event in French history that led to the French Revolution. It’s a French National Holiday that’s filled with festivities, fireworks, and French pride. 

So, if you don’t know anything about Bastille Day, this article is for you. I’ll share everything you need to know about celebrating Bastille Day so that you can make the most of your trip to Paris on July 14th. 

In this article, you’ll learn:

• How to experience the history and culture of Bastille Day in Paris ?
• What is a Fireman’s Ball, and where can you find them on Bastille Day in Paris?
• Some of the top Paris events and activities to enjoy on Bastille Day
• The best places to watch the fireworks on Bastille Day in Paris
• Some tips for attending Paris events and activities on Bastille Day

Table of Contents

History of Bastille Day:

Things to do in paris on bastille day:, 1. watch the bastille day parade on the avenue des champs elysées:, 2. enjoy the dazzling bastille day fireworks at eiffel tower:, 3. take a boat ride on the seine river:, 4. attend the firemen’s ball:, 5. discover the treasures of the louvre museum for free:, 6. shop ’til you drop in style:, 7. discover french revolution history on a walking tour:, 8. take a bike tour of the city on bastille day:, how do locals in paris celebrate bastille day, what are the main events and attractions in paris on bastille day, what is the best way to enjoy the fireworks display in paris on bastille day, are there any traditional dishes to try during the bastille day celebrations in paris, what is the schedule for public transport in paris on bastille day, what should i wear for the bastille day events in paris.

Before we dive right into our main topic, let’s briefly touch on the history behind this national holiday.

Bastille Day is the French National Day that is celebrated annually on July 14th. It’s the common name given to France’s spirited independence day celebration in English-speaking countries.

In France, it’s formally called “Le Quatorze Juillet” (The Fourteenth of July), “La Fête Nationale Française” (The French National Celebration), or “Fête de la Fédération” (Festival of the Federation).

Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris by angry commoners in 1789, which was a turning point in French history. 

During the 1700s, France was under an absolute monarchy of King Louis XVI. But, the French people were extremely dissatisfied with the tyranny of royals due to many problems. These include high taxes, famine, economic inequality, and the so-called noble-commoner concept.

Bastille was originally built as a medieval fortress but eventually became a state prison where a large arsenal of gunpowder, explosives, and ammunition was stored by French royalty.

The Bastille prison was also known for holding political prisoners and innocent commoners detained by the nobles and French kings for trials. It was thus a symbol of the oppression and absolutism of the stuffy French monarchy.

On July 14, 1789, a mob of angry commoners who were fed up with the tyranny of royal power stormed and overthrew the Bastille prison. This amazing victory of commoners quickly became a signal of the start of the French Revolution and the end of the Ancien régime. This event also eventually led to the adoption of the remarkable constituent, “Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.”

See Related: Exploring Place de la Bastille: Paris’ Historic Square

Paris has many nicknames, such as “The City Of Love,” “City Of Lights,” and “City Of Art.” I can’t imagine a city more charming than Paris on any given day.

But on Bastille Day, it just becomes full of energy, excitement, and cheerfulness, with an impressively long military parade, dazzling fireworks show, delicious food, and tons of parties going around the town. Here are some of the best things to do on Bastille Day in Paris:

See Related : How to Eat a Croissant in Paris

Start your Bastille Day in Paris by watching the traditional military parade down the Champs Elysées. The military parade has been a part of the celebration since 1880 . It’s one of the oldest and largest regular military parades in Europe. 

The Bastille Day ceremony starts at 10:00 am, followed by a huge military parade and lasts about two hours. It features all sorts of cool military stuff, like tanks, planes, helicopters, fighter jets, and drones. 

You will get to see impressive marching bands, inspiring French army soldiers on foot or on horses or tanks, French senior officials, the President of the French Republic, and foreign guests. And let’s not forget the magnificent flyover of military aircraft featuring the colors of the French flag. It’s truly a scene to behold! 

To get the best view of the parade, make sure to arrive early and snag a spot at one of the reviewing Grandstands at the Des Champs Elysées .

Trust me, the crowds at the parade can become insanely massive. Plus, the seats are limited and the security is crazy tight, so you better arrive early! 

Oh, and you should know that most of the metro stations are closed during the morning, from 6:30 am to 2:00 pm, on 14 Juillet for the Bastille Day parade and flyover.

Overall, watching the parade is a fantastic way to experience the patriotic spirit of the French people on Bastille Day. 

“A great way to get a glimpse of the parade or easily reach there could be by staying at any Paris hotel that’s just around the corner of Des Champs Elysées. Hotel citizenM Paris Champs-Élysées is conveniently located just a short walk from the parade route. Plus, the hotel offers stylish and comfortable rooms with a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour front desk.”

See Related: Fun & Interesting Facts About Paris

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks of France, and on Bastille Day, it puts on a dazzling firework show that looks like something out of a movie with everything shining around you. The tower is lit up in red, white, and blue (the colors of the French flag) and sparkles with a stunning fireworks show.

The Bastille Day fireworks display starts at 11 pm and lasts for about 30–35 minutes. Moreover, every year, the Paris firework show follows a unique theme (i.e., liberation, peace, Olympics, disco, etc.), making each firework display once in a lifetime kind of moment! 

The best viewing spots for the Bastille Day fireworks are the Trocadéro and Champ de Mars. But they’re also very crowded with over a million Parisians and tourists. 

Some other popular yet less crowded locations to watch the fireworks include nearby river banks and bridges, rooftops of the hotels, any public park with a clear view of the Eiffel Tower , the Île des Cygne, Arc de Triomphe, and the area around Place de la Concorde.

“ Hotel Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel is just a couple minutes’ walk away from the Champ de Mars and Eiffel Tower, making it an ideal choice for people who wanna enjoy the Bastille Day fireworks from their balcony or hotel rooftop. Plus, the hotel also offers air-conditioned rooms equipped with TVs and private bathrooms, Free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour front desk. “

TIP: As both the Champ de Mars and Trocadéro are massively crowded, stay cautious of pickpockets! I highly recommend keeping things simple and bringing what you REALLY REALLY need. Don’t bring any cash or other expensive items like jewelry – unless you’re wearing them! See Related: Place de la Concorde: Explore the Historical Significance

If you’re not a big fan of crowds or have a tight budget to stay near Eiffel Tower but still want to enjoy the fireworks from a close spot, how about taking a dinner cruise on the Seine River? 

It’s romantic, away from massive crowds, and offers fancy 3-course meals, live music, and panoramic views as you cruise past all the famous landmarks of Paris along the Seine. 

Here are a few of my favorite Seine River dinner cruise tours to watch the fireworks on Bastille Day:

• Dinner Cruise Bateaux Mouches – July The 14th
• Paris: Bastille Day Seine River Dinner Cruise & Fireworks
• Paris Seine River Gourmet Dinner Cruise With Champagne 
• Paris: Seine River Sightseeing Cruise With 3-Course Dinner
• Bastille Day Fireworks Prestige Dinner Cruise
• Fireworks’ Bastille Day Cruise With Champagne

TIP: Tickets for all these cruise tours sell out pretty quickly, so I recommend booking now if you want to be sure of getting a spot on the boat.

See Related : Best Boat Tours in Paris, France

After you’re done watching the fireworks show, you can either call it a night and head back to your hotel or join the late-night Bastille Day celebrations at one of the Les Bals des Pompiers (Firemen’s Balls) going around Paris. 

These outdoor parties are organized by fire stations throughout the city and take place on July 13 and 14 every year, starting at 9 pm and lasting until 4 am. 

A fireman’s ball has been an essential part of Bastille Day festivities in Paris since 1937. The tradition started when the fire brigade of Montmartre opened its station doors for some curious Persians and had lots of fun partying all night. 

Since then, the idea of having some fun nights became famous in all the other fire stations. But don’t be fooled by the heavy word “Ball” with stuffy formal celebrations. These balls are nothing far from usual parties in the USA.  A fireman’s ball is an informal outdoor party with lots of dancing, music, alcohol, etc. 

See Related: Marchés Bastille et Popincourt

The next best thing to do on Bastille Day is to explore Paris’s most famous landmarks. All the city’s main cultural sites, including the famous Louvre Museum, will be open to the public on this special day. 

The Louvre Museum is home to the most iconic masterpieces created by some of the most influential artists ever to walk the Earth. These include the Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David, Mona Lisa By Leonardo da Vinci, The Raft of Medusa By Théodore Géricault, the Death of the Virgin by Caravaggio, and many more. 

It’s also one of the most visited museums in the world and has a crazy amount of artistic masterpieces that span centuries of human creativity. There is a famous saying that if you spend just 30 seconds admiring each piece of art, it will take you 5 months to see all the treasures at the Louvre. Now just imagine how many art pieces would be there!

On Bastille Day, the Louvre Museum offers free admission to its permanent collection. So you can see this iconic Parisian museum without paying a single penny! But this also means that the museum will be overflowing with visitors and long lines at the entrance. So, I recommend reserving a spot online in advance. Here are a few of my favorite skip-the-line tours of the Louvre Museum:

• Paris: Louvre Museum Timed-Entrance Ticket
• Louvre Museum Paris Exclusive Guided Tour With Reserved Entry
• Paris: Louvre Museum Timed-Entrance Ticket and Audioguide

NOTE: Other famous Paris museums and attractions that are open to the public on Bastille Day include Orsay, Picasso, Guimet, Grand Perfume, Centre Pompidou (which features an impressive collection of modern art), Catacombs (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Jardin d’ Acclimatation, Conciergerie (a museum about French history), and many more. So, you’ve plenty of choices to decide what landmark of Paris you want to explore.  See Related: Most Famous Historical Landmarks in Paris

Paris is known for its high-end luxury fashion brands and many Haute Couture Maisons. So why not spend Bastille Day doing some shopping therapy?

Unlike most other French holidays, Bastille Day is a great time to head out for some shopping. Many department stores and shopping complexes will be open on this special day. So you can take full advantage of summer sales and shop to your heart’s content, or I should say your wallet’s content (pun intended!).

Many stores offer special sales and promotions on Bastille Day, making it the perfect time to snag a designer bargain. Check out the iconic Galeries Lafayette , Shopping Center Beaugrenelle, Bercy Village, or the trendy boutiques in Le Marais for some serious shopping. So don’t miss your chance to grab great deals while enjoying the Bastille Day festivities!

See Related : Best Free Walking Tours in Paris, France

A French Revolution Walking Tour is best for those of you who want to celebrate Bastille Day in a more meaningful way. With this tour, you get to learn more about the history and significance of this national holiday while feeling like a part of its celebration. 

On this tour, you are led by an expert guide who takes you to Paris’ most important revolutionary sites. For instance, landmarks like Place de la Bastille, Place des Vosges, Hotel de Ville , Colonne de Juillet, Place de la Concorde, and La Conciergerie, where Marie Antoinette spent her final days. 

Furthermore, the expert guide also shares the long-forgotten of fight for social equality and freedom. Among the stories they tell are how the stuffy French monarchy wronged the people and practically forced them to rebel, as well as how the infamous Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI met their ends on the guillotine’s blade.

See Related: Place des Vosges: History & Things to Do

If you’re not a fan of a history lesson, try your hands at riding a bike around Paris. Not only are these tours perfect for exploring Paris’ most iconic landmarks, but they also give a chance to discover lesser-known districts and hidden gems known only to locals. 

Paris has over 200 miles of bike paths and lanes, tons of bike rentals available throughout the city, and various guided tours. So I guess it’s safe to say Paris is a godsend for pedaling lovers. 

What’s more, many tour companies in Paris offer guided bike tours of the city year around and on Bastille Day, these bike tours become even more exciting and fun, as you can join in the Bastille Day festivities happening around the town along the way. Here are a few of my favorite bike tours in Paris:

• Paris: Charming Nooks and Crannies Bike Tour
• Paris Local Districts and Stories Off the Beaten Track Guided Bike Tour
• Electric Bike Tour of Paris’ Hidden Gems
• Paris Highlights Bike Tour with Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre-Dame
• The Incredible Flyover
• Latin Quarter 2-Hour Private Walking Tour

Locals in Paris celebrate Bastille Day by going to military parades, watching fireworks displays, attending firemen’s balls, and other public events. Furthermore, many Parisians also go to public parks for picnics with friends and family.

The main events and attractions in Paris on Bastille Day include the military parade down the Champs Élysées, the fireworks show at the Eiffel Tower, various free concerts, and firemen’s balls arranged by fire stations throughout the city.

The best way to enjoy the fireworks display in Paris on Bastille Day is to find a good viewing spot early in the day. Some popular spots include the Champ de Mars, the Trocadéro, and the Seine River banks.  But they’re also very crowded with over a million Parisians and tourists. Some other popular yet less crowded locations to watch the fireworks show include rooftops of the hotels, any public park with a clear view of the Eiffel Tower, the Île des Cygne, and the area around Place de la Concorde.

Yes, there are many traditional dishes to try during the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris. These include pastries, crepes, brioche , and croissants , escargots, coq au vin, ratatouille, French onion soup, Croque monsiuer, crème brûlée, and the list goes on. 

On Bastille Day, almost half of the metro stations are fully or partially closed in the morning for the military parade and flyover. The following six metro stations will be closed on Lines 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 12, and 13 from 6:30 am to 2 pm:  ○ Champ Élysées Clémenceau  ○ Franklin D. Roosevelt ○ George V ○ Charles de Gaulle-Etoile ○ Concorde ○ Jardin des Tuileries Also, the Charles de Gaulle-Etoile metro station on RER A will also be closed during this time. However, the schedule for public transport in Paris on Bastille Day can be modified. So it’s best to always check with the RATP (Paris public transport authority) for any changes to schedules or routes of metro stations.

I would say wear something that’s lightweight, comfortable, and breathable, as Paris in July can become really hot and humid. As for the shoes, go for something that’s comfortable to walk long distances, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking and standing. And don’t forget to wear lots of sunscreen because the weather could be really sunny during the day.

Related Resources:

• Paris in July: Top Events and Attractions Guide
• Best Paris Bastille Hotels
• When is the Best Time to Visit Paris?

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MIA   >  Archive   >  Mandel

Ernest Mandel

De gaulle’s trip to moscow.

Source: From World Outlook , 29 July, 1966, Volume 4, No. 24, Paris and New York City Written: July, 1966 Translated: by World Outlook Transcrition & Marked-up: by David Walters for the Marxists’ Internet Archive 2009. Public Domain: Creative Commons Common Deed . You can freely copy, distribute and display this work; as well as make derivative and commercial works. Please credit “Marxists Internet Archive” as your source, include the url to this work, and note any of the transcribers, editors & proofreaders above.

[The following article has been translated from the July 9 issue of the Belgian left socialist weekly La Gauche.]

“As to alliances, we would think that they ought to be constructed ‘in three stages’: a Franco-Russian treaty procuring a first degree of security; the Anglo-Soviet pact and an agreement to be concluded between France and Great Britain constituting a second degree; the future pact of the United Nations, in which America would be a capital element, crowning the whole and serving as the ultimate recourse.” It was in these terms that Charles de Gaulle in December 1944, at the time of his first trip to Moscow, defined his concepts concerning European security, according to his Memoirs. (Volume III, p. 83, “Livre de Foche” edition.) Many things indicate that he has not changed his mind twenty-two years later. Wasn’t his second trip to Moscow designed to advance this concept?

Those with a more dour outlook will immediately object. The head of the Fifth Republic had something much more Machiavellian in mind. What he is aiming at is the predominance of France in Europe, or at least Western Europe if he is unable to extend it “from the Atlantic to the Urals.”

Since France doesn’t have the necessary economic weight, it must neutralize the drive of German industry through military superiority and diplomatic ruses. Hence it has two interests in common with the Kremlin—to block the Bundeswehr from getting nuclear arms and to break the American grip on “little Europe.” Thus the trip to Moscow was a power play against Washington and Bonn.

No doubt these analysts are right on the long-range aims of the general. But the nature of things is such that the designs of men—no Tatter how imbued with their own “grandeur”—are not at all sufficient to shape the destiny of the world. This is determined by the relationship among the big social forces. More than once in history, the diplomatic maneuvers of a power that was too weak have ended in serving the ‘big ones” despite the best intentions in the world. Didn’t this happen once again with the trip to Moscow?

Thus in the United States, the most cunning, like the servile tools of the (Johnson administration, carefully refrained from denouncing the general. “De Gaulle in Moscow served the United States despite the United States,” said some. ‘He worked for the whole West,’ others said approvingly. In Bonn, after weeks of glacial chill, the barometer of Franco-German relations again points to “fair weather.”

The truth is that de Gaulle, contrary to the groundless fears of some, did not betray his West German class brothers any more than he did his Polish class brothers at the time of his first trip.

In December 1944, Stalin dangled a “good, firm alliance,” real support against the Anglo-Saxons, in return for immediate recognition of the Lublin committee. But de Gaulle was not deceived. This would moan betraying a perhaps ‘democratic’ but certainly bourgeois Poland in behalf of a perhaps despotic but certainly noncapitalist Poland. And he did not want to take responsibility for an act contrary to “honor and honesty.” (Memoirs, Volume III, p sa.)

In June 1966, Brezhnev and Kosygin dangled an offer of just as real support against the United States, even genuine political leadership in Europe. In exchange they asked for recognition of the German Democratic Republic; that is, “of the two German states.” Be Gaulle brusquely replied that there could be no question of recognizing this “artificial construction. And with that rejoinder the serious conversation came to an end. The balance was nothing but decorations and fine talk.

Of course, the differences between Paris and Washington, between Fans and Bonn, are real in relation to the political future of our continent, its relations with the United States and the best strategy to follow to block the rise of the anti-imperialist and anticapitalist forces in the world.

Be Gaulle seeks a Europe freed largely from American supremacy. He seeks an Atlantic alliance on the basis of equality between North America and a Western Europe combined under his guidance. He favors a more supple policy, with regard to the USSR, which in his opinion should be definitively separated from China and the “extremists” among the revolutionists of the Third World, through some indispensable concessions.

He holds that it is necessary to “relax” the tensions to be able to resolve the questions in dispute, such as the reunification of Germany, while the Americans and the Germans of Bonn maintain that without this reunification no real relaxation is possible in Europe. But at bottom, they all defend a common cause—the cause of Big Capital. They all seek to hold back the enemy—socialism and the peoples of the Third World who are rising and seeking to break out of the capitalist world market. They all seek refuge under the “nuclear umbrella” of the Pentagon, without which they cannot counterbalance Soviet military power on the European continent (if anything confirms this, it is the explosion of the ridiculous French nuclear device in Polynesia which amounts to nothing in face of the power of the USSR). The means may differ, the aim is the same.

In this respect the Soviet Union represents something else again. The means are perhaps the same, but the aim is entirely different. Thus treaties on mutual consultation can be concluded—even by means of a direct telephone line!—treaties on technical cooperation, or whatever cultural and commercial exchanges are desired; the fundamental opposition between the interests of the French bourgeoisie and the Soviet leaders will by no means make it possible to form a genuine alliance in the present world context.

The Soviet leaders are aware of the weakness of the present Communist parties in Western Europe (for which they are in part responsible). They are aware of the temporary stabilization of caitalism in this part of the world (which they largely contributed to). From this they draw the conclusion that it is necessary to return to a policy that seeks to ‘exploit the interimperialist contradictions,” as before the second world war. They commit an error in believing that de Gaulle is ready to follow them into a têtei-tête, when he seeks in reality only to increase his power and prestige within the Atlantic Alliance

The French Communist leaders would obviously make a still greater error in concluding that the time has come for an ‘agonizing revision” of their political orientation in France, as in 1935 or 1944.

It is true that the policy of the USSR places them before a cruel dilemma; they no longer know if they should applaud or complain when the Soviet crowds cheer the person who remains, until proved otherwise, the fiercest and most dangerous class enemy of the French workers. If they oppose him, they are tempted to make an alliance with de Gaulle’s pro-American adversaries like Nollet and Nitterrand—and then the capitals of Eastern Europe are not very contented. And if they approve, what remains of their role as an opposition in France? There remains the socialist perspective which stands in complete opposition to the politics of de Gaulle; but the leaders of the French Communist party do not think this is any more “realistic’ than do the Social Democratic leaders of the SF10, or even the technocratic ideologists of neocapitalism.

That will the practical results of the trip amount to? The American Newsweek summarized the situation as follows: “At least he will have succeeded in engaging the Russians in a new diplomatic dialogue with the West.” That puts it in a nutshell. At a time when the intensification of the American aggression against the Vietnamese people makes a public dialogue between Moscow and Washington more difficult, de Gaulle is playing, objectively, the role of go-between for the Atlantic Alliance as a whole Thanks to him, the head of one of the capitalist states in this alliance has been acclaimed by crowds in the Soviet Union. For the first time in many years they have been shown a face of capitalism which their own leaders now say is benevolent, attractive, peaceful, full of good intentions toward the peoples of the world.

Pravda in connection with this trip, talks about an ‘irreversible process.” Let them beware of certain processes, which while still reversible, bode nothing good for the USSR. By attending mass in Leningrad, de Gaulle, like a good politician, was already prepa:ing for his coming trip to Poland. Rumania, ceaselessly increasing its trade with the West, already told the Russians in Bucharest that it would like to see the Warsaw pact modified just as de Gaulle wants to modify NATO. Decidely, if things are in movement, thanks not a little to the general, not everything is stirring in favor of socialism and not everything is stirring against the interests of American imperialism.

Back to the Ernest Mandel Internet Archive

Last updated on 7 February 2009

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Soccer: From Paris to Moscow, France fans go wild after thrilling World Cup win

PARIS/MOSCOW (Reuters) – Millions of French fans were overwhelmed with joy on July 15 as France beat Croatia 4-2 to win soccer’s World Cup in a pulsating final in Moscow, sparking ecstatic scenes of celebration from Paris to Marseille, from Lyon to Lille. In the capital, where 90,000 people watched the match on vast TV screens next to the Eiffel tower, there were choruses of the Marseillaise, honking horns and hundreds of thousands of red, white and blue tricolor flags fluttering on the breeze. The boom of fireworks and firecrackers filled the air, while drivers honked their horns incessantly to celebrate France’s second world title after their triumph on home soil in 1998. A deafening chorus of “We are the champions, We are the champions” rang out from the Sacre Coeur in the north of the city to the Sorbonne on the Left Bank. Similar scenes erupted in Marseille, Lyon, Lille, Bordeaux and other major cities. Even before the final whistle, crowds streamed on to the Champs Elysees, the elegant, tree-lined boulevard that runs up to the Arc de Triomphe, the traditional gathering place for celebration, including the Bastille Day parade 24 hours earlier. The entire area around the Arc de Triomphe, all the way down the two-kilometer-long Champs Elysees and the Place de la Concorde at its end was a sea of singing and cheering people. “It’s just astonishing what they’ve done,” said Josh, 41, who travelled from Brittany to Paris to watch the match with his girlfriend. “Pogba, Mbappe, Grizou (Griezmann) — they’re on top of the world,” he said, naming three of the standout players. “We’re the champions of the world! It’s phenomenal, just phenomenal.” More than 250,000 people were expected to descend on the Champs Elysees and the Place de la Concorde, yet the atmosphere was warm and convivial. Security forces kept a distance. “To get a second star (World Cup) after 20 years, it’s just brilliant,” said Tommy Hamon, 23, who was working in Le Deauville, a bar on the Champs Elysees. Even football fans who were not rooting for France but found themselves in the French capital for the game were overcome by the occasion and the scenes of celebration. “France was not my team but I am so pleased for them today,” said Sarah, a 24-year-old from Birmingham in England who is studying medicine in Paris. “The players just showed something special all along, something that I liked, and I was not sure they would win today but they did. A lot of people are going to be drunk, if not already.” In Moscow, where tens of thousands of fans travelled to watch the game, there were tears of joy among the sea of red, white and blue. President Emmanuel Macron, who travelled to Moscow to watch the final with his wife Brigitte, hugged the players after the win and stood with them in the pouring rain. As the World Cup trophy was brought on to the pitch for the victory ceremony, Macron briefly kissed it and beamed with joy. “It was a great trip,” said Sebastien Mefort, 33, smiling broadly at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, his face painted the colours of the French flag. “I was here the whole month and attended all France’s games.” Other fans expressed relief. “We were worried about the result because Croatia plays very aggressive football,” said Sylvie Wahl, 55. “But our coach and young players did it!” Despite the deluge of rain that struck Moscow right after the game ended, fans danced and sang in the streets and a fireworks display could not be snuffed out. France coach Didier Deschamps was full of praise for his team despite signs of nerves at the start of the game and several missed opportunities during it. “It is really beautiful. It is marvelous. We did not play a great match, but we showed a strong mental quality,” Deschamps said. “We also scored four goals. We merit it. I am very happy for this team. We are coming from very far and it has not always been easy, but thanks to hard work, they are here and are on top of the world for the next four years.”