Gina Speed
Ah, the Bastille. If you are wanting to stay in a trendy hotspot within the Paris 11th arrondissement, the Bastille district will meet all expectations. The vibrant nightlife and shopping neighborhoods will keep you busy through your entire vacation.
Paris 11th Arrondissement Vibes
The Bastille is a vibrant central hub in the city. Paris 11th arrondissement locals are young, hip, and on the move in this upbeat part of town. Pull up a seat at any local cafe and people watch to your heart’s content! You will be apprised of the latest fashion trends and might have a cute waiter to boot 😉
Street Art
The best metro stop to take is Opera Bastille. If you are a graffiti lover, you will be delighted at the street art around the Paris 11th arrondissement. Walking around the city is a museum-worthy experience on it’s own!
Rue de Lappe
If you’re looking for nightlife, start with a tiny cobblestone street littered with dive bars called Rue de Lappe. This street starts cranking in the Paris 11th arrondissement with sounds of indie bands warming up and young Parisians chatting outside. Get there around 10-11pm to enjoy an easy evening with the locals. Things can get pretty rowdy around midnight, so be forewarned.
Opera Bastille
The beauty of the Bastille is it’s mashup of coarse and refined. As soon as you exit the Paris 12th arrondissement metro you will see the Opera Bastille. They usually reserve ballet and orchestra performances for this contemporary theater and dress is business casual. There is free coat check which is also nice in colder months.
Where to Eat
This is France, so there are always plenty of places to eat. When you surface from the metro you are basically within a block of any type of food your heart desires. Our favorite boulangerie is La Tradition du Pain which carries delicious varieties of whole grain and rye breads. Cafe Rey is a nice place to sit outside and people watch and is across from the opera house. You can even find a decent bowl of pho at au Phoenix d’Or.
Where to Shop
If you are fashion-forward and want to find trendy brands and unique home decor, this borough is the best for shopping. Some of our favorite stores are located in the Paris 11th arrondissement right by Rue de Lappe. Vintage and unique home goods can be found down a quite alley a few blocks away. Check out Ailleurs for kitchen and home decor that you will treasure forever. For Girlfriend-approved Belgium-based clothing, seek out Bellerose. Be prepared to drop some serious change there on clothes and shoes that are worth an extra piece of luggage.
Stay With The Locals
You could spend weeks in this bustling part of the city and continue to discover something new. The Paris 11th arrondissement is a place to get in with the locals. It’s one of the best areas to take in both day-to-day living and nightlife.