Bastille's Architecture & Artisans Self-Guided Walking Tour

Highlights

  • Offline Mode: Download tours and listen without WiFi

  • Location Aware: GPS map allows you to enjoy the sites

  • Instagram Hotspots: We find the perfect picture spots

  • Enjoy a private experience in a COVID-19 safe environment

Summary

Explore the lives of the artisans, the anarchists and the architecture that makes Bastille one of Paris’ most vibrant neighbourhoods. 

Tour info

Duration
45 minutes
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Adult: (5-100 years)
£12.99
Commentary
English
Meeting Point

Pl. de la Bastille, Pl. de la Bastille, Paris, Île-de-France

Dropoff location

1 Coulée Verte René-Dumont, Coulée Verte René-Dumont, Paris, Île-de-France, 75012

Why take this tour?

Discover the mesmerising district of Bastille in Paris, renowned for its architecture, secret treasures and beautiful photo stops!

On this immersive audio tour narrated by a local historian, you will walk through the intriguing street of Rue Fbg. Saint Antoine, explore Passage du Chantier and finish in front of the magnificent Square Trousseau. 

Wander through the 12th arrondissement and unveil its history, artisanal roots, its role in the 1789 Revolution, and the architectural jewels that define this neighbourhood. Learn how this neighbourhood inspired the French Revolution as you get a deeper insight into its architectural style.

Venture off the tourist trail, and discover a mix of crazy stories, famous residents, hidden streets, and great food, as you get a more intimate and local feel for the area.

The tour starts at the Place de la Bastille - a place synonymous with the French revolution. We’ll follow in the footsteps of the 18th century revolutionaries as Ed explains the historical context that led to the revolution.
 
As we wander down the Rue du Faubourg Saint Antoine, we’ll explore the neighbourhood’s artisanal past: from carpenters to modern day designers. We’ll explore themes of gentrification and hear from some of the residents.
 
We’ll enter little alleys such as the Passage du Chantier, where we’ll meet some artisans and discover why Bastille remains Paris’ “artisanal artery”. We’ll pop into hidden courtyards where the architecture will give us clues about how the area has evolved - from fields to factories to modern creative studios
 
We’ll notice a change in architecture as we continue walking, and Juan will dissect what makes “Haussmannian” architecture so iconic. We’ll uncover secret fountains commissioned by Kings and squares built by emperors.
 
No trip to Bastille is complete without a visit to its famous brocantes. We’ll visit the Marché d’Aligre, where we’ll point out some of our favourite stalls, shops and restaurants. We’ll learn more about French market culture and take a dive into French politics. Juan will also point out his studios and tell us about creative initiatives that support local artists.
 
Finally, we’ll arrive at the magnificent Coulée Verte - the inspiration for New York’s Highline. As we walk through this elevated park, Juan will point out some of his favourite photo spots and give us a few tips to capture that perfect photo.
 
The Vidi Guides experience is enriched with on-screen photos and videos. We also point out where to take the perfect Instagram photos during the tour, and include recommendations for food, drinks, and local attractions. Don't worry, none of our recommendations are sponsored - they are simply favourites of the locals who helped craft the experience.
 
Vidi Guides creates immersive audio experiences that are like podcasts. This is a self-guided audio tour that can be started or stopped at your own convenience. Download the Vidi Guides app & your Bastille tour to explore the area independently and safely! Make sure to download your tour before your trip to streamline your trip!
 
- The ultimate cultural & historical guide to Bastille - Paris’ most vibrant neighbourhood
- Learn about the artisans, the anarchists and the architecture that makes Bastille such a creative melting pot
- An architecture and photography masterclass given by a world famous architect
- Let a local PHD historian explain the neighbourhood’s pivotal role in the 1789 revolution

What’s included?

  • Access to your self-guided audio tour

  • Audio tour provided by a local or historian

  • Offline Mode: Download tours in advance to listen without WiFi

  • Location Aware: GPS map allows you to enjoy sites, without getting lost

  • Instagram Hotspots: We find the spot for your perfect picture

  • Earphones

  • Mobile device

Things to know

Before you book

  • This product is suitable for all ages

  • Do it at your own pace. This product is suitable for all fitness levels

  • English speaking Audio guide only

Before you go

  • You will need to bring your own mobile phone

  • You will need to bring your own headset/earphones

Covid Policy

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Avoid the crowds and explore the Bastille at your own pace while adhering to social distancing regulations!

Cancellation Policy

    Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

Redemption information

    Bring a pair of headphones along with you so that you can truly immerse yourself in the experience! Download now and start at your convenience!


    Your voucher will be collected or scanned on redemption

About operator:

Too many people visit places without discovering anything about them. And we can’t let that happen.


We believe that the true essence of travelling lies in the joy of discovering the authentic face of cities, neighbourhood and cultural sites, and unlocking the many tales they hold.


With that spirit in our hearts, we started out in search of these stories hidden in the nooks and corners of Paris, London, Cambridge and Oxford's most iconic spots. We then dived into each place’s culture, history, and traditions by collaborating with historians, famous architects, photographers, street artists, and many more. What we ended up finding was a treasure trove of stories that we have meticulously tied together just for you!


But how to deliver this information? We didn’t want to create another Wikipedia, with people looking at their phones instead of the sites. And let’s face it, audioguides and headsets belong to the 20th century.. This is why we’ve created our own storytelling format. Podcast-style tours, enriched with photos and videos, that keep you wanting more.


Our goal is to create a form of travel that will make you truly discover the places you visit.