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
Audio: English