Paris Bastille (11ème, 12ème)

As its name attests, the Bastille (bah-steel) area is most famous for hosting the Revolution's kick-off at its prison on July 14, 1789. Hundreds of years later, the French still storm this neighborhood nightly in search of the latest cocktail, culinary innovation, and up-and-coming artist. Five Metro lines converge at République and three at Bastille, making the Bastille district a transport hub and mammoth center of action—the hangout of the young and fun (and frequently drunk). The 1989 opening of the glassy Opéra Bastille on the bicentennial of the Revolution was supposed to breathe new cultural life into the area, but the party atmosphere has yet to give way to galleries and string quartets. Today, with numerous bars along rue de Lappe, manifold dining options on rue de la Roquette and rue J.P. Timbaud,and young designer boutiques, the Bastille is a great area for unwinding after a day at the museums.

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