You thought you knew Paris by heart, its emblematic avenues and must-see monuments? Forget the Sacré-Coeur or the Eiffel Tower, today we’re taking you to the heart of a place steeped in history, where the view over the capital is simply breathtaking, revealing a Paris never seen before.
Get ready to plunge into the Place de la Bastille ‘s eventful past to discover a hidden treasure that very few Parisians have had the chance to explore.
The secret of the Colonne de Juillet finally revealed
The famous Colonne de Juillet (July Column) at the center of the square is a monument we only skim over with our eyes, never imagining the secrets it holds. Yet its history is fascinating. Erected on the base of the former Bastille fortress and inaugurated in 1840, it pays tribute to the fighters of the 1830 and 1848 revolutions.
But its history doesn’t end there! Before it, the site was home to the spectacular Elephant Fountain. A giant elephant, commissioned by Napoleon I in 1813, had been erected as a model for a future monumental fountain. This fountain would have celebrated imperial glory and was to be fed by the Canal Saint-Martin, which runs just below the square. It was eventually demolished to make way for the column.
Did you know that the column is composed of assembled bronze drums and is not masonry? This means that the Column sways slightly in the wind! A surprising and unique technical detail. If you lean over, you’ll also notice the medallions on the floor marking the exact location of the Bastille fortress.
And the best part? Access to the crypt and inside the plinth is open to the public! You can climb the 240 steps of a spiral staircase, finding yourself literally at the junction of three Paris arrondissements: the 4th, 11th and 12th. It’s a total immersion in history, and a chance to see the statue of the Genius of Liberty from a totally new angle.
ℹ️ Practical information
📍 Tour location: Departure fromHôtel de Sully, a few steps from Place de la Bastille.
📅 Tour days: Guided tours are offered every Saturday and Sunday.
⏰ Times: Tours depart at 2.30pm and 4.30pm.
💸 Rates: The full rate is €13 and the reduced rate €6.
⚠️ Reservations: Reservations are mandatory. Please note that it is strictly forbidden to climb up to the viewing platform at the foot of the Génie de la Liberté; only access to the crypts and plinth is authorized for the public.