The 11th district (eleventh arrondissement) of Paris is a modern and ethnically diverse area of the city which houses attractions such as the Place de la Bastille and its majestic modern opera. It is also a huge draw for students and fans of the nightlife, as it offers a disproportionate number of the trendiest bars and clubs in the city.
District 11 is a giveaway for shoppers and those looking for a great bistro. The neighborhood and the trendy boutiques and restaurants around Rue de Charonne are especially good.
Top sights and attractions in the 11th arrondissement
There are historical sights, museums, as well as a hangout for modern, interesting and creative types. Some of the places to go include:
- Place de la Bastille (shared with districts 4 and 12) is centered on the imposing Colonne de Juillet looming over the huge square. This landmark, the ” Trois Glorieuses ” or the “Three glorious days” commemorates the July Revolution of 1830. The bodies of revolutionaries are buried in the monument. Around the square, there are nightclubs, cocktail bars, tree-lined parks, markets, and boutiques.
- Bastille Opera is a modern glass and steel building that houses the gleaming steel of the National Opera. Opened in 1989 and designed by Carlos Ott, the Opera Bastille is worth seeing, both inside and out. You can take a guided tour of the theater and behind the scenes and attend shows.
- Cirque d’Hiver is a circus hall built in 1852, one of the oldest in Europe. Every winter, there is a new show with an international cast of artists. You’ll see clowns, animals, acrobats, aerialists, tightrope walkers, dancers, and jugglers in this iconic show.
- The Oberkampf neighborhood is known for its vibrant nightlife. Rue Oberkampf and the surrounding streets have row upon row of chic, modern bars. The gentrified streets around Rue Vieille du Temple are known to both new designers and traditional craft workshops. Rue Charlot has upscale boutiques and galleries. The highlight is the Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest market in Paris dating back to 1615.
- The Edith Piaf Museum (Musée Edith Piaf) was once the private apartment of Edith Piaf, the singer famous for “La Vie en Rose” and “Milord.” You will see her personal memorabilia, an earthenware collection and her famous black dress.
- Maison des Métallos is a former house of metalworkers and today a center for art and culture.
- Republic Square is sadly known as the square where everyone gathered to mourn after the terrorist attacks in January 2015. Now, it is quiet and full of benches and chairs where people can relax. The “Monument to the Republic” is a monumental statue that stands in the center of the square. Around the square you will find bars, concert halls, discos and theaters.
District 11 Location
Located on the right bank of the River Seine, this is a densely populated neighborhood with a lot to see. There are several metro lines that will take you there. Line 9 runs along Boulevard Voltaire, which runs through the 11th arrondissement from Place de la Republique to Place de la Nation. Lines 2, 3, 5, and 8 also stop in areas within this great neighborhood. You can also get there by bus.
