Bastille, this vast crossroad, scene of the histroic French Revolution, is dominated by the July Column. The area was traditionally famous for its dance halls and specialist shops selling products from Auvergne. The neighbourhood is still as lively and commercial as ever with many craftsmen still having their ateliers and shops in the neighbourhood. You also find the latest in contemporary design on, for example, Rue Charonne. It has also become a rallying g point for as well demonstrations and public marches as well as a meeting place for music lovers all age with the new Opera Bastille and Rue de la Roquette for world music.

 The Marais area stretches between Place de la Bastille and the town hall and down to the Seine River by Pont Marie. It is unusual for its fine pre revolution residential architecture. Please not that this is a very small area and offers only very few hotels.

Place de la Nation, is a name that was (of course) given this area during the Revolution. Before the revolution it was named the Throne Square in honour to the entry of Louis XIV to Paris, then, in the beginning of the Revolution, it was called the "overturned throne square". Later the royal throne was symbolically burnt here in 1848. Finally in 1880 it was given its nowadays name "Place de la Nation" (the Square of the Nation). Napoleon actually had the idea to continue Champs Elysées all the way down to Nation but this was, unfortunately, never done.

HOTEL ALLEGRO ***          from 65 €