The Place de la République, a friendly and fun place
Categories : Visit Paris, published on : 3/5/20
The pages of history have been turned in this iconic square! Served by 5 Metro lines and situated at the crossroads of the 3rd, 10th and 11th arrondissements, the Place de la République is one of the hubs of Parisian life. Here you can enjoy a stroll, chat or have a drink under the gaze of Marianne, the personification of the French Republic, watching over her people. The ideally located Hôtel Marais Bastille invites you to immerse yourself in the heart of Paris history.
The story of a large square
Although a square had been established on the site since the 14th century, it was only in the 19th that it attained its peak of popularity as Parisians began flocking to the quarter’s numerous theatres. It was the famous Baron Haussmann who gave this square the room it warranted during his mid-19th century reconfiguration and modernisation of the heart of Paris. July 14th, 1883 saw the inauguration of the magnificent bronze statue of Marianne, 9.5 metres tall and erected on a base 15.5 metres high. This symbol of freedom, justice and the sovereignty of the people turned the square into the obvious choice for gatherings protesting oppression or espousing various causes.
2013: a Parisian rendezvous
The year 2013 brought a new look to the square when it was renovated and partially pedestrianised. The old traffic roundabout was removed to create more space for strolling. This bold and imaginative revamp was a triumph for the TVK design studio. Today, the Place de la République is the largest pedestrian square in the capital.
Young and old alike come to have fun. Scooter riders, roller skaters and other urban sports enthusiasts have dedicated facilities where they can show off their skills. Playgrounds for the little ones, a shallow pool of water for cooling off in summer, games of all kinds, restaurants, cafes, concerts and shows enliven the space throughout the year.
Two terraces invite you to take a seat and enjoy a moment with friends or family. Trees complete this otherwise urban scene, helping to unify the axis of the design. At the edge of a pool of water around Marianne, visitors come to sit or admire the bas-reliefs on the statue’s base depicting the history of France from the Jeu de Paume Oath to the country’s first national holiday in 1880.
The République by night
Head to the Place de la République at aperitif time when everyone brings something to share and the evening can begin. In the evening, you can eat, dance or listen to music in one of the many bars and restaurants in the area. You’re sure to find a place to your liking. Small bars or restaurants with a typically Parisian atmosphere, rock, trendy, select or bohemian; the choice is yours.
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More information:
Crédit photo : Place de la République © Paris Tourist Office - Photographe Jacques Lebar
Hotel Marais Bastille, a 3-star hotel a few steps from Place de la Bastille