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As it happened: Kwiatkowski solos to victory on Tour de France stage 13

A punchy 137km from Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne to Grand Colombier on Bastille day

Tour de France latest results and news Tour de France 2023 - Stage 13 preview Tour de France: Ion Izagirre secures solo victory on frantic stage 12 How to watch the 2023 Tour de France – live streaming

Happy Bastille Day and welcome to Cyclingnews' live coverage of stage 13 of the 2023 Tour de France!

The riders are completing sign-ons and the team presentation in Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne ahead of the start of the 137.8km route that finishes atop the Grand Colombier.

Peter Sagan (TotalEnergies) has received a great cheer from the crowd before stage 13 of his final Tour de France.

As is commonplace on Bastille Day at the Tour, there should be an almighty effort by most French riders to try and get into the break of the day. The last French rider to win the Bastille Day Tour de France stage was Warren Barguil (Arkéa-Samsic) in 2017, could today see the next French winner?

Here's another look at the day's profile with the hors catégorie Grand Colombier hosting the summit finish. 

Felix Gall (AG2R-Citroën) is assessing his aims for the day. If he can slip into a breakaway and re-find the climbing form that saw him win a stage at the Tour de Suisse, he could be a real threat for the stage win. 

Biggest cheer so far goes to, unsurprisingly, Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ). The fan-favourite will be desperate to make it into the break and showed he is in strong form yesterday with a sixth-place finish. 

Simon Yates could play a big role in the day's finale and currently sits seventh overall.

We're just under half an hour away from the neutralised start of stage 13 in Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne.

Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) has just made his way to the stage. We're expecting to see the next round of his battle vs Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) today and the rest of the weekend should provide more of the same with two further mountainous tests.

Barry Ryan has put together a great preview of today's stage and for the two that arrive after it on what should be a race-defining weekend. Read it below.

Tight margins, endless permutations – New phase in Vingegaard vs Pogacar duel

Tony Gallopin (Lidl-Trek) is riding his final Tour de France, but will always have the memory of wearing the yellow jersey on Bastille Day during the 2014 race.

🇫🇷@tonygallopin can't wait to see you all on the Grand Colombier for Bastille Day! #TDF2023 pic.twitter.com/kU5Ne8ulbU July 14, 2023

The riders are making their way to the start line in preparation for another day of racing in the sunshine.

Here's Pogačar and his typical hair tuft sticking out, ready for a big day of battle on the Grand Colombier. He won atop this summit in the 2020 race ahead of Primož Roglič and will be confident in repeating the feat. 

Stage 13 of the 2023 Tour de France is underway!

There are just over four kilometres of neutralised riding before the flag is dropped and the racing proper gets started. The crowds at the start in Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne were fantastic as expected on Bastille Day. 

Keep your eye on all the French riders once Christian Prudhomme waves the flag as they will all want to be in the break on this huge day for France.  

Front wheel change for Andrey Amador (EF Education-EasyPost).

137KM TO GO

Here we go! We're ready to go with Amador back in and the flag drops at kilometre zero.

Lotto-Dstny are straight into a tandem attack with Campenaerts and Eenkhoorn. A trio of Uno-X riders are bridging across as we are above 50km/h already on the flat start. 

There's a lot of interest obviously, but the pack will continue to swell with so many adamant on being in the break. French teams all towards the front. 

It's the TGV de Clermont-Ferrand, Rémi Cavagna, on the front now with Jonas Gregaard (Uno-X) and Valentin Ferrin (TotalEnergies) with him. 

Esteban Chavez (EF Education-EasyPost) has been bridged across with Bettiol to help him, this will be the blueprint for all teams to get into the break as on such a flat start, any climber will want a rouleur to help them and drive a group away. 

130KM TO GO

Mechanical for Valentin Madouas (Groupama-FDJ) in the French national champion's jersey. An unfortunate start for the man in the tricolour. 

Here's how close our two likely protagonists for the day were on the start line. Will Pogačar and Vingegaard be separated by much more of a distance atop the day's summit finish?

Some of Cofidis' team are wearing lovely French tricolour helmets on Bastille Day.  

À jour de Fête nationale, casque spécial 🇨🇵#TDF2023 📷 @MathildeLAzou pic.twitter.com/HPRSMlhlW8 July 14, 2023

125KM TO GO

TotalEnergies have incredibly active in the opening 10km, launching nearly every rider on their team at least once, the latest of which is Pierre Latour who was runner-up on the Puy de Dôme. 

Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) was pacing for Mattias Skjelmose before the bunch again swelled. Both attacked non-stop in the opening of yesterday's stage, so for either to have anything left is incredibly impressive. 

Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal-QuickStep) launched Cavagna into the next one of his attacks. The Belgian team are yet to have any success at this 2023 race.

Cavagna is joined by Ineos duo, Fraile and Castroviejo, Magnus Cort (EF Education EasyPost), Bryan Coquard (Cofidis) and British national champion, Fred Wright (Bahrain Victorious). 

120KM TO GO

Stefan Küng (Groupama-FDJ) has two Israel-Premier Tech riders in his wheel as he tries to bridge this gap. The elastic hasn't yet snapped and we continue to race at over 50km/h. 

We momentarily came all back together, but a new group of leaders has formed at the front: Pacher, Oliveira, Van Gils and Teunissen. 

This small group did have a 13 second advantage, but there is now a huge chasing group trying to bridge the gap. 

This huge group at the front has a growing advantage. If they work together they should be able to make it stick. 

110KM TO GO

It looks as though the peloton is calming down now and may be letting this be the break of the day. Kevin Geniets (Groupama-FDJ) is making one final effort to try and give Pacher some support in the lead group. 

Scratch that, were lined out again the peloton. Some teams have clearly missed this and don't want to give up the fight yet. The peloton is 21 seconds behind now and our lead group appears to be working well. 

Coquard is all alone in this 23 second gap and making a last ditch effort. It would be miraculous if he could somehow bridge this gap. 

The peloton is now 1:03 and the break has truly formed. Coquard is stuck 40 seconds back and shouldn't make it. 

Here is one of Bettiol's first attacks, he's made it into the eventual break of the day alongside teammate James Shaw. 

105KM TO GO

UAE Team Emirates immediately come to the break with their rouleurs, they clearly mean business. Bjerg and Laengen are towards the front and ready to try control this break. 

Pogačar obviously wants the stage win and the bonus seconds, but this effort will require his whole team to drive themselves into the ground before the final climb. Is trying to pull back this huge back worth it?

The gap is stable for now close to 1:30 as the teams behind try to grab a musette and have their lunch with the break finally away. 

100KM TO GO

The peloton is strung out a long way down the road all for this desire to win the stage. 

A look as the day's break is led by Mohorič.

UAE are really working at this with their three better-suited riders on flat terrain, Bjerg, Laengen and Trentin swapping turns on the front. As the foot of the climb arrives 17.4km from the finish, it should be a more manageable effort than if today were a 200km stage. 

Astana Qazaqstan have done a great job to get Harold Tejada into the break with Cees Bol as flat support. The team have had a very unlucky start to the 2023 race having lost three riders in Mark Cavendish, Luis Leon Sanchez and David de la Cruz all to crashes and injuries. 

Current order in the peloton is UAE on the front with their roulers, Bora-Hansgrohe, Ineos Grenadiers, Pogačar and his climbing support, Jayco AlUla then Jumbo-Visma and the yellow jersey, Vingegaard. 

The peloton is starting to slowly close the gap with it now down to 1:20. 

Very windy conditions out on the road now, blowing across the riders. 

52km/h average speed after just over an hour of racing, the peloton is by no means hanging around. 

UAE giving everything today for their superstar rider, Pogačar.

🤍👀⛰️ #TDF2023 📸 A.S.O./Pauline Ballet pic.twitter.com/gbQcElmqqb July 14, 2023

The break to the gap is stable at 1:30. The break are working well, but just aren't being given enough leeway to try and fight for the stage win. 

Bike change for Pello Bilbao (Bahrain Victorious) and it's obviously a planned one. He got off his white aero Merida bike for the fast, flat start and has got onto his black lightweight climbing bike which he'll want for the summit finish. 

The man in yellow clearly isn't scared of Pogačar, but all the talking will be done on the inclines of the Grand Colombier. 

🇫🇷 #TDF2023 Jonas is ready. 👊 pic.twitter.com/5UtxRhTt3n July 14, 2023

Gap for the break has extended out towards the two minute mark which still isn't going to be enough to win atop the summit finish, especially without a pure climber in the move. 

Our 19 escapees are working together nicely so far to give themselves the best chance. Slightly surprising to only see three French riders in there: Pacher, Latour and Petit. 

Pogačar and his main climbing domestique, Majka. 

The leaders are on the early slopes of the uncategorised Col de la Lèbe now. It has very manageable gradients averaging around 3%, but is over 15km in length.

Caleb Ewan (Lotto-Dstny) has just gone out the back of the peloton. He had to fight the time cut yesterday with only De Buyst as help. He'll hopefully get some help from his team before they reach the foot of the final climb. 

Caleb Ewan survives Tour de France time cut but sprinters fear the Alps

The break to have lost motivation with UAE's earlier push putting them off trying fully. 

Some of the heavier riders are dropping on the inclines: Bol and Petit. 

UAE have pulled back 30 seconds on the opening half of this uncategorised climb. Mohorič and Asgreen have sensed the danger and started driving the pace to try and split the break into a more manageable size. 

Laengen's work is done, leaving only Bjerg and Trentin to work on the front, but they will have a long downhill section after this uncategorised climb which will make their job easier.

Teunissen takes the intermediate sprint points and cash prize ahead of Mohorič in second who pushes on. 

We've seen Ben Turner (Ineos Grenadiers) all alone at the back of the race. He's apparently suffering from stomach problems and has little energy to stay in the bunch. Hopefully he can survive the time cut and recover overnight.

Ewan has only just passed the intermediate sprint point, a long way down on Turner and the peloton. 

The break are closing in on the peak of the uncategorised Col de la Lèbe and will start the descent into the valley that precede the Grand Colombier. Will Mohorič try and attack the descent?

The break's current advantage of 3:08 won't be enough on the final climb, but if they can extend it on this descent and into the valley, they someone with great legs may have a very slim chance of making it. 

Latour is majorly struggling on the descent. He should get back on, but this is energy he won't want to waste. 

EF and Intermaché are using their numerical advantage well in the breakaway. 

UAE Team Emirates have now established full control at the head of the peloton with their wheel team keeping Pogačar safe while also trying to keep the gap close enough. It's now 3:39. 

Latour is well dropped now at 40 seconds in arrears. 

With our summit finish approaching, here's a look at the profile of our finale climb. Hardest sections arrive at the start with a brutal opening 8 kilometres and despite a few sections of respite in the middle, the final ramp also tops out at over 12%.

Caleb Ewan has abandoned the 2023 Tour de France. He'd been sat at the back alone after dropping on our first uncategorised climb.

Grand Colombier incoming. 3km to the foot of the climb. 

The other GC teams are starting to come to the fore alongside UAE with Ineos, Jumbo, Bahrain and AG2R now at the front. The latter will be working for Gall who can climb with the very best on his day. 

This will take a miraculous effort from someone in the break if they are to hold off the charging peloton behind. 

EF have taken up the mantle on the front and told both their riders in the break to 'grit their teeth' as the hardest slopes come at the bottom of the climb. 

You would think this was the run into a sprint finish with the peloton motoring along to hold good position once the climb starts. Ineos are best positioned for the moment. 

Asgreen and Teunissen dropped straight away. 

Attack Quentin Pacher! Vive la France.

Ineos hit the front for Rodríguez and Pidcock, they are either feeling great or are just worried about positioning. 

UAE's rouleurs have competed their tasks and their climbing contingent are now coming to the front. Laengen has revived himself for one last pull before Großschartner, Soler, Majka and Yates take over. 

Politt hits the front in aid of Hindley. At the front, Pacher is giving everything on Bastille Day hoping that the incredible French crowds will spur him on to victory. 

Vingegaard is sat further back on Pogačar's wheel and the duo will need to come to the front with such big crowds on the road that will cause the path to narrow as they climb. 

Only Van Gils, Tejada and Shaw are still within 15 seconds of our lone leader as the peloton battle with flares and smoke further down the mountain. 

Will Vingegaard be able to live with Pogačar's inevitable explosive attack? We're about to find out as the climb continues. His team have been absent all day and letting UAE do all the work. 

Gap to the break is holding at 3:48 for now with Pacher still only 8 seconds ahead of his pursuers. 

We're going through the beautiful switchbacks on this climb with a wall of noise spurring on the riders on each corner. 

Kwiatkowski is pacing himself nicely behind and appears to be closing in on the leaders. Pacher has been caught as Van Gils goes!

Shaw and Tejada are close behind, but our last Frenchman, Pacher,  is dropped. 

Ben O'Connor dropped. It hasn't been his year at the 2023 Tour de France. Soler pacing on the front for UAE. Bernal also dropped too. 

The break have got a good chance now with the gap at 3:37. We do know, however, that either Pogačar or Vingegaard could melt that advantage very quickly if they fully launch. 

Kwiatkowski has caught and attacked the trio that were leading. The former World Champion has been great at this Tour and on the attack in breakaways non-stop. 

Kelderman dropped already, that's a big surprise for Jumbo-Visma. 

Kwiatkowski has 13 seconds over the chasers for now after his well paced opening 6km of the climb. If he can get over this hardest sector, he'll get a small chance of recovery on a flat section.

Nice move from the Ineos rider.

On the attack ⚡️@Kwiato steals on a match on his fellow escapees to take a solo lead. Keep pushing, Kwiato 👊👊👊 pic.twitter.com/5M5lboEYiz July 14, 2023

Kwiatkowski is flying away from the trio behind him with a gap now of 38 seconds as he goes over the flatter section. Soler is still turning himself inside-out for his leader before Großschartner takes over and pushes the pace again. 

Bardet has been dropped already under the pressure of UAE. 

Take a look at the Grand Colombier in all its glory below. 

Grand Colombier is a piece of art 😍#TDF2023 pic.twitter.com/wNijARdczp July 14, 2023

We ramp up again to 12% gradient with around 6km to go, but once Kwiatkowski passes that he will find the slopes easing somewhat, albeit to averages still of 7%, which could help him find an incredible victory. 

Soler pulls over and now we get the best climbers in UAE's team. There are nods between Großschartner and Majka agreeing that it's time to go and win the stage. Kwiatkowski is holding them off brilliantly for now still 3:13 ahead. 

Pinot, Buchmann both dropped. 

Martin is also dropped as UAE ramp the pace up even more. Landa also struggling off the back.

Kwiatkowski is looking brilliant at the head of the race with a 2:36 lead still over the peloton. Can Pogačar or Vingegaard close that much time in the final few kilometres?

Großschartner, Majka, Yates and then Pogačar, that is the order of UAE with Vingegaard close behind. he only has Kuss with him. 

The gap to Kiwatkowski is falling - now at 2:18. Pogačar is marshalling the troops to try and capture this stage win. 

Majka moves up in the peloton with Yates behind him and UAE continue to drive things. They've worked all day long for this, but Kwiatkowski is still posted at 2:20 in front. 

If this gap is correct, Kwiatkowski is in a fantastic place to take this stage win. He has to maintain his effort though as the final ramp is brutal. 

Majka gets out of the saddle now and ups the pace again. We're entering the final phase of this stage. We've still got a big group of GC riders in here though as the inclines may not be hard enough. 

The gap is holding to Kwiatkowski above two minutes.

3km to go for @kwiato +1:03 - Chase group2:23 - GC group (with @_rccarlos and @tompidcock)Come on Kwiato!!!!! #TDF2023 pic.twitter.com/NPEB6Z9WEM July 14, 2023

Kwiatkowski is splitting the huge crowds and is closing in on an amazing stage victory.

Yates goes! Kuss goes after him and Pogačar and Vingegaard are close behind. 

We're all back together now after that small attack. 

Yates is now doing the leadout for Pogačar in the finale. Kuss is in between the UAE duo for now, however. Pidcock and Hindley are back onto the four. Simon Yates and Rodriguez are the only others able to follow. 

Flamme rouge for Kwiatkowski, he's got some tough gradients ahead of him, but should have this! What a ride from the Pole.

The bonus seconds are all going to disappear up the road. UAE's tactics haven't paid off. 

STAGE FINISH

Michał Kwiatkowski wins stage 13 of the 2023 Tour de France atop the Grand Colombier!

Behind Pogacar goes! he explodes out of the group with Vingegaard close behind him. The Dane is holding on as they fly past remnants of the break.

Pogačar drops him and he's going to get some bonus seconds, ignore what I said before - what an acceleration. It's around a seven second gain with that final charge to the line as Van Gils hung on for second. Wow.

It won't be yellow, but Pogačar's done well to salvage some time gain after failing to reel in the break. 

Pidcock and Rodríguez share a nice embrace with Kwiatkowski after a fine day for Ineos Grenadiers. 

Here's our stage winner, Michał Kwiatkowski (Ineos Grenadiers). He has showed excellent from in the 2023 Tour, back to his World Championship winning best from nearly a decade ago. What a stage win for the Polish rider. 

Here's what stage winner Kwiatkowski had to say after the stage:

"Not alone, I had 18 friends in the breakaway, yeah obviously I had a nice advantage on the final climb, but it was a crazy experience, to be honest. When I entered the breakaway I though this is just a free ticket to maybe the bottom of the climb, but I never thought this group will kind of fight for the stage win because UAE were pulling pretty hard in the back. But to be honest it's not easy to I guess chase 19 guys rotating on the flat for more than 100 kilometres."

"We just didn't want to miss any big breakaway. Every day we were pretty much trying to go in the big moves because you never really know when people are moving on the flat who will actually enter that breakaway, maybe someone from the GC, maybe no one will be happy to chase. Today was UAE, but I think they just let too many guys in the front and I just found probably the best legs I ever had in my life."

I didn't believe that was possible, but here I am."

"Winning on top of the mountain like this on Grand Colombier, obviously I had memories here with Egan Bernal [in 2020] here kind of thinking about quitting the race and unfortunately he did later on so that was bad memories for us, but then with Richard [Carapaz] that was also different. That was like full gas racing from the start to the finish and in the end, we could enjoy the last 15 kilometres together, but today was just like - the last effort was probably one of the hardest in my life, but I managed myself well, paced myself well and knew that was going to be a very long effort."

Pogačar's late surge to the line gained him another 8 seconds in the GC battle vs Vingegaard, with that gap at the top now only 0:09. Bilbao was the big loser on GC, dropping two places to seventh and losing 45 seconds to his rivals for the top five.

The current GC standings at the 2023 Tour de France after stage 13

Tom Pidcock (Ineos Grenadiers) had another great day in his GC campaign as he finished fifth on the day behind our two breakaway survivors, Pogačar and Vingegaard, here's what he said after stage 13:

"I think Bastille Day should be renamed Ineos day," Pidcock joked in reference to the British team winning on Bastille Day two years in a row. "Two pretty iconic climbs, two wins, it's pretty special."

"It's especially funny because we were at one point talking about Kwiato coming back to help us position into the final climb because UAE weren't giving the break any time and then he wins the stage so it always happens on the day you least expect it and it's super nice because I've spent basically the whole time with him preparing for this race in Tenerife, Suisse and now here so I know how hard he's been working and how much this will mean to him. It's really nice to see."

"I think it's actually easier now that I can ride in the front group because you ride so fats, the steep bits don't feel quite so bad. When you ride slow they feel worse. I think I did quite a good ride myself."

Its a 17k climb and he [Pogačar] just rode the end like it was a bunch sprint. I was probably doing 700 or something, so God knows what he [Pogačar]was doing."

A look back at the eventually race-winning move from Kwiatkowski.

👋 @kwiato 🇵🇱 is going solo at 11km from 🏁👋 @kwiato 🇵🇱 s'en va seul à 11km de 🏁#TDF2023 pic.twitter.com/skiwzxo2Uf July 14, 2023

Today's stage was just the first of a trio of mountain stages that conclude the second week at the 2023 Tour de France. Next up is a 151.8km stage that is up and down all the way to the line in Morzine Les Portes du Soleil. There are three categorised climbs in the opening 52km of racing, two of which are category 1, before another 50km from the finish. 

The day's racing will be decided, however, on the Col de Joux Plane and its descent. The Joux Plane is 11.6km at 8.5% and could see more GC action than today with four climbs already in the legs. If anyone crests it solo, they will have to hold off the chasers on a 12km descent to the line which is fast and technical but does have new safety measures as implemented by ASO in agreement with the CPA. 

Kwiatkowski spent a long period of his career working as a domestique in respective Team Sky and Ineos trains for Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome, after an early career period that saw him win the World Championships. At 33, he's been able to maintain his form and attack breakaways in the 2023 Tour and achieve an incredible victory atop the Grand Colombier. Chapeau Michał. He now has two Tour de France stage wins on his decorated palmares that includes a duo of wins at both Strade Bianche and Amstel Gold Race and a monument victory at Milan-Sanremo.

NEVER. GIVE. UP.Vive la France! #TdF2023 @LeTour @INEOSGrenadiers pic.twitter.com/Wdy5frCO7h July 14, 2023

Make sure to read Stephen Farrand's great race report from stage 13 which includes a gallery from the day's action and also to look out for all the biggest news coming out of the race from our team on the ground. 

Tour de France: Kwiatkowski wins stage 13 on Grand Colombier as Pogacar closes in on yellow

That wraps things up for Cyclingnews' live coverage of stage 13 of the Tour de France won by Ineos' Michał Kwiatkowski. Check back tomorrow for live coverage of the 14th stage as Pogačar and Vingegaard go to battle again. 

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Exploring Place de la Bastille: Paris’ Historic Square

This article explores Place de la Bastille – Paris, France’s historic and renowned square. We delve into its fascinating history to understand how it came to be and its role in France’s storied past.

We begin with a glimpse of the city’s ancient fortifications from which the square takes its name and then explore the use of the yard during the Middle Ages. We discuss the French Revolution and its impact on the court before looking at recent developments over the last few centuries.

Finally, we highlight some cultural activities and events the square still offers visitors today. Join us as we step back to discover all the secrets of Place de la Bastille.

Unfortunately, nothing remains of the Bastille itself. Today, the “Colonne de Juillet” stands in the middle of the square. The famous prison was destroyed, but today, the busy square is the center of a lively area, during daytime and nighttime, with shops, art galleries, bars, restaurants, and, of course, the modern Bastille Opera.

In this guide, we’ll tell you everything there is to know about the historical Place de la Bastille and the surrounding area. This is your guide if you want an overview of this famous Parisian neighborhood!

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The History of Place de la Bastille

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Place de la Bastille is a large public square on the historic site of the infamous Bastille Prison, stormed in 1789 and sparked the French Revolution. It lies in Paris ‘ 11th district, close to Place de la République.

The Bastille was initially built by King Charles V in the 14th century but fell into disrepair during the French Revolution. In 1789, violent mobs stormed the fortress—which had become a symbol of royal oppression—and demolished it.

Afterward, Place de la Bastille became a public square for executions and other forms of state violence. The guillotine moved to Place de la Concorde in 1793 after an unsuccessful attempt at building an execution machine on top of La Madeleine church (yes, really).

The prison was notorious for its cruel conditions, and many renowned political prisoners of the Ancien Régime were held captive there. On July 14, 1789, when people stormed it, this event marked the start of the French Revolution and has since been remembered as a symbol of freedom and democracy.

Afterward, Place de la Bastille transformed. In 1840, La Colonne de Juillet (July Column) was erected where the prison once stood- commemorating those who died during the ‘Three Glorious Days’ of 1830’s Revolution; its 50-meter tall statue is now one of the tourists’ favorite attractions.

Baron Haussmann’s mid-19th-century urban renovation also significantly changed Place de la Bastille’s look. Gare de la Bastille railway station was demolished in 1984 and replaced by the modern Opéra-Bastille opera house – one of the world’s most prominent today.

Nowadays. Nowadays. Place de la Bastille is known for its bars, night clubs & restaurants, as well as political demonstrations & concerts, making it a famous center for Parisian nightlife & favorite spot among visitors to the city alike! Its everchanging appearance throughout history speaks volumes about its long, turbulent past.

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The Bastille Prison was a medieval fortress on the east side of Paris, renowned as a French state prison and an emblem of absolute power in the Ancien Régime. On July 14, 1789, an angry mob attacked it – sparking the French Revolution.

The Bastille symbolized oppressive rule under absolute monarchy and held political prisoners. Its storming by Parisians is now known as the Storming of the Bastille; this resulted in the liberation of its captives and the physical destruction of the prison itself.

July 14’s attack on the Bastille marked the commencement of France’s Revolution – remembered as a signifier of freedom and democracy. Several revolutions occurred at this site throughout history: Revolutions of 1789 & 1830, plus 1848’s failed attempt.

Between 1789 and 1790, it was gradually dismantled; its stones were used to construct—Pont de la Concorde, along with 83 miniature replicas sent to provinces across France.

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The July Column – La Colonne de Juillet – is a monument in Place de la Bastille, Paris, France, commissioned by King Louis-Philippe in 1840 to commemorate the victims of the ‘Three Glorious Days’ of the French Revolution.

Topped with an angel statue crafted by Auguste Dumont, this 50.5-meter tall column bears a good message at its base: “To the glory of French citizens who armed themselves and fought for public freedoms during 27th, 28th and 29th July 1830.”

Standing on Charles V’s former moat and connected to the Seine and Canal St Martin, it offers stunning views of Paris, including Sacré-Cur in Montmartre, Père Lachaise cemetery, Notre-Dame towers, Montparnasse Tower and Institut du Monde Arabe. 815 remains from the July Revolution lie at its foot, making it a powerful reminder of those events. A replica can be found in Mexico City (Columna de la Independencia).

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The Opera Bastille is a renowned Parisian venue that hosts operas, concerts, and ballets. Former French President Francois Mitterrand proposed it in 1983 on the former site of the Bastille fortress. Architect Carlos Rodriguez. Ott designed its angular shape to symbolize the strength of the French people. In 1989, it was inaugurated with 3,309 seats – making it one of the world’s largest opera houses.

Visiting Place de la Bastille? Don’t miss out on this must-see attraction! Its impressive façade and angular shape will take your breath away. Inside, you can experience its beauty and grandeur while enjoying musical performances. From its terrace, you’ll get a breathtaking view of the nearby Bastille fortress and its surroundings!

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Place de la Bastille is a historic square in Paris that bursts with attractions and sights to explore. This square marks an important moment in France’s history on the former Bastille Prison site – when the prison storming on July 14, 1789, sparked the French Revolution.

At Place de la Bastille, visitors can admire La Colonne de Juillet – erected in 1831 to commemorate the Revolution – and visit Opéra Bastille, a modern opera house opened for the bicentennial celebration of the Revolution. Moreover, Faubourg Saint-Antoine – a charming pedestrian street between Bastille and Place de la Bastille – is ideal for afternoon strolls.

When night falls, this square comes alive with its many bars, restaurants, and clubs, making it popular among locals and tourists. It also often hosts political demonstrations, concerts, or other events. Additionally, the above was not mentioned.

Place de la Bastille is in the Latin Quarter , one of the most vibrant areas in Paris, where you can find plenty of bars & restaurants plus shops to explore. Not far away are Jewish communities from Le Marais and historic Paris. Place de la Bastille offers even more exciting places to discover!

From attending shows at the Opéra Bastille to exploring the Latin Quarter & Le Marais, there’s no better way than visiting Place de la Bastille to experience the culture & history of Paris! With its numerous attractions & lively nightlife scene, it’s an exciting area that should not be missed out on!

This is one of the most famous places in Paris and was built on the former prison site that was used to hold prisoners in extreme conditions and even torture them. The area around the place has remained a major landmark since its construction since it’s located near other important sites such as Chatelet-Les Halles RER station, Les Halles shopping mall, Palais Royal Gardens, and Place Dauphine.

Place de la Bastille is an excellent spot for sightseeing, offering tours and tickets to explore the area. Take a walking tour of the district to discover gourmet shops and bustling food markets. Or opt for a 1.5-hour time that takes in all of Paris’ iconic monuments , streets, shops, monuments, and sights. Buy tickets to the Opera Bastille for an evening of classical music and opera.

For those seeking something more relaxed, pleasure boats provide scenic cruises along the Seine. Whether you’re looking for guided tours or prefer exploring yourself, Place de la Bastille has it all! Tour the Bastille Prison and its physical destruction or explore Le Marais’ Jewish communities and historic sites. Place de la Bastille – there are plenty of ways to experience this area’s history and culture!

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Located at the Place de la Bastille, Port de l’Arsenal is a boat basin that links the Canal Saint-Martin to the Seine at the Quai de la Rapée. Built by Pierre de Villiers in 1808, this tranquil port offers visitors an escape from Paris’s hustle and bustle. Cruise along the Seine for gourmet restaurants, wine bars, and cheese shops, or take a break with pastries, charcuterie, coffee, or tea – all available at food stops around the port.

Experience the history and culture of Place de la Bastille when you visit Port de l’Arsenal! Easily accessible via public transportation, it provides a fantastic opportunity to explore Paris from a unique perspective.

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Located between Bastille and Etoile, this large public square was designed by Napoleon III for military parades but has since been used for political demonstrations and celebrations (such as Bastille Day ).

Also called “Place Charles de Gaulle ,” this square is located just south of Champs Elysees Avenue near Arc De Triomphe Square at one end, where there are many high-end shops, including Christian Lacroix boutiques that sell womenswear fashions as well as men’s clothing brands such as Hugo Boss suits or Zara shirts/trousers if you’re looking for something more affordable but still stylishly chic!

Place du Trocadero. This square is between Champs Elysees Avenue and the River Seine, close to the Eiffel Tower. The Place du Trocadero has a large fountain often used for public performances and celebrations such as Bastille Day or other national holidays in France.

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Le Comptoir du Relais is a charming restaurant that perfectly captures the romance of Paris. Located in the historic Palais Royal Garden, it has been serving traditional French fare since 1880. The restaurant’s interior is beautifully decorated with gilded mirrors and marble floors, lending a rustic feel to what would otherwise be an upscale dining experience.

Breakfast and lunch are served daily until 2 pm, after which they begin dinner service at 7 pm. Appetizers range from escargots (snails) to foie gras terrine, while main courses include steak frites or roasted duck breast with boudin noir sauce.

Dining here isn’t cheap, but fine dining is not anywhere else in Paris – expect to pay about 100 euros per person for two courses plus wine.

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L’Observatoire de Paris serves fresh sushi in one of the most unique settings imaginable: inside a 17th-century observatory! Located in Montparnasse Tower, this contemporary Japanese eatery offers stunning views through large windows as you enjoy your meal – though bringing friends along might be challenging since most tables seat only two people apiece!

Prices here can fluctuate depending on what types of foods you order, but don’t expect cheap eats; even basics like edamame cost around 8 euros each, while sashimi platters cost upwards of 40 euros per person (you could probably feed yourself twice over at McDonald’s instead).

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Shopping at Place de La Bastille differs slightly from shopping elsewhere in Paris. The square doesn’t offer as many options as other neighborhoods, but it’s easy to reach from Bastille and has some great stores.

The first thing you’ll want to do is pop into Monsieur Tricotin, a shop that sells handmade scarves and hats (as well as other items) made by French artisans using wool from sheep raised on farms in South West France.

These are not cheap—especially compared with what you can find at the more touristy end of town—but they’re high quality. You’ll support local businesses by purchasing them here instead of buying cheaper knockoffs elsewhere in Paris.

Once you’ve got your new accessory for fall/winter/spring/summer (depending on when you’re visiting), check out the rest of Place de La Bastille’s retail offerings, too: especially if they include any food or drink!

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Paris is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, and as such, there are many options for where to stay.

The Bastille area is a great place to stay if you’re looking for something between downtown Paris and the more residential areas of the city. Here are some excellent choices:

• The Bastille area has a lot of hotels, including budget hotels like Hôtel du Nord (77 rue de la Roquette).
• There are also many bed and breakfasts in the area. These can range from small apartments with shared kitchens to larger houses or manor houses with rooms you share with other guests. One example is La Maison Blanche (22 rue des Barres).

Getting around Place de la Bastille is a breeze with the various transport options. Metro lines 1, 5, and 8 all pass through the area, and RER A and B, stop at Gare de Lyon. Plus, plenty of bus routes go to Place de la Bastille from many parts of Paris. Taxis can also be hailed right in the square for added convenience.

For those who prefer to explore on foot, the area is well-structured, with streets and attractions within easy reach. The Paris City Pass offers free access to public transportation so you can get around Place de la Bastille without breaking your budget!

Getting around Place de la Bastille is a breeze with the various transportation options. Metro lines 1, 5, and 8 traverse the area, and RER A and B stop at Gare de Lyon. Plenty of bus lines go to Place de la Bastille, making it easily accessible from many parts of Paris.

Hailing a taxi in the square is also an option for getting around Place de la Bastille. Or, if you prefer to explore on foot, the area is well-structured, with streets and attractions within easy reach. No matter your choice of transport, you can get around Place de la Bastille without any hassle!

If you are planning a visit to Place de la Bastille, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of parking options. The Bastille public car park is a 5-minute walk away and open 24/7.

Other garages nearby, such as the underground garage on Boulevard Richard Lenoir, the multi-level garage on Rue de la Roquette, and the parking lot on Faubourg Saint Antoine – all offer ample space for your vehicle to explore without worrying. No matter your needs, Place de la Bastille has something for everyone!

The Place de la Bastille is a historic square in the heart of Paris with immense cultural significance. Its importance began during the Ancien Régime when it housed the royal prison of the Bastille and later became a symbol of absolute power following the storming of the Bastille in 1789.

Today, this noble square boasts attractions and sights such as the Opera Bastille, Latin Quarter, Marais, Boulevard St. Antoine, and more. Famous landmarks also dot this influential square and give visitors insight into its significant history, including the July Column – La Colonne de Juillet and the Bastille Prison Museum.

Place de la Bastille has become an even greater transportation hub over time, with improved public transportation making it easy for visitors to traverse this area. Parking lots and boat basins, such as the Port de L’Arsenal, provide further accommodations for travelers. Moreover, events and concerts regularly take place within this space, adding to the vibrancy and entertainment aspects of the square.

With all these features, Place de la Bastille has cemented itself as one of Paris’ most prominent squares, attracting tourists worldwide.

Charles V of France ordered the construction of Place de la Bastille in 1370, and Louis-Philippe completed its development with the addition of the July Column in 1833.

Unfortunately, entering the Bastille is impossible as it no longer exists, having been destroyed during the French Revolution in 1789-1790. However, visitors can still visit the Place de la Bastille, where the prison once stood, and experience a piece of history.

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Place de la Bastille, Paris

Last Updated:  30 June 2023

Shared with the 4th , 11th and 12th arrondissements, the Place de la Bastille is one of Paris ’ most famous squares, owing its name to the infamous fortress that once stood there. The vast square (215m by 150m) was the scene of many revolutions which had significant consequences on the history of France: 1789, 1830 and 1848. The Place de la Bastille remains the French capital’s most crucial rallying point for demonstrations, marches and public celebrations.

  🎦 Watch our short video on the origins and traditions of Bastille Day:

Place de la Bastille: A Bit of History

The square was built on the Bastille fortress’s site and Charles V’s fortifications (as shown on the map above). It marked the limit between Paris and the ‘faubourgs’.

On the 14th of July 1790 , entrepreneur Palloy organised the first popular dancing ball on the occasion of the Fête de la Fédération . Amidst the ruins of the former prison, he planted a tent with the sign: ‘ Ici on danse ’ (here, people dance). This tradition has survived to the present day.

The square welcomed the infamous guillotine from the 9th to the 14th of June 1794. 75 people were beheaded on the Place de la Bastille before the guillotine was moved to the current Place de la Nation .

The square has changed appearance since the demolition of the Bastille prison (1789-1790), the construction of the July Column (1840), the great urban renovation of Baron Haussmann (mid-19th century), the demolition of the railway station (1984) and the inauguration of the modern Opéra-Bastille (1989).

The Bastille Fortress

The Bastille was a fortification on the medieval wall of Paris built under the reign of Charles V between 1370 and 1383. Cardinal Richelieu transformed The fortress into a prison and kept political prisoners such as Voltaire and the Man in the Iron Mask.

The fortress was stormed by a revolutionary mob from the Faubourg Saint-Antoine on the morning of the 14th of July 1789 . By late afternoon its seven prisoners were freed. This first act of the French Revolution quickly became an important date in French history.

The fortified prison was dismantled between the 14th of July 1789 and the 14th of July 1790, and its stones were partly used to build the Pont de la Concorde. 83 of its stones were carved into miniature Bastille replicas before being sent to the provinces.

Today, the ground plan of the Bastille’s towers and fortification can be seen on the pavement on the square’s western side (from numbers 5 to 49 Boulevard Henri IV).

Monuments on the Place de la Bastille

The Place de la Bastille is home to two monuments of Paris: the July Column and the monumental Paris Opera. The square opens to the Arsenal Harbour.

The July Column – la Colonne de Juillet

The monumental July Column (in French: Colonne de Juillet ) was commissioned by Louis-Philippe in 1830 and inaugurated in 1840 . The Corinthian-style column is 50.52 metres tall and was designed by architects Jean-Antoine Alavoine and Joseph-Louis Duc . A stair with 140 steps leads to the viewing platform (close to the public_. It is made of 21 bronze drums and weighs over 74 tonnes.

Its name refers to the Trois Glorieuses or the Three Glorious Days of 27-29 July 1830, when King Charles X was overruled by the ‘ July Monarchy ’ of Louis-Philippe.

A commemorative plaque bears the inscription:

“ À la gloire des citoyens français qui s’armèrent et combattirent pour la défense des libertés publiques dans les mémorables journées des 27, 28, 29 juillet 1830 .”

(To the glory of French citizens who armed themselves and fought to defend public freedoms during the memorable days of the 27th, 28th, and 29th of July 1830).

At the top of the column stands a gilded angel by Auguste Dumont called ‘ le Génie de la Liberté ’ (Spirit of Freedom). The statue holds the torch of civilisation and the remains of his broken chains.

The monument was built above a necropolis, including the 815 bodies of revolutionaries killed during the Trois Glorieuses and the 1848 Revolution.

The July Column is visible from many vantage points in Paris: from the Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre, the Père Lachaise cemetery, the towers of Notre-Dame, the Montparnasse Tower or the Institut du Monde Arabe:

The Bastille Elephant

On the site of the square, Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte wished to edify a curious counterpart to the Arc de Triomphe: the Bastille Elephant . This project was never completed; only the fountain’s circular base remains today.

Interestingly a replica of the monument was raised in Mexico City in 1910: the Columna de la Independencia .

The Opera Bastille

Before the opera was a train station called ‘ Gare de la Bastille ’. Opened between 1859 and 1969 it linked Paris to Verneuil-l’Étang and Boissy-Saint-Léger. In the mid-1960s construction of the RER A led to the abandonment of the station. The building was demolished in 1984 to give way to an ambitious project: the modern Opéra Bastille. The former railways were transformed into the Promenade Plantée .

The Opéra Bastille is part of François Mitterrand ’s Grands Projets , a grandiose plan which included the construction of the Grande Arche de la Défense , the National Library in Tolbiac, and the glass pyramid of the Louvre .

Built between 1984 and 1989, its inauguration by the French President coincided with the bicentenary of the French Revolution. Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott designed the opera, which has a capacity of 3,309 seats.

Port de l’Arsenal

The square gives way to the Port de l’Arsenal , Paris’ marina. The port was the former moat of Charles V’s fortification, and its waters link the Seine to the Canal St Martin .

Find out more on the blog

• On the trail of the remains of the historic fortress of La Bastille
• All there is to know about Bastille Day, France’s national day
• The Gems of Paris: A Discovery Online Course

Stay in and around Place de la Bastille

About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

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Self-guided walking tour of Paris: The French Revolution hotspots

• Post category: Paris & Île-de-France
• Post author: Nassie Angadi

If there ever was a city made for a walking tour, it is Paris. With a relatively small center connected by wide boulevards, you can walk from Place de la Bastille in the east to the Eiffel Tower in the west, in less than two hours. And that is with plenty of stops along along the way for a bit of sightseeing.

And if you love history and are interested in doing a themed walking tour, Paris is ideal. Exploring the places where the French Revolution took place, you will quickly realize that many of the monuments of significance are well within walking distance of each other in the center of Paris.

The history is palpable as you explore the streets of Paris and its world-class art museums. Paris is made for wandering, with its wide boulevards that let you amble and have ample opportunities to take in the sights, sounds, and smells that make it one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And it is a great way to get a feel for the city.

Now I should mention, when I say the French Revolution, I mean the 1789 French Revolution, as there were a couple of revolutions afterwards. But this is the one everyone remembers, where Marie-Antoinette got guillotined.

So let’s get to the top places and monuments on the 1789 Revolution walking tour, shall we? Allons-y!

1. Place de la Bastille

Located: at Metro Bastille in the 11th arrondissement of Paris

In the east end of Paris, is the Place de la bastille where once stood the ancient fortress prison called Bastille Saint-Antoine dating back to the 14th century.

Around the time of the Revolution, the former royal fort that had been converted into a prison.  An imposing building made of stone, it was surrounded by guards armed to the hilt.

In July of 1789 there were only 7 prisoners there, among them the infamous French writer and philosopher Marquis de Sade, who had already been held there for over 10 years. (A good majority of his works were written in prison.)

On July 14, 1789 the revolutionaries stormed into the Bastille, freeing all the prisoners and beheading the prison’s governor and stuck his head on a spike. The revolution had begun.

Anyway, as the French peasants and revolutionaries were preparing to make their demands, they decided they needed weapons. While they were able to get muskets by taking over the Hotel des Invalides in Paris, they also needed gunpowder. As it happened, the Bastille had stockpiles of it.

There are no remnants of the fortress there today. The ancient fort soon turned into rubble, and for practical reasons, the prison was demolished. Today, the site of the Bastille is a large circular roundabout and gathering place called the Place de la Bastille .

2. Place des Vosges

Located: off of Rue Saint Antoine in the 3rd – 4th arrondissement .

Leaving Place de la Bastille, head west on Rue Saint Antoine for about 7 minutes and turn right onto Rue de Birague till you arrive at the magnificent Place des Vosges.

In order to understand the French Revolution, it is important to understand what the French were protesting against.

Originally known as Place Royale, Place des Vosges is one of the most beautiful spots in the Marais , and indeed, in Paris. It is where the rich and famous used to live, and in fact still do.

The last French queen to live was Anne of Austria in the 1600s, before Marie-Antoinette’s time. (She preferred Versailles and Fontainebleau .) However, this sumptuous building in the heart of Paris was emblematic of the divide between the rich and the poor.

Paris had not yet been revamped by Baron Haussman, so at the time, this area was surrounded by a medieval city , with buildings very close together and poor sanitation. At the time, there were no wide boulevards and Hausmannian architecture . Place des Vosges was a luxurious building where the nobility lived; the nobles who didn’t pay taxes like the commoners did .

Before the Revolution, even access to the gardens was forbidden to poorly dressed people except on one day of the year, August 25, the feast of Saint Louis .

You can imagine that this was one of the first places taken over by “the people” after the Revolution. During the 1789 Revolution, it was successively renamed several times:

• place des Fédérés – Federate square
• place du Parc-d’Artillerie – Artillery park square
• place de la Fabrication-des-Armes – Maker of weapons squre
• place de l’Indivisibilité – Indivisible square

In 1800, it was renamed “ Place des Vosges ” in honor of the Vosges regional department , which was the first to have paid tax under the French Revolution and, send volunteers to defend the “ patrie ” (country) in danger.

You can read more about the Place des Vosges here. If you like, you can take a guided walking tour through the area to hear about the Marais’s famous residents and how this area has changed over time.

3. Conciergerie on Ile de la Cité

Located: 2 Bd du Palais, 75001

Cross Pont Notre dame (bridge) with its many carvings of kings and saints, and visit the Conciergerie on Ile de la Cité .

The prison at the Conciergerie is where Marie-Antoinette was held in prison, put on trial, and found guilty. After a two-day show trial, she was found guilty on all charges and condemned to death.

The tiny prison cells of the Conciegerie were a far cry from the royal palaces the Queen was used to. You can book a tour of the Conciegerie here.

4. Jardin des Tuileries

Located: 200 Rue de Rivoli in the 1st arrondissement

After visiting the Conciergerie, head back to the Right bank and go west till you reach the Jardin des Tuileries.

This was the site of a royal palace, the Palais des Tuileries , and it is in this palace that Marie-Antoinette, Louis XVI and their children were brought to after being forced to leave Versailles .

French Queen Catherine de Medici started building the Palais des Tuileries two centuries earlier in 1564, a stone’s throw away from the Palais du Louvre . Later monarchs would go on to add wings and attach the Tuileries and the Louvre .

French Royals would usually stay at the Tuileries Palace , while their ministers and fideles would stay at the Louvre. This remained while Marie-Antoinette and her family were confined to the Tuileries, with their loyal friends staying at the Louvre.

Slowly, as the guillotine started to fall, many of their friends escaped France, while they still could, leaving the King and Queen isolated and imprisoned.

Even after the fall of the monarchy, the Tuileries Palace remained associated with the French monarchs, and in 1871 it was burnt down during the Paris Commune protests. The Louvre palace managed to survive the flames , but only just.

5. Eat some cake at Angelina’s

Located: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001

After all that walking, we might need some refreshments reflect on the historical events to come.

Take a break at Angelina’s by eating some cake and tea at the historic tearoom, Angelina’s, the epitome of “gourmet pleasures”.

It is just steps away from the Place de la Concorde, where Marie-Antoinette, her family, and many nobles of that time met their fate.

6. Place de la Concorde

Located: the center of Paris

After your refreshments, head over to Place de la Concorde, which is where Marie-Antoinette and King Louis XVI were guillotined. A large Egyptian obelsik and fountain marks the spot where they lost their lives.

Her last words are recorded as, “ Pardonnez-moi, monsieur. Je ne l’ai pas fait exprès ” or “Pardon me, sir, I did not do it on purpose”, after accidentally stepping on her executioner’s shoe.

After the queen’s head fell, it was shown to the crowd, who responded by crying: “ Vive la République! ”

In a symbolic and yet practical gesture, the bridge in front of the Place de la Concorde and the Assemblée Nationale on the other side of the Reine, was built using some of the stones from the castle at Bastille.

The Pont de la Concorde (bridge) is directly off of the Place de la Concorde, if you would like to have a look.

7. La Chapelle Expiatoire

Located at 29 Rue Pasquier, 75008

About 10 minute walk away in the 8th arrondissement is the Expiatory chapel. It was built on top of the cemetery where King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette were buried after their execution in 1793.

Their bodies were later moved to Saint-Denis Basilica outside of Paris, where other royal family members are buried, but the Expiatory chapel was built on this spot in the 8th arrondissement to commemorate all the lives lost in the Revolution.

And that is the walking tour of Paris, French Revolution edition! If you enjoyed that article, you may like reading more about visiting Paris . A bientôt!

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Top 10 Facts about the Place de la Bastille

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1.The Bastille Column

2. place de la bastille on bastille day.

Image: Pixabay

3. The advanced drama house at Place de la Bastille is a structure with a lot of interest.

4. the bastille was initially a sustained door and was later utilized as a regal depository., 5. the english occupied bastille..

6. The Bastille housed VIP visitors before it was utilized as a jail.

7. it was previously a feared jail, presently it’s just a section..

8. Cardinal De Richelieu was the first to utilize The Bastille as a state jail.

9. ‘the man in the iron veil’ was a genuine detainee held in the bastille., 10. napoleon manufactured an elephant landmark on the site of the bastille..

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La Bastide de Tourtour Hotel & Spa

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 925
• Very Good 436
• Average 189
• Terrible 28
• All languages ( 1,640 )
• French ( 1,463 )
• English ( 137 )
• German ( 12 )

" Very, clean, great service, helpful friendly staff. Bed very comfortable. The spa was excellent. "

" Avoid the lamb. "

" It’s a hell of a drive to get to, and there are no basic shops in the village. Don’t eat in the restaurant. Book in the village "

" Ask for first floor with view. "

" For the best facilities and stupendous views chose a "PRESTIGE" room "

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LA BASTIDE DE TOURTOUR HOTEL & SPA - Updated 2024 Prices & Reviews (France)

La Bastide De Tourtour Hotel & Spa

Au Village, 83690 Tourtour, France – Excellent location – show map

Cleanliness

Value for money

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A Four Star Bastide with an exceptional position and close to a very pretty small village - combined with a very friendly staff and a competent chef in the kitchen - what more can you wish for !

This hotel is so gorgeous, perfect for a romantic trip. It was my husband's first time to France, and he loved France and especially this place so much that now he wants to buy a château there! Also, the hotel was only a 5 minute walk to the cute village of Tourtours. This is definitely one of my favorite hotels anywhere!

The spa was lovely, views wonderful, gardens well kept

Good hotel to explore the Verdon Gorge and Valensole - near an hour by car. The staff is friendly. The hotel have an amazing view.

Property is so authentic and stylish. Charming and inviting. landscape and scenery are stunning.

Nice breakfast, fantastic view, surrounding forrests. Charming hotel in historic building. Nice small SPA with saunas and hot tube.

This is a perfect hotel, the location and the village is unbelievable beautiful. I would love to come back at any time. Every touch in the hotel is really special and breaskfast in the room just adds up to the experience.

location is great to escape from a city. rooms and bathrooms are freshly renovated. charge stations for EV. good restaurant. great breakfast

The place is absolutely amazing. The huge balcony with the most tranquil view was probably the most relaxing place throughout our holidays. The staff is very friendly and helpful, the food in the restaurant is very tasty and the swimming pools are just a cherry on top. And make sure you visit nearby village!

Absolutely beautiful views and lovely friendly staff. The massages we had were amazing too, and lovely food in the evenings. We went into tour tour for lunch and an eve of meal too, and it was a very short pleasant walk.

Excellent location!

La Bastide De Tourtour Hotel & Spa Reserve now

Lock in a great price for La Bastide De Tourtour Hotel & Spa – rated 8.7 by recent guests!

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La Bastide De Tourtour Hotel & Spa is an elegant family home nestled in a 4 hectare park. Located between Provence and the French Riviera, the house offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area and has many relaxing facilities. All rooms in the accommodations are air-conditioned, comfortable and equipped with a private bathroom. The restaurant serves traditional French cuisine. In the morning, you can have breakfast in your room or on the terrace. The large garden offers an ideal setting for a walk among the pine, olive and laurel trees. There is also a putting green, a driving range equipped with Trackman technology, a heated indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a Jacuzzi, a sauna, a panoramic sauna, a Nordic bath and a steam room. The wellness area offers facials and body massages. Charging stations for electric cars are available on site.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.6 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

• 2 swimming pools
• Free parking
• Non-smoking rooms
• Fitness center
• Facilities for disabled guests
• Room service
• Very Good Breakfast

Property Highlights

Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.5)

Free private parking available at the hotel

Saved to 2079 lists

Availability

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Hotel area info

Restaurants 1 restaurant on site.

• Cuisine French
• Ambience Traditional

Amenities of La Bastide De Tourtour Hotel & Spa Great facilities! Review score, 8.7

• Private Bathroom
• Free toiletries
• Outdoor furniture
• Bicycle rental Additional charge
• Cooking class Additional charge
• Walking tours
• Tennis equipment
• Tennis court
• Flat-screen TV
• Coffee house on site
• Fruit Additional charge
• Wine/Champagne Additional charge
• Kids' meals Additional charge
• Breakfast in the room
• Valet parking
• Electric vehicle charging station
• Accessible parking
• Private check-in/out
• Baggage storage
• Express check-in/out
• 24-hour front desk
• Board games/Puzzles
• Daily housekeeping
• Ironing service Additional charge
• Laundry Additional charge
• Fax/Photocopying
• Meeting/Banquet facilities Additional charge
• Fire extinguishers
• CCTV outside property
• CCTV in common areas
• Smoke alarms
• Security alarm
• 24-hour security
• Air conditioning
• Smoke-free property
• Packed lunches
• Family rooms
• Lowered sink
• Raised toilet
• Toilet with grab rails
• Wheelchair accessible
• Open all year
• Adults only
• Heated pool
• Beach chairs/Loungers
• All ages welcome
• Pool with view
• Pool/Beach towels
• Locker rooms
• Full-body massage
• Couples' massage
• Neck massage
• Back massage
• Spa/Wellness packages
• Spa lounge/Relaxation area
• Spa facilities
• Body treatments
• Waxing services
• Facial treatments
• Beauty services
• Beach umbrellas
• Open-air bath
• Turkish/Steam Bath
• Hot tub/Jacuzzi
• Massage Additional charge

Property practices

See availability house rules.

From 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM

From 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Cancellation/ prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Child policies

Children of all ages are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

Prices for cribs and extra beds aren't included in the total price. They'll have to be paid for separately during your stay.

The number of extra beds and cribs allowed depends on the option you choose. Check your selected option for more info.

All cribs and extra beds are subject to availability.

No age restriction

There's no age requirement for check-in

Pets are allowed. Charges may apply.

Accepted payment methods

Cash La Bastide De Tourtour Hotel & Spa accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print Must-know information for guests at this property

Please note that according to government measures it is mandatory to provide a health pass for check-in at this property for all adults. Guests between 12 years to 17 years are exempted until 30th august. This is pass is mandatory for entering public places like restaurants and hotel, failing to do so guest won't be able to access these places.

If guests cannot provide the pass, please let know the property in advance. The reservations would either be postponed or canceled.

FAQs about La Bastide De Tourtour Hotel & Spa

Does la bastide de tourtour hotel & spa have a hot tub for its guests.

Yes, there's a hot tub. You can find out more about this and the other facilities at La Bastide De Tourtour Hotel & Spa on this page.

What type of room can I book at La Bastide De Tourtour Hotel & Spa?

How far is la bastide de tourtour hotel & spa from the center of tourtour.

La Bastide De Tourtour Hotel & Spa is 500 feet from the center of Tourtour. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

What are the check-in and check-out times at La Bastide De Tourtour Hotel & Spa?

Check-in at La Bastide De Tourtour Hotel & Spa is from 3:00 PM, and check-out is until 12:00 PM.

How much does it cost to stay at La Bastide De Tourtour Hotel & Spa?

The prices at La Bastide De Tourtour Hotel & Spa may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

What is there to do at La Bastide De Tourtour Hotel & Spa?

• Bicycle rental
• Cooking class
• Swimming pool
• Couples' massage

Does La Bastide De Tourtour Hotel & Spa have a pool?

Yes, this hotel has a pool. See details about the pool and other facilities on this page.

Does La Bastide De Tourtour Hotel & Spa have a restaurant on site?

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La Bastide, Bordeaux: the old and the new

La Bastide, Bordeaux’s Right Bank

Challenging decisions await travelers exploring a city for the first time: To visit landmarks, or not to visit landmarks, that is the question. Embracing crowds near said-landmarks, or exploring the roads less traveled to make one’s own path, is another question. To really capture a city’s essence, one must do both. In Bordeaux, France, most visitors (and many locals) spend time on the Left Bank. That is where landmarks are, and in that sense, Bordeaux delivers. This is not to say there are no pleasant surprises, or new discoveries on that side of the Garonne river. Les Chartrons neighborhood, for example, will delight the most discriminating visitor. Still, while standing on the Left Bank at the newest museum in town, la Cité du Vin ,  during a recent visit, I could not help but stare at the other side of the river, across the massive  Jacques Chaban-Delmas bridge. Little did I know one of the most dynamic and most original parts of town,  la Bastide , stood on the Right Bank.

Pont Jacques Chaban Delmas (2013)

Crossing le Pont de Pierre to the Right Bank

For a long time, le Pont de Pierre (the Stone Bridge,) located two miles away from the Jacques Chaban Delmas bridge, was the only way to cross la Garonne. It was built as a tribute to Napoleon 1st and boasts 17 arches, to match the 17 letters in the name “Napoléon Bonaparte.” For a long time, les Bordelais were not particularly attracted to the industrial district located on the other side. That was then. This is now. La Bastide, Bordeaux , changed everything.

Le Pont de Pierre , from the Left Bank

A French Girl greets la Garonne : “Say ‘ Bonjour ‘ to Toulouse , my hometown, for me…”

On the other side of the bridge, a lively neighborhood awaits, around  la place Stalingrad  and the area’s lifeline, avenue Thiers, lined with shops and restaurants and serviced by the local state-of-the-art Tram.

Avenue Thiers

Quai des Queyries: Where one does not fear pickpockets

Strolling along le Quai des Queyries

As you follow la Garonne ‘s Right Bank along le quai des Queyries , you realize you may just have found the best vantage point to admire Bordeaux and all of her iconic landmarks, like la  place de la Bourse, its 18th century buildings, and farther down , le quai des Chartrons .

“I see la Garonne … I see Bordeaux !”

By the water, la vie est belle.  As it turns out, not all  flâneurs are Parisian…

Is Darwin Eco-Système the trendiest place in Bordeaux? 

I could have headed to the renowned Botanical gardens that day while exploring la Bastide, Bordeaux but I was meeting a new friend for lunch, Jennifer, the American expat behind the  American Mom in Bordeaux blog. We met twice during my short stay, and had an immediate connection. Similar personalities, similar life experiences: You might say Jenn and I hit it off famously. Our first lunch happened, fittingly, on the Left Bank. The second one had to be on the Right Bank. Jennifer knew just the place: “ Darwin! Tu vas voir, c’est super! ” She had already blogged about this up-and-coming spot in la Bastide, Bordeaux, and her story inspired me to check it out during my next visit. Project DARWIN, as it is known, is a great illustration of how enthusiastically cities all over France have embraced change over the last twenty years. In Bordeaux, where change has left its mark on the urban landscape, the greatest transformations had to happen on the Right Bank, once an undesirable, deserted industrial area. It is challenging – and unfair – to summarize DARWIN’s scope in just a couple of sentences. Let’s just say that when investors, visionary entrepreneurs, city officials, and old, abandoned, military barracks meet, magic can happen. I only scratched the surface of this eco-friendly, innovative, energetic space, yet the city girl in me loved it. I would surmise DARWIN is not everybody’s cup of tea. For one, it is hip, yet not always pretty, unlike the elegant, renowned neighborhoods facing it across the Garonne river, on Bordeaux’s Left Bank.

Approaching DARWIN, and the old Caserne Niel (Niel military barracks)

Upon entry, the complex reveals itself, big, bold, creative, in your face. Yet, as often, attention to detail pays off while visiting DARWIN.

On the giant walls of the old military barracks, local street artists are free to experiment.

Jennifer and I met for lunch on a hot June day. I was tempted to continue exploring; but this was Bordeaux ; this was France . One of the most appealing sections of the DARWIN complex, I found out, was a sustainable food store and restaurant, le Magasin Général . Once there, it is hard to tell where the store ends and the restaurant begins. It is even harder to decide where to eat: en terrasse? à l’intérieur? A table ou au salon?

Magasin Général: la terrasse

Le coin cozy…

I had fun browsing the organic, locally sourced or fair trade wares inside le Magasin Général …

Sorry, Nutella: You have just been upstaged!

Des Canelés, bien sûr!

Everywhere I looked, I was reminded le Magasin Général  was a Green place.

Oy. PhD needed to bus your own table!

“We are what we eat.”

Sharing space with other patrons, Jennifer and I ordered a popular lunch item, one that has made its mark around the world. I did not inquire about the origin of the meat, bread, or vegetables. I assumed they were locally produced, “ bio ,” (organic,) and good for me. To reward myself for my discerning taste, I picked a scrumptious dessert.

Le Am-ba-ga Darwin

La Mousse au chocolat

Did you notice how everything looks “cool” in hipsterized restaurants, even your humble carafe d’eau  or  baguette?

I kid. I kid. Jennifer and I had a wonderful time at DARWIN. I would go back in a heartbeat. In fact, I probably will, since I barely scratched the surface of la Bastide, Bordeaux , and the Right Bank.

Merci Jennifer, et à bientôt !

All photos by French Girl in Seattle. Please do not use text or images without permission. 

Bienvenue à Darwin Eco-Système !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiRB9fcBRWA

Véronique of France with Véro

Vero shares her homeland weekly on social media with virtual tours, photo essays, live events and other publications at France with Vero. Learn more.

Or click a link below to read the next (or previous) post...allons-y !

17 Comments

It’s wonderful when cities revive unloved industrial districts. So much better than tearing them down…or letting them rot. I also appreciate the hipster penchant for using vintage (or just old) furnishings. It’s green.

I meant to add that I’ve been astounded/amused by how many times I’ve seen people leave personal items out in public places in France, especially where I live (small town Carcassonne). It makes me feel safe and also very proud of everybody’s good behavior.

Well, this is wonderful, I agree, but I would not attempt that feat just everywhere in France, especially in Paris!

Thank you for stopping by! I, too, enjoy this trend of making the old new again, and in a creative way to boot. I also like when the new incorporates “the bones” of the old structures as a starting point, and preserves some of the atmosphere, (and the past, in a way.) DARWIN is a great example of a successful transition in that regard. What my story does not highlight is what a thriving, creative space this area has turned into, many companies already working on site, young entrepreneurs finding inspiration and help, in co-working spaces, cultural events scheduled for the public each week… There is a lot more there to discover and I plan to return one day.

I visited Bordeaux twice last year staying near Cite du Vin the first time and Chartrons the second – I didn’t venture across the river. However we are returning in August so your article is timely – thank you Veronique

Avec plaisir Moy. I barely scratched the surface of the many pleasures Bordeaux has to offer, myself.

More I read your posts, more I want to visit these places. But it’ll be hard to do for old man like me. Merci beaucoup.

Bonjour Albert. That is why I write my travel stories, so people who can’t travel to the places I am lucky to explore can still join in and visit vicariously.

Looks like I have something new to add to my “want-to-experience” list. Thank you!

Avec plaisir. If you have a few days to spend in Bordeaux, then I would definitely head across the old Pont de Pierre to check out this dynamic new area.

It does look cool of course. But I’m amazed by the globalization of cultures. Except for the writing on the signs, it looks a lot like many places in the US with the « magnolia » influence. Love it though

Very good point, and I agree with you. It’s a good thing, in that sense, DARWIN is located on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, and visitors can still experience this great French city on the other side of the river.

This appears to be certainly a place to visit. Thanks for sharing.

Avec plaisir Debra. Thank you for visiting FGIS (and la Bastide…)

Mon dieu Magasin Général looks the ticket! Thanks for the trip. Geeze, que la France est belle! 2020 might be my year to move there. Time will tell french girl. 😉 xx Sandy

Time will tell, Sandy… Maybe we will meet there one day!

Ohhhhh I hope so!! ?????????

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Marathon de Paris : parcours, circulation, favoris, conseils… Tout ce qu’il faut savoir sur la course

Le 47e marathon de Paris se déroule ce dimanche 7 avril. 54 000 coureurs et plusieurs centaines de milliers de spectateurs sont attendus sur les 42,195 km de la course à pied la plus populaire de France.

C’est tous les ans la même chose. Si, en lisant ces lignes, l’envie vous prend de participer au Marathon de Paris qui se court ce dimanche 7 avril entre les Champs-Élysées et l’avenue Foch, c’est trop tard. Il fallait se réveiller avant. La liste des engagés est fermée depuis l’automne 2023. C’est complet, archi-complet. Le marathon de Paris reste la course la plus populaire de France et, tôt ce dimanche matin, ils seront 54 000 coureurs à piaffer d’impatience dans les sas de départ.

54 000 inscrits, mais combien de partants ?

Selon les chiffres officiels, 54 000 personnes venues de plusieurs dizaines de pays sont donc inscrites. Un coureur sur trois au départ n’est pas Français : le marathon de Paris est dans le Top 10 des plus grands du monde et beaucoup veulent le faire au moins une fois. Tous les inscrits ne seront toutefois pas là : il y a environ 10 % de perdition en fonction de méforme, blessure et autres. Le marathon retrouve néanmoins durablement ses fréquentations d’avant Covid. L’an dernier, ils étaient 52 000 inscrits contre 45 000 en 2022.

Le record de partants tient depuis 2019, avant la pandémie : 49 155 partants pour 47 495 arrivants. En 1976 pour la première édition, il n’y avait eu que 150 pionniers. Parmi tous les partants, combien seront à l’arrivée ? Tous ou presque : 98 % des coureurs franchissent la ligne. 16 % courent en moins de 3h30, 54 % entre 3h30 et 4h30 et 30 % en plus de 4h30.

Le parcours, on ne change rien… ou presque

Pas de changement de parcours cette année. Il reprend au centimètre près celui de 2023 avec l’habituel départ en haut des Champs-Élysées. Un conseil aux débutants : le départ est en pente douce et gare à celui qui s’élance trop vite. N’oubliez pas la règle d’or : dans un marathon, tout se paye à un moment ou un autre, que ce soit la préparation, l’hydratation, l’alimentation ou un départ trop rapide.

Direction ensuite l’Opéra, la place de la Bastille, le bois de Vincennes, un retour à la Bastille puis la redoutable voie Georges-Pompidou le long de la Seine avec ses tunnels et ses faux plats. Il sera temps alors de défier le fameux « mur » des 30 km avec vue sur la tour Eiffel. Il n’est pas une légende urbaine. Le coureur débutant le prend en plein dans le nez et les 10 000 derniers mètres à travers le bois de Boulogne peuvent devenir une souffrance avant la délivrance avenue Foch et l’arrivée.

À noter quand même une légère modification décidée ce vendredi à cause de la crue de la Seine. « Du tunnel Henri IV jusqu’au tunnel des Tuileries, rendu inaccessible par la crue, le passage des concurrents se fera sur les quais hauts au lieu des quais bas. Le nouveau parcours ne présentera pas de différence avec le parcours initialement prévu », a précisé l’organisation dans un communiqué.

Des départs de 7h55 à 10h50

54 000 coureurs attendus au départ, mais il n’y a pas qu’un seul départ. Selon leurs aptitudes, les coureurs s’élancent par sas et par couleur de dossard pour éviter l’engorgement. Le premier départ, celui des handi fauteuil est programmé à 7h55. Les Élite femmes partent juste après, les Élite hommes à 8h15 pour une arrivée programmée avenue Foch vers 10h20. Le dernier départ pour les coureurs en 4h30 est prévu à 10h50.

Un conseil là encore : l’attente peut-être longue et le pire est de faire du surplace en épuisant toute son énergie avant même la première foulée. Couvrez-vous aussi : Météo France annonce de douces températures dans la matinée, autour de 14 °C mais aussi de la pluie qui rendra la chaussée et les bandes blanches glissantes. Méfiance.

Attention aux interdictions de circulation

De samedi matin à dimanche soir, les riverains doivent aussi tenir compte de la route. Voici les principales interdictions pour éviter la fourrière : avenue Foch, entre la place du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigne et la place Charles-de-Gaulle. De 3 heures à 14 heures dimanche : avenue des Champs-Élysées, entre la place Charles-de-Gaulle (non comprise) et le rond-point des Champs-Elysées-Marcel Dassault (non compris).

De 7 heures à 12h30 : avenue des Champs-Élysées, entre le rond-point des Champs Elysées-Marcel Dassault (compris) et la place de la Concorde, place de la Concorde, rue de Rivoli, place Vendôme, rue de la Paix, Place de l’Opéra, rue Auber ; Jusqu’à 15 heures : avenue Daumesnil, esplanade Saint-Louis.

Jusqu’à 15h30 : place de la Bastille, portée Dorée, rue de Charenton, voie Georges-Pompidou, avenue de New York en totalité, entre le pont de l’Alma et le pont d’Iéna, avenue du Président Kennedy, boulevard Exelmans, rue Molitor ; Jusqu’à 17 heures : à pont Garigliano. ; Jusqu’à 17h30 : boulevard d’Auteuil, place du Trocadéro. Le stationnement est aussi interdit sur l’entièreté du parcours. À noter, aussi, que la bretelle de sortie n° 1 de l’autoroute A13 dans le sens Province Paris est neutralisée de 7 heures à 17 heures.

Qui sont les favoris ?

Les trois derniers vainqueurs sont au départ. La course se jouera une fois encore entre Kényans et Éthiopiens. Les deux nations se partagent 19 succès sur les 20 dernières éditions (11 pour le Kenya, 8 pour l’Éthiopie). Vainqueur l’an dernier en 2h07′15′', l’Éthiopien Gisealew Ayana, 21 ans, tente un doublé que seuls le Britannique Steve Brace (1989 et 1990) et le Kényan Paul Lonyangata (2017 et 2018) ont réussi. Pour y parvenir, il a affaire à une rude concurrence. Sept coureurs se présentent avec un temps de référence inférieur à 2h05′. Vainqueur en 2021 et détenteur du record de l’épreuve en 2h04′21′', l’expérimenté Kényan Elisha Rotich (33 ans) fait son retour sur la distance après deux ans loin du circuit. Il est accompagné de l’Éthiopien Deso Gelmisa, vainqueur dans les rues de Paris en 2022 et l’an dernier à Tokyo.

Découvre une partie des élites qui fouleront, avant toi, le parcours #SchneiderElectric #ParisMarathon ! 🙌 Discover some of the elite who will be running the #SchneiderElectric #ParisMarathon course before you! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/xjj2ihAxRg — Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris (@parismarathon) March 29, 2024

Le Japonais Yuki Kawauchi (2h07′07′' en 2021) tentera de se faire une place au milieu des coureurs africains. Côté tricolore, Freddy Guimard, 16e l’an dernier, affiche le meilleur temps d’engagement des coureurs français : 2h13′56′', réalisé à Valence en décembre dernier. Chez les dames, la victoire ne devrait pas échapper à une coureuse éthiopienne.

Professor T star Frances de la Tour's life away from cameras: From famous brother to actor ex-husband

Frances shares two children with her ex-husband, playwright and actor tom kempinski.

Frances de la Tour reprises her role as Jasper's overbearing mother Adelaide Tempest in the brand new series of ITV's hit crime drama, Professor T . The three-time Olivier Award winner has been a regular fixture on our screens over the years thanks to her illustrious film career. 

Viewers will know Frances for her roles in The Lady in the Van, Enola Holmes, and of course for her portrayal of Madame Olympe Maxime in the Harry Potter  film series. But what about her life away from the cameras? Here's all you need to know, from her famous brother to her actor ex-husband…

Frances de la Tour's early life and famous brother

Frances was born on 30 July 1944 in Hertfordshire to parents Moyra and Charles de la Tour. 

After studying at Drama Centre London, Frances joined the Royal Shakespeare Company and subsequently landed roles in a variety of plays. What followed was an impressive stage career, with Frances starring in many major productions, including in Edward Albee's Three Tall Women alongside Maggie Smith, and The History Boys at the Royal National Thetare and later on Broadway. 

As for her on-screen credits, Frances is perhaps best known for her role in the 70s' show Rising Damp , as well as for playing Emma Porlock in the drama series Cold Lazarus , headmistress Margaret Baron in BBC sitcom Big School  and Violet Crosby in the ITV comedy Vicious.

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While Frances, now 79, grew up to be a film star, she's not the only famous face in her family. Her brother is actor and screenwriter Andy de la Tour. He's perhaps best known for appearing in Notting Hill,  and Roman Polanski's Oliver Twist. 

He's also landed roles in The Young Ones, Holby City, Casualty,  and  Doctors. 

As a television writer, his credits include Lovejoy, Boon, Peak Practice, The Vet,  and  Kavanagh QC. He's married to BAFTA-winning actress Susan Wooldridge, who is known for her roles in Hope and Glory, and  All Quiet on the Preston Front. 

Frances' home life and famous ex-husband 

Frances was previously married to playwright and actor Tom Kempinski, who passed away in August 2023. He's best known for his 1980 play Duet for One , for which Frances won the Olivier for Best Actress. It was later turned into a film starring Julie Andrews and Alan Bates. 

Frances and Tom were together for ten years until 1982, during which time they welcomed two children, Josh and Tamasin. 

Frances is fairly private about her personal life, and so it's not known whether she's currently in a relationship. 

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