Location & Comfort
9Hotel Bastille-Lyon: Your Hotel of Choice Near Place de la Bastille
Located at 23 Rue de Lyon, less than a 10-minute walk from the famous Place de la Bastille, the 9Hotel Bastille-Lyon offers a convenient and welcoming base for exploring this historic and lively neighborhood.
Our boutique hotel stands out for its warm and decidedly contemporary atmosphere. As soon as you walk through our doors, you’ll discover a unique shared living space designed for socializing and camaraderie. Our inviting lounge invites you to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing or business meetings in Paris.
We also provide a coworking space bathed in natural light, making the hotel perfectly suited for business travel.
To start your day off right, treat yourself to our generous full breakfast buffet, featuring a varied selection of fresh, local, and seasonal products.
Thanks to our prime location just steps from Gare de Lyon and major metro lines, you’ll enjoy direct and quick access to all the must-see monuments and neighborhoods of the City of Light.
Rooms
Industrial-loft-style accommodations in the heart of Paris
The 9Hotel Bastille-Lyon features 48 rooms with a contemporary, refined design, combining industrial charm with absolute comfort to offer you a true haven of peace amid the hustle and bustle of Paris.
Each room features high-end bedding and modern amenities (free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a work area). Here are the different room categories available to suit every type of traveler:
- Single Room: A private retreat measuring 10 to 12 m² offering absolute tranquility with an unobstructed view of our inner courtyard—perfect for a solo getaway.
- Classic Room: A space measuring 11 to 15 m², perfectly designed for a warm and cozy stay for two.
- Classic Twin Room: A 10–14 m² room with two separate beds, ideal for colleagues or friends traveling together.
- Superior Room: Our most spacious accommodation (12–16 m²), cleverly designed to ensure a relaxing stay.
History & Heritage
Place de la Bastille, a Parisian Landmark of History
A symbol of the French Revolution, Place de la Bastille was home to the former state prison that was stormed by Parisians on July 14, 1789.
It was precisely at this location that it all began on July 14, 1789, when an angry crowd of residents from the Faubourg Saint-Antoine stormed the former medieval fortress that had been converted into a state prison. This event, aimed at freeing the prisoners and seizing the gunpowder reserves, sounded the death knell for royal absolutism. The infamous “lettres de cachet”—which allowed any citizen to be imprisoned in the Bastille without trial by a mere decree of the King—disappeared forever at that moment.
Although the prison actually held only a handful of prisoners that day, the symbolic significance of its fall was immense. The fortress was, in fact, demolished stone by stone in the months that followed. A year later, on July 14, 1790, the square hosted the very first public ball of the Fête de la Fédération, giving rise to a festive tradition on July 14 that continues to this day.
Since that historic turning point, the Place de la Bastille has remained the beating heart of popular and democratic protest in France. It has been the primary stage for all the major social and political movements of the past 250 years, continually affirming its role as the guardian of republican freedoms.
Architecture
From the Famous July Column to the Opéra Bastille
Today, the square is dominated by the imposing July Column, which faces the majestic modern architecture of the Opéra Bastille.
In the center of the square stands the famous July Column, crowned by the gilded “Genie of Liberty.” Commissioned by King Louis-Philippe and inaugurated in 1840, this monument actually commemorates the revolutionary days of the “Three Glorious Days” in July 1830. Interestingly, the base of the column houses a necropolis where the remains of those who fought during those days rest, and you can catch a glimpse of the Canal Saint-Martin as it flows mysteriously underground.
Before this column found its permanent home, several surprising projects were considered to fill the space. In 1808, Napoleon Bonaparte had planned to erect a massive fountain in the shape of a bronze elephant, 24 meters tall, cast from metal salvaged from enemy cannons. Although only a life-size plaster model was ever created (made famous by Victor Hugo in *Les Misérables* through the character of Gavroche), this project attests to the monumental ambition associated with this site.
Opposite the column stands the majestic Opéra Bastille, a masterpiece by architect Carlos Ott that opened in 1989 to mark the bicentennial of the Revolution. Built on the site of the former Bastille train station, this modern building serves as the second venue of the Paris National Opera after the Palais Garnier. It ranks among the world’s most prestigious performance venues, renowned for its impressive seating capacity of over 2,700 and its acoustics of unparalleled purity.
Neighborhood Life
A vibrant central square at the gateway to the Marais
A true geographic and cultural crossroads, Place de la Bastille marks the entrance to the famous, trendy Marais neighborhood and overlooks the picturesque Port de l’Arsenal.
Place de la Bastille serves as a natural bridge between Paris’s 11th and 12th arrondissements, while also leading to the historic Marais district. Just a few steps away, you can reach the splendid Place des Vosges or stroll along Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, famous for its traditional fine woodworking workshops, which have now become highly sought-after designer boutiques.
For those seeking tranquility and nature, the square also offers direct access to the charming Port de l’Arsenal and the Canal Saint-Martin. This is where the famous René-Dumont Green Corridor begins (a former elevated railway line converted into a tree-lined promenade), which runs alongside our hotel on Rue de Lyon. It’s an ideal route for a refreshing, green stroll, far from the hustle and bustle of traffic.
As night falls, the neighborhood comes alive with a new energy. Renowned for its vibrant cultural and festive scene, the area is brimming with traditional brasseries, intimate cocktail bars, and independent music venues. When you stay at the 9Hotel Bastille-Lyon, you can fully enjoy this vibrant nightlife while knowing you’ll return to the absolute tranquility of your upscale room as soon as you get back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you go
How do I get to Place de la Bastille from the 9Hotel Bastille-Lyon?
The route is extremely simple and quick: when you leave our hotel at 23 rue de Lyon, just walk up the street. The square is about a 10-minute walk away.Are there any monuments to visit at Place de la Bastille?
Yes, you can visit the interior of the famous July Column. The tour allows you to explore its base as well as the water in the canal flowing just below it, offering a unique experience that many visitors are unaware of.What neighborhoods are worth exploring around Place de la Bastille?
The square is the ideal starting point for exploring the historic and trendy Marais neighborhood (including Place des Vosges), strolling along the Port de l’Arsenal and the Canal Saint-Martin, or venturing into the 11th arrondissement, renowned for its nightlife and excellent restaurants.
Some of the images used have been edited using artificial intelligence.
