Bastille and the 11th Arrendissement

Recently, I re-watched some of the shorts from Paris Je t'aimes and thought of my favorite districts of Paris. I realized I have never mentioned Bastille in previous posts. So, without further ado .... The 11th arrondissement was my home for a couple of years. It's always busy. It's also young and fun, and it is one of the 20 administrative districts of Paris. The 11th is close to my favorite Marais (3rd and 4th districts). Among parisians it is known as the cradle of local hipsters, Bobo (bourgeois-bohème), the 11th is also one of the most densely populated areas of the city. Situated on the Right Bank of the Seine, it's eclectic and vibrant and definitely artistic. It's main sights and attractions include: Place de la Bastille (shared with the 4th and 12th arrondissements), Cirque d'hiver, Oberkampf neighborhood (known for its nightlife scene), Edith Piaf Museum, Maison des Métallos (former metalworkers' house; currently an arts and culture center), Place de la République

Place de la République,  is linked to Place de la Bastille, by Boulevard Richard-Lenoir, with its large markets and children's parks. The Place de la Bastille and the rue du Faubourg St Antoine are known for cool cafés, concert halls, restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and nightlife in general. The Oberkampf area of the 11th to the north is another popular spot for nightlife, or sunday brunches; check out Cafe Charbon, Les Couleurs, Ave Maria, Favela Chic, Le Pop In, etc... In recent years this district has become one of the trendiest regions of Paris.

In this video vignette from Paris Je t'aime by Isabel Coixet,  we see the 11th perhaps with a sad backdrop, but in a touching way that's evocative of the narrations used by New Wave directors as well as by Jean Jeunet