"The Place de Bastille is an open square where the infamous Bastille prison once stood—and fell, igniting the French Revolution. The Colonne de Juillet in the center commemorates the revolution of 1830, as well. This is a spot that is heavily trafficked by Parisians, whether heading out for dinner, shopping, or home. You'll see a broad cross-section of the city there, which is a nice counter-balance to the weighty historical events that have unfolded there." - Melissa Liebling-Goldberg