If you happen to spent any quantity in Paris, you’ll virtually actually have seen the massive inexperienced column on the centre of place de la Bastille and its golden sculpture symbolising freedom (after the storming of the Bastille). Nonetheless, it’s solely just lately, since October 2021, that visits of the monument – formally referred to as the July Column – have been made potential.
These are performed in small teams, with solely 4 visits every week (two every day on weekends) and whereas it’s sadly not potential to climb as much as the highest of the 50-metre excessive construction (for safety causes) there’s nonetheless a variety of very attention-grabbing historical past to be taught and weird sights to see, together with a view of the canal that runs instantly beneath the column, and the tombs of each the 504 individuals who died within the French Revolution of 1830 and the 196 killed in the 1848 Revolution 
It’s a uncommon pleasure to have the ability to go to the Bastille column – referred to as the July column in commemoration of the three-day revolution of July 1830 – because the variety of visits is restricted, and the variety of individuals for every go to additionally. Be sure you e book effectively prematurely!
You must also know that the go to doesn’t begin on the column itself however within the courtyard of a grand constructing close by referred to as the Hôtel de Sully (one other monument value visiting, with a splendid backyard!) Some members of our group didn’t learn the small print of the meet-up level and thus missed about an hour of the go to, as there are a lot of buildings you’ll be instructed the historical past of in the course of the brief stroll to Bastille.
You’ll hear of the storming of the jail, see what stays of it and be taught extra concerning the revolutions and unrest in Paris over time.
After two of three stops alongside the way in which, we arrive at place de la Bastille the place a plaque on a constructing notes that right here was once one of many entrances to the jail. There are additionally markers on the bottom displaying the perimeter of the fortress, and one other plaque with a top level view map of the constructing.
And so, we arrive lastly at place de la Bastille!
Clearly so much right here has modified since 1789, however reaching the central column has develop into so much simpler because the space was remodelled in 2020. Previously a large site visitors roundabout not possible to cross, it now has a central 11,000m² island closed on one aspect, 52 further bushes and a big stairway main all the way down to the port de l’Arsenal and its candy little gardens.
Anybody can now rise up near the column, however solely those that have paid for a guided go to can really go by way of the steel gate and go inside.
It’s virtually time to enter this extraordinary place. We now know its historical past and the tasks that had been proposed instead (together with the big elephant!) however some surprises are nonetheless in retailer.
After descending some stone stairs we are able to admire the curved corridors with mosaic flooring and stained glass home windows, the small window permitting us to view the Saint-Martin canal which passes instantly beneath earlier than arriving on the Port de l’Arsenal (after which the Seine), the marble, the sculpted wall particulars…
We then go down once more to 2 necropolises in a second basement, containing the stays of the victims of the French revolutions. These rooms are utterly with out ornamentation, and it’s unimaginable to assume that they’re the ultimate resting place for simply over 700 individuals.
And simply earlier than the top of the go to, we’re invited to go up only a few steps of the staircase that results in the summit of the column.
Dramatic lighting brings out all the small print, and we’re stunned to see that each sculpted effigy on the surface of the column will be seen indented in reverse from the within. What an unimaginable area, and what a loopy thought!
Whereas transferring in the direction of the exit there are nonetheless some candy particulars to see, and as soon as exterior we are able to admire the names of the revolution victims written on the column. It had by no means occurred to us that they could be buried beneath…
If you happen to just like the look of this uncommon go to (performed in French as you may think), head to the web site of the column to e book your ticket (necessary for all contributors). The speed is sort of cheap – 13€ for adults, 7€ for concessions (youngsters from 7-17 years outdated, the unemployed, and others listed right here) with visits supplied on Saturdays and Sundays at 2.30 and 4.30pm.
We actually loved seeing contained in the column, and assume you’ll too!
The Colonne de Juillet will be booked for visits each weekend
Guided visits begin on the Hôtel de Sully (right here) on Saturdays and Sundays at 2.30 and 4.30pm
Admission: 13€ / 7€ (on-line ticket gross sales right here)
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