Hey there! If you’re looking for a fun and historical bike ride in Paris, you might want to check out this route that goes from Place de la Nation to Rue de Rivoli. Here’s a short summary of what you can see along the way:
- Place de la Nation: This is a large circular square that marks the eastern side of Paris. It used to be called Place du Trône, because a throne was erected here for the ceremonial entrance of Louis XIV and his wife Maria Theresa in 1660. Later, it was renamed Place du Trône-Renversé during the French Revolution, because it was the site of many executions by guillotine. It got its current name on Bastille Day, 14 July 1880, under the Third Republic. In the center of the square, you can admire a bronze sculpture by Jules Dalou, called The Triumph of the Republic, which depicts Marianne, the symbol of France .
- Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine: This is one of the oldest streets in Paris, and it was the main artery of the artisanal district, especially for furniture makers. It owes its name and its dynamism to the Abbey of Saint-Antoine-des-Champs, which was founded in the 13th century and enjoyed many privileges from the kings of France, such as tax exemption for the craftsmen who worked within its walls. The abbey was destroyed at the end of the 18th century, but you can still see some traces of its history in the many alleys and passageways that branch off from the street .
- Place de la Bastille: This is one of the most famous squares in Paris, and a symbol of the French Revolution. It was here that a medieval fortress called the Bastille was stormed by a crowd of revolutionaries on 14 July 1789, marking the beginning of the uprising against the monarchy. The fortress was demolished shortly after, and a column was erected in 1840 to commemorate the July Revolution of 1830. Today, the square is a popular spot for concerts, demonstrations and celebrations .
- Rue Saint-Antoine: This is a continuation of Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, and it leads to the center of Paris. It follows an ancient Roman road that connected Paris to Meaux. Along this street, you can see some beautiful buildings from different periods, such as the Hôtel de Sully, a 17th century mansion that houses the National Center for Historic Monuments; or the Church of Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis, a 17th century Jesuit church that features a dome inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome .
- Rue de Rivoli: This is one of the most famous and elegant streets in Paris, and it runs parallel to the Seine river. It was created by Napoleon I in the early 19th century, and it is lined with arcades that host many shops, cafés and hotels. It also borders some of the most important monuments and museums in Paris, such as the Louvre, the Tuileries Garden, or the Hôtel de Ville .