One of the most famous events of the French Revolution occurred when the common people stormed the Bastille Fortress, a site of internal conflict in the 18th century. What used to be a castle during the Hundred Years War, became a state prison for upper class members of French aristocracy under Louis XIV. It was later demolished and replaced with the Place de la Bastille, a square that represents the independence and liberty of the people of France.
Bois de Vincennes: 12th Arrondissement
The largest arrondissement in Paris, the Bois de Vincennes houses the Opera Bastille, a very modern opera house, and the Bois de Vincennes itself, the largest public park in Paris. The park is next to the Château de Vincennes, a former residence of the kings of France, and it has lakes, a zoo, a botanical garden and even a horse racing track. In the past it was used as royal hunting grounds, and with a total of 2,459 acres, it's nearly three times the size of Central Park in New York.
Something New: 13th Arrondissement
During the 1970s, Paris decided to become more modern, starting with the 13th Arrondissement. Much of the classical architecture was torn down and replaced with more modern buildings. Known as the Paris business district, it now encompasses high rise apartment buildings, skyscrapers and the François-Mitterand Libray, also known as the Bibliothèque Nationale de France.
The Paris Catacombs: 14th Arrondissement
This arrondissement is a mass grave site, but for the right reasons. As the cemeteries of Paris filled up and spilled into the residential areas of Paris, something had to be done.
