Gastronomy in Bastille, Paris

A month ago, before the chill started creeping in we tried Le Bastille, right opposite Place de la Bastille in the 4th. A pleasant surprise all round as it was the first restaurant we sat down at. The fact that it's right in front of the vibrant, popular and touristy square, I had half expected it to be over-priced and mediocre. It wasn't. This is often the case for us on those afternoons out, no prior planning, which often results in hasty choices being made because by that time everyone's starving. Pretty much hit-or-miss with regard to the restaurant selection - so far though there have been a lot more hits in our restaurant roulette.
Le Bastille serves up bistro food, so anything from croque monsieurs and salads as light meals to duck, beef, lamb. The service was good, the waiters friendly, atmosphere sunny and cheerful- it was a rare late autumn sunny afternoon. After which it was a  a stroll around the immediate neighbourhood and early evening drinks at a funky little bar call Le Préau, where I sampled my very first piscine - champagne served up with ice- Shock! Horror! A very summer drink not to be repeated again...why ruin a great glass of champagne by putting ice in it - even if the ice is made from the champagne itself. All in all, a great afternoon to add to the memory books discovering the 4th & 11th arrondissements.

Le Bastille
8 Place de la Bastille
75011 Paris

Le Préau3 rue de Birague
75004 Paris

A bit of food on our day out...

And then the sights...

Opera Bastille

Place de Vosges