This square was originally the site of the famous fortress that was stormed on July 14, 1789--the start of the French Revolution. Today the site is occupied by a memorial to the July Revolution of 1830--the column bears the names of those who died during those three days.

Nearby are remains of one the towers of the Bastille, unearthed during the construction of the Metro and relocated down the street to what is today a small park.