The 11th is a lively, crowded area with a mixture of everything. To the west are Place de la Republique and the Bastille, joined by the sweeping, tree-lined Boulevard Richard Lenoir, offering a large market and many play areas for children.
Bastille and rue Faubourg St Antoine are popular areas for trendy cafes, restaurants and nightlife and also have a range of boutiques and galleries. The new Opera Bastille stands on Place de la Bastille.
Oberkampf, to the north, is another trendy area for nightlife. The central part is more residential and commercial, with many fashion wholesalers, but the areas around Voltaire and Parmentier have a lively community. The population is predominantly young and becomes more family oriented in the east. With its pleasant little squares and parks and community spirit, the 11th is definitely an area on the move.
This market holds its own when compared with the more classy 14th and 15th arrondissements. Its closeness to the centre, its beautiful buildings and its historically low prices remain its solid assets, even after significant price increases in recent years.
The more prestigious apartments are found to the west, although prices around the Bastille area are slightly higher due to its popularity. There is a mixture of the modern, some late Haussmann influence and everything in-between, which adds to the charm of the district.
To the east, apartments are also Haussmann in style though slightly more affordable.
