Until 1988, there was little more to see  at Place de la Bastille  than a huge traffic circle and the Colonne de Juillet (July Column), commemorating the overthrow of Charles X in July 1830. As part of the nationwide celebrations for July 1989 (bicentennial of the French Revolution), the  Opera de la Bastille  was erected at the site of the former Gare de Vincennes, inspiring substantial redevelopment on the surrounding streets. What was formerly a humdrum working-class neighborhood rapidly gained chic art galleries, shops, theaters, funky jazz clubs, restaurants and bars — and it is now one of the trendiest sections of Paris.

Just to the right, outside the back entrance of Cour Damoye, is the intersection of Rue de la Roquette and Rue de Lappe.  Dozens of restaurants and night spots are within minutes of this intersection.  Rue Daval, which is just outside the back entrance to Cour Damoye, is home to many neighborhood services and ethnic restaurants.  Rue Daval leads onto Boulevard Richard Lenoir, which displays typical Old Paris architecture and which is host to two open-air produce markets and one open-air crafts fair each week. Out the front gate of Cour Damoye is historic Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, with its many shops and boutiques.  Boulevard Henri IV leads to Île Saint Louis and the Seine, and Rue Saint-Antoine takes you to Place des Vosges and the rest of the Marais.