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Tour Montparnasse

Tour Montparnasse (Montparnasse Tower) stands 689 ft (210 m) tall. It has one of the best observation decks of Paris. From its terrace visitors will be able to see the most important monuments of the city.

Past and Present

Opened in 1973, the Tour Montparnasse was the first office building to be built in the center of Paris. It was the subject of great controversy as many Parisians believed that the skyscraper clashed with the rest of the city’s architecture.

Presently, nearly 5,000 people work on one of the building’s 53 floors , while over 750,000 travelers climb to its observation decks on the 56 and 59 floors to enjoy some of the best views of Paris.

Stunning Bird’s Eye View of Paris

After having taken a lift in Europe’s fastest elevator, visitors will get off on the 56th floor to see a stunning bird’s eye view of the city, protected by the building’s large windows. As well as enjoying the panoramic views, you can find out some curious facts about the city through multimedia apps or else travel back in time and visit Paris years ago during the exhibition of old photographs of the capital.

The best photos of the city can be taken three floors up, on the 59th floor. From this observation terrace, you’ll see Paris as if it were miniature.

One of Montparnasse’s great advantages is that it provides great views of the Eiffel Tower , something impossible to see if you climb up this monument to see the scenery.

Buy tickets for the Montparnasse Tower

If you plan to visit the Montparnasse Tower, we recommend buying tickets in advance. This way you'll make sure to reserve your spot and even get a small discount. You can buy them through the web at the following link:

• Montparnasse Tower ticket

Avenue du Maine, 33

1 April – 30 September : 9:30 am – 11:30 pm 1 October – 31 March : Sunday – Thursday: 9:30 am – 10:30 pm Friday – Saturday and eve of public holidays: 9:30 am – 11 pm

Adults: € 21 ( US$ 22.70) Youth (12-17 years old) and students: € 16 ( US$ 17.30) Children (4-11 years old): € 9.50 ( US$ 10.30) Free entry with the Paris Pass .

Montparnasse Tower Ticket € 20 ( US$ 21.60)

Metro : Montparnasse-Bienvenüe , lines 4, 6, 12 and 13. Bus : Lines 28, 58, 82, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95 and 96.

Nearby places

Catacombs of Paris (1.2 km) Jardin du Luxembourg (1.2 km) Church of Saint-Sulpice (1.3 km) Musée Rodin (1.5 km) Les Invalides (1.6 km)

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A Full Guide to the Montparnasse Neighborhood in Paris

Last Updated on January 25, 2024

Bold modernity & artistic history galore

One of the most interesting and vibrant of Paris’ diverse neighborhoods , Montparnasse is also soaked in literary and artistic history. Dominated by the boldly modern Montparnasse Tower– the capital’s only real skyscraper– the area’s bustling boulevards are populated by cafés and brasseries where famous Parisian artists, writers, poets, musicians and performers gathered and exchanged ideas, particularly prior to World War II.

Today, it’s a little sleepier than during its heyday, but still has plenty to offer culturally curious visitors, from art and architecture to theatre, markets, pedestrian streets that reveal their village roots, parks and restaurants. Keep reading to learn what to do on your next visit in the area, and for a bit of history.

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Orientation and Transport

Montparnasse is situated on the left bank of the Seine in the 14th arrondissement of Paris . It is located due south from Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Jardin du Luxembourg, and just southwest from the Latin Quarter. The Denfert-Rochereau area, often considered a separate micro-district, stretches across the southwestern edge of greater Montparnasse.

{ Quiz: Are You More Right-Bank or Left-Bank Paris?  }

Main streets :  These include Boulevard de Montparnasse, Rue de Montparnasse, Rue de Rennes, Rue de l’Arrivée, Rue de la Gaîté, Boulevard Raspail, Place Denfert-Rochereau and Rue Daguerre.

Getting There:  The district can be reached from the Metro stations Montparnasse, Vavin, Edgar Quinet, Gaîté-Josephine Baker or Denfert-Rochereau. It’s also a major national rail hub, with the enormous Gare Montparnasse station shuttling trains to and from regions and major cities including Brittany, Rennes, Bordeaux and Toulouse.

A Bit of Neighborhood History

As mentioned above, Montparnasse is best-known for being an artistic hotbed in the late 19th and 20th century– but its status as a place where writers, artists and various performers assembled and created their works goes back even further.

While Montparnasse was incorporated into Paris rather early– sometime in the 18th century, by most accounts– its borders have always been curiously ill-defined, as the historian Eric Hazan notes in his brilliant book The Invention of Paris . It was only in the 1830s that it began to be truly urbanized in places, notably along the Rue de Montparnasse and the Rue Notre-Dame des Champs.

But as Hazan notes, much of the quarter retained a rural character for decades thereafter, with muddy, unpaved roads, and fields, windmills and “guingettes “(musical cafés and restaurants) scattered around its raggedy borders.

It might, in this sense, be compared to Montmartre, which shares a considerable legacy as a place of intense creation (and also of rural activity prior to being incorporated into Paris).

The neighborhood, which was once hilly and dubbed “Mount Parnassus” after the mountain in Greek mythology, was transformed considerably in the 18th century when the famous Boulevard de Montparnasse was constructed. Dance halls, cabarets and theatres sprung up in the area from the Revolutionary period.

The district is perhaps most noteworthy for the artistic heavyweights– from painters to novelists, sculptors to performers– it attracted in various waves over the years. During the 19th century, French writer Victor Hugo lived in the area with his wife, Adèle.

In the early 20th century, cheap rents and inexpensive restaurants attracted painters, poets, and other artists to the area, many of whom lived in dilapidated residences such as “La Ruche”.

Italian-born painter Amedeo Modigliani, poets Guillaume Apollinaire and Blaise Cendrars, Marc Chagall, sculptor Constantin Brancusi and Belarusian expressionist painter Chaïm Soutine were among the many noteworthy artists and writers to live at the residence, which remains open and stages a number of exhibitions each year.

During the post World War I period and the “Roaring ’20s”, Montparnasse became even more sought-after by the creative class, with artists from Pablo Picasso, Henri Rousseau, Nina Hamnett, Salvador Dalí and Diego Rivera, writers such as Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce and Samuel Beckett, and performers including Josephine Baker gathering in the district to share ideas, dance and (often) heavily drink.

{Related: Walking in the Footsteps of Josephine Baker in Paris}

The famed Boulevard Montparnasse cafés clustered around the Vavin metro stop, La Coupole, la Rotonde, Le Dôme, Le Select and La Closerie des Lilas, were popular with these and less well-known artists and writers for their inexpensive fare and grandiose interiors. They remain an important part of the neighborhood’s fabric, though they’ve obviously become rather “touristy” in recent decades.

During this period, Montparnasse was also the site of a large and thriving American community of “expatriates” and artists. One publishing house established in the area by Harry Crosby and his wife Caresse, the Black Sun Press, published novels and other works from soon-to-be-famous authors including Hemingway, John Dos Passos, Dorothy Parker, D.H. Lawrence, James Joyce and many others.

Literary magazines and other small presses also thrived in the area. Photographer Man Ray set up his first studio in the area at 15, Rue Delambre; now-iconic figures such as Gertrude Stein and Jean Cocteau posed for portraits there.

Meanwhile, the nearby Rue de la Gäité was a thriving center for the performing arts, where Parisian cabarets, music halls, and theatre populaire (working-class theatre) drew crowds late into the evening.

The Bobino hosted a legendary final performance from Jospephine Baker in 1975. Its doors remain open to this day, under the name Bobin’o (20 Rue de la Gäité).

What to See & Do in Montparnasse: Museums & Other Key Attractions

The sprawling district doesn’t have as many “big-ticket” tourist attractions as neighboring Saint-Germain and the Latin Quarter, but you’re guaranteed a culturally enriching experience if you concentrate your time on some of the following sights, from modern art and sculpture museums to quiet places that reveal the neighborhood’s history as an artistic and cultural powerhouse.

La Tour Montparnasse

Built in 1973 (and maligned by most Parisians ever since as an eyesore), La Tour Montparnasse is the only true skyscraper within the city limits, rising 210 metres high and comprising 59 floors, plus six more situated underground.

Unless you’re a big fan of 1970s corporate architecture, the real attraction isn’t the looming tower itself, but its panoramic viewpoints on the 56th and 59th floors.

Take one of the tower’s 25 elevators (you heard me correctly!) to zip upwards at heart-fluttering speeds to the 56th-floor panoramic viewing deck. Unfortunately for visitors with limited mobility, you can only take stairs from here to the top floor and its second deck.

From the heights of the tower you can take in huge swathes of the capital, including the Eiffel Tower, Sacré Coeur, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Seine River, Latin Quarter and more.

You can buy tickets for Montparnasse Tower here (via Tiqets.com).

Montparnasse Cemetery

One of the loveliest places in the area to stroll and ponder life’s fleeting beauty is Montparnasse Cemetery, one of the city’s largest and most-visited. Famous denizens who now call the leafy, flower-lined cemetery their permanent place of rest include Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir (who share adjoining graves), the playwright Samuel Beckett (whose last home was just south of the cemetery), French writer Guy de Maupaussant and American critic and essayist Susan Sontag.

Especially in the spring and summer, the cemetery is a surprisingly joyful place for an after-lunch amble– and it can be amusing to try to find the graves of various heroes hidden somewhere in the tree-lined lanes.

The Paris Catacombs

Heading down to the Denfert-Rochereau Metro stop, the entrance to the Paris Catacombs is just outside the metro exit. This fascinating underground kingdom of human skulls, femurs and other bones– counting in the millions– was built starting in the 18th centuries, when overflowing cemeteries in central Paris were exhumed for hygienic reasons; the remains were neatly stacked in miles of underground limestone quarries.

The effect is fascinating and chilling. Visiting the Catacombs is less horrific than you might imagine– the trip through the narrow, low-ceilinged passageways stretch for about a mile and are only genuinely scary (in my opinion, at least)if you’re claustrophobic.

But the encounter with millions of anonymous, deceased Parisians is certainly a memorable one, not least because the remains are in many places accompanied by poems and notable quotations about death and mortality.

Buy skip-the-line tickets and audioguide for the Catacombs here (via Tiqets.com). You can also book a combined ticket that gives you access to both the Catacombs and Montparnasse Tower (via Tiqets).

Museums of Note in the Area

There are several interesting museums in Montparnasse, chief of which is the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain (pictured above). With its striking glass facade from architect Jean Nouvel, the Fondation is one of the best places in the city to see exhibitions on contemporary art, genres and artists. It also boasts a lush garden with enormous trees and a green wall.

At the western end of Montparnasse, the Musée Bourdelle is a small, charming museum and studio dedicated to the work of French sculptor Antoine Bourdelle. It’s also entirely free– one of several city-run museums in the capital that charge nothing for entry.

Last but not least, the Musée Zadkine is another small (and free) museum dedicated to a prominent 20th-century sculptor, the Russian-born cubist master Ossip Zadkine. It was here that Zadkine and his wife lived and worked for over 40 years, and the “studio-museum” offers a fascinating glimpse into the artist’s life and work.

It’s situated at the northeastern border of Montparnasse (technically in the 6th arrondissement), but the recently-renovated museum is well worth a visit, especially if you’re interested in modern sculpture.

Academie de la Grande Chaumière

One of the more interesting places in Montparnasse that carries on the legacy of the area’s vibrant artistic history is the Academie de la Grande Chaumière , comprising an academy and studio spaces in service of aspiring and contemporary artists.

Nestled on an unassuming side street adjacent to Boulevard de Montparnasse (and right next to a branch of the famed Sennelier Frères art supply stores, the Academie was opened in 1870 by a Swiss patron of the arts named Martha Stettler.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, artists including Amedeo Modigliani, the aforementioned Ossip Zadkine, and Tamara de Lempicka occupied studios and/or taught here.

Today, the existence of the historic Academie is under constant threat, but the neighborhood is fighting to preserve the precious space. It can only be visited upon appointment or by those who have booked classes or studio time here; see more in my full guide.

Shopping, Wandering & Entertainment in Montparnasse

There’s no shortage of places to wander, shop and entertain oneself in halfway-cozy, halfway urban and bustling Montparnasse. Here are just a few ideas for the flâneur or flâneuse (cool urban stroller) in you…

Boulevard de Montparnasse

Boulevard de Montparnasse is the place to stroll and linger for legendary cafés, brasseries , cinemas and traditional shops. The Boulevard houses several of the neighborhood’s most iconic cafés (see more on some of them below under “Eating and Drinking”), including Le Select (#99 Boulevard de Montparnasse), La Coupole (#102, just across the street), La Rotonde (#105) Le Dôme (#108), and La Closerie des Lilas further up towards the edge of the Latin Quarter, at #171).

As detailed above in the neighborhood history section, these cafés have been the stuff of literary and artistic legend for over a century. Make sure to take some time to at least sip a coffee or nurse a drink at one of them– people-watching out on the terrace not de rigueur, but recommended.

The wide Boulevard, which stretches all the way from Metro Montparnasse-Bienvenue to Vavin and the Port-Royal RER station to the southeast, is also home to cinemas including the beloved indie moviehouses Les 7 Parnassiens (#98) and Le Bretagne (#73).

Finally, you’ll find global stores and French fashion boutiques such as Lacoste, C&A and more at the Montparnasse Rive Gauche Shopping Mall (10 Rue du Départ, at the angle of Boulevard Montparnasse).

Rue de la Gaité

The lively Rue de la Gaité (Metro: Gaite-Josephine Baker) is a narrow street and micro-district that’s long been the site of popular theatres and dance halls in the area, as well as restaurants and cafes.

Venues such as the Théâtre Montparnasse (31 rue de la Gaité) and Théâtre de la Gaité-Montparnasse ( #26) have been operating for decades here, and the old-world vibe is still appreciable. Take a stroll down Rue de la Gaité to browse its shops, loaf in its cafés and take in a spirit that feels close to timeless.

Finally, pop into Bobin’o (#20), a historic musical theatre where countless legendary performers have taken to the stage– from Edith Piaf to Jacques Brel and Amy Winehouse.

Rue Daguerre

Just off the bustling Place Denfert Rochereau, crowned by its handsome lion statue from famed sculptor Frédéric Bartholdi, Rue Daguerre suddenly plunges you into a village-like atmosphere. Its sidewalk cafe terraces, artisan shops, and neighborhood shopkeepers who’ve been in the area for decades reveal a different side of “greater Montparnasse”: one that’s a bit more intimate and quiet.

Browse the shops and stalls from the permanent market vendors, and have lunch or a coffee at one of the many cafés that line the street, which was recently reserved for pedestrians.

While the area has gentrified significantly in recent years, it’s the heart of a traditional working-class and immigrant community that was venerated by filmmaker (and former resident) Agnès Varda in the documentaries “ Daguerréotypes ” and “ The Beaches of Agnès ” (both highly recommended).

Where to Eat & Drink in Montparnasse

The area is teeming with restaurants, cafes, brasseries and casual dining options, so you’ll have no lack of choice if you want to duck in spontaneously for lunch or dinner, or book in advance (recommended for some of the more popular places). I’ve made just a few suggestions for good places to eat in Montparnasse below, but you can find many more at sites like The Fork and Time Out .

Classic Montparnasse Brasseries

For traditional French brasserie dishes such as gigantic fresh shellfish platters, steak-frites, roasted duck, sole meunière, escargots, chocolate mousse and other typical fare, head to the aforementioned classic brasseries clustered mostly on Boulevard de Montparnasse– each with their own particular histories and charm.

At La Coupole (see my full review) , sit in the period dining room with its distinctive painted pillars, perhaps sitting at one of the tables where luminaries such as Josephine Baker and Albert Camus once gathered, dined and discussed. Or head across the street to Le Select, enjoying a casual lunch outside on the iconic terrace with its green and gold signage. The fixed-price menu is quite reasonable at this brasserie frequented by the likes of Picasso, Chagall, and Hemingway. Whisky fans can choose from a selection of 50 different varieties.

See above for more details on the area’s beloved and history-drenched brasseries– all of which are worth dining at for their legacies, even if the food is rarely extraordinary.

Bréton-style Crepes and Galettes

As I note in my complete guide to the best creperies in Paris , many of the places to beeline to in the capital for Bréton-style savory galettes (pancakes) and sweet crepes are in Montparnasse. Perhaps owing in part to the fact that trains regularly depart for and arrive from Brittany at the rail station here, many good creperies have cropped up in the area.

Two of my favorites are Creperie Ti Jos (see my full review) and Creperie Plougastel (47 Rue de Montparnasse) , both of which offer inexpensive but delicious fare, including a good selection of Brittany ciders– as well as some truly tempting dessert crepes.

For a special occasion like an anniversary dinner or birthday, gourmets should aim to book a table at Montée , a creative table helmed by Japanese chef Takayuki Nameura. The menu blends Japanese and French culinary traditions to superb effect, and you should consider the lunch and dinner tasting menus for the full experience. Prices are (at the time this went to press) quite reasonable for a Parisian restaurant of this caliber, too.

Interestingly, one of the other superb fine-dining tables in the Montparnasse area (this time closer to Denfert-Rochereau) is also headed by a talented and innovative Japanese chef, Michihiro Kigawa. At his eponymous restaurant, fresh, locally sourced market ingredients are put to beautiful use in dishes that re-imagine classic French gastronomy for more contemporary palates.

The fixed-price lunch menu offers excellent value and includes two starters, a main course and a dessert. The five-course lunch tasting menu is also very reasonably priced, and the six-course Chef’s dinner tasting menu is one to try if you’re hoping to sample the full range of Kigawa’s talents.

You can see more on the seasonal menus, dishes and info on booking a table here, at the official website.

Where to Stay in Montparnasse?

Finding the right hotel or other accommodations is a highly personal matter, so we don’t typically recommend a generic list of hotels. See our guide to finding the right hotel or apartment rental in Paris , and browse available places to stay by exploring the clickable map below (via Stay22).

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Editor’s note: This article contains a few affiliate links. While they have not influenced the objectivity of the advice offered here, booking hotels or tours through these comes at no additional cost to you– but does help to fund more free, in-depth features like this one at Paris Unlocked. Thank you.

Courtney Traub is the Founder and Editor of Paris Unlocked. She’s a longtime Paris resident who now divides her time (as well as she can manage) between the French capital and Norwich, UK. Co-author of the 2012 Michelin Green Guide to Northern France & the Paris Region, she has been interviewed as an expert on Paris and France by the BBC, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Le Figaro, Matador Network and other publications. Courtney has also written and reported stories for media outlets including Radio France Internationale, The Christian Science Monitor, Women’s Wear Daily and The Associated Press. In addition to going down various rabbit holes of curiosity when it comes to French culture, history, food and art, Courtney is a scholar of literature and cultural history whose essays and reviews have appeared in various forums.

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Guide to the Tour Montparnasse in Paris: For Gorgeous Panoramic Scenes

Why Paris' Only True Skyscraper Is Worth a Visit

Many tourists overlook the Tour Montparnasse, a rather stark glass and steel skyscraper jutting out on the horizon from the eponymous Montparnasse district in the capital's south-central 15th arrondissement/district.

Yet for those seeking fantastic panoramic views of Paris , few other vantages beat this humble tower's-- they even surpass the Eiffel Tower's . Don't make the mistake of missing out on it yourself: head to the 59th floor for dazzling 360-degree views of the whole city. 

Visiting the Tower: Key Facts and Highlights

The 689-foot tower, considered Paris' only real skyscraper, was built in 1970 as part of efforts by then-French President Georges Pompidou to modernize the city and its infrastructures. It was, as so many other now-famous monuments in the city (including the Eiffel Tower) decried as an eyesore on the city, and no other skyscrapers of its stature were subsequently built within the traditional city limits. 

Read Related: 4 Towers Worth Visiting in Paris That Aren't the Eiffel

Comprising a total of 59 floors in addition to 6 underground levels, the tower boasts an astounding 25 elevators , each serving different floors and parts of the tower. Many are extremely fast: the speediest one allows passengers to zip from the ground floor to the 56th floor in a heart-racing 38 seconds (about 19 feet per second). If you have vertigo or a fear of elevators, you might get a bit of a fright from this!

To get to the top floor and the terrace, access is by stairs only from the 56th floor . This unfortunately makes Montparnasse Tower somewhat poorly accessible to visitors with limited mobility. However, they can still enjoy the panoramic views from the 56th floor. 

Panoramic Views From The Top Deck

The 56th floor level offers 360-degree views of the entire city, so don't forget your camera! This floor also has a cafe offering light meals, as well as a gift shop.

For even more dramatic panoramic vantages over the capital, the rooftop terrace (again, sadly accessible by stairs only) is more exposed and dramatic, and is touted as the tallest spot in Paris (at 200 meters) to enjoy such sweeping perspectives. For those with a fear of heights, not to worry: the entire terrace is sheltered under a curved glass rooftop structure. 

Onsite Restaurants 

The tower houses the aforementioned cafe on the 56th floor as well as a gastronomic restaurant for formal lunch and dinner, Le Ciel de Paris. Visitors must reserve ahead for the formal restaurant: see this page for more information . 

Location and Contact Information:

The tower is easily accessible from the Montparnasse-Bienvenue  metro  station. Although it seems quite far away from central Paris, in reality it's only about a 30-minute walk (assuming you know where you're going, hopefully  with the aid of a good Paris city street map  or travel app.)

• Address:  33, avenue du Maine, 15th arrondissement (main entrance and access to cashiers is at foot of Tower, on Rue de l'arrivee)
• Tel:  +33 (0)1 45 38 52 56
• Metro:  Montparnasse-Bienvenue or Raspail (Lines 4, 6, 12, or 14)
• Visit the official website (in English)  for current ticket prices, booking online, panoramic webcam, and more. 

Opening Times and Tickets:

In high season  (April 1st through September 30th), the tower and its "Panoramic Visitors' Center" is open daily from 9:30 am to 11:30pm.  In low season  (October 1st to March 31st), the center is open Sunday to Thursday from 9:30 am to 10:30 pm; and Friday to Saturday and the evening before public holidays from 9:30 am to 11:30 pm. Please note that cashiers close 30 minutes before, so be sure to arrive in plenty of time to ensure entry. 

For current ticket prices and to book online ,  visit this page at the official website . 

Sights and Attractions Nearby 

Visit the tower before or after exploring the charming, decidedly un-touristy neighborhood of Montparnasse and the surrounding areas. During the 1920s and 1930s this was an intellectual and artistic hotbed that saw a foment of creativity among writers, artists, and painters including Henry Miller and Tamara de Lempicka, as well as many others. Today, it is prized for its quiet parks and cemeteries, cobbled market streets, and old-world charm. It's also home to  many excellent creperies in Paris . Main sights and attractions in close reach of the tower include:

• Paris Catacombs Museum
• Fondation Cartier for Contemporary Arts
• Rue Daguerre (a charming market street)
• Musee Bourdelle (dedicated to the French sculptor)
• Ti Jos Creperie and Breton Pub

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Discover the stunning view from Tour Montparnasse

Last Updated:  14 July 2022

The Tour Montparnasse (Montparnasse Tower) is a high-rise building overlooking the district of Montparnasse in the 15th arrondissement and borders the 6th and 14th arrondissements. Its panoramic terrace offers one of the most beautiful views over Paris .

Description of Tour Montparnasse

The Tour Montparnasse was inaugurated in 1973 and was France’s tallest skyscraper until 2011 when the Tour First in La Défense was completed.

The tower was designed by architects Eugène Beaudouin, Urbain Cassan and Louis Hoym de Marien and built from 1969 to 1972 by Campenon Bernard on the site of the former Montparnasse railway station. Its base is an almond shape of 50 m by 32 m.

The presence of the tower in central Paris has been very controversial since its construction and has been criticised for being at odds with Paris’ skyline. Following its inauguration, the municipality ruled it impossible for buildings over seven floors high to be built in the centre of Paris (“intra-muros”).

Today, the Tour Montparnasse has become a true Parisian landmark with over 5,000 people working in the offices located in the tower.

At the foot of the tower, there is a vast shopping mall and a busy metro station connected to the Gare Montparnasse where trains head off to the French Atlantic Coast and Spain.

Dimensions of the tower

The Tour Montparnasse is one of France’s tallest skyscrapers and, as of June 2021, is ranked the 13th tallest building in the European Union.

In France, the tower is the country’s second tallest building:

• Tour First ( La Défense ): 231 m (Antenna spire)
• Tour Montparnasse (Paris): 210 m (Roof terrace)
• and Tour Total ( La Défense ): 190 m

In the near future, two planned towers will overtake the height of the Tour Montparnasse:

– the two Hermitage Plaza Towers ( La Défense ): 323 m (2025?)

Fun facts about the Montparnasse Tower

• The tower has a total of 7,200 windows,
• The structure weighs 130,000 tons,
• There are 6 underground levels,
• Its foundations are 70 metres deep.

The Panoramic Terraces of Tour Montparnasse

The visit of Tour Montparnasse may seem odd when suggested to tourists but the magnificent view from the top is one of Paris’ most impressive panoramas and attracts 1,2 million visitors each year. Visitors access the 56th floor with one of Europe’s fastest lifts.

The 56th floor

The 56th floor , called the “Panoramic Floor”, allows the visitor to admire the breathtaking view protected from the wind and rain. The space is heated in the winter and air-conditioned in the summer. It is accessible from the bottom floor of the tower by one of the fastest lifts in Europe (38 seconds at speeds reaching 60km per hour). The floor features interactive terminals and quizzes on Paris, a photographic exhibition on Paris, a souvenir shop and a café.

The 59th floor

The 59th floor is actually the outdoor roof terrace which, at 210 metres high, offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of Paris. In clear weather, the view extends up to 40 kilometres from the Yvelines to Charles-de-Gaulle and Orly airports and the Eastern suburbs of Val de Marne and Seine-et-Marne.

The 59th floor is only accessible by stairs from the 56th floor.

The terrace has telescopes and interesting orientation tables that help locate the famous monuments and landmarks of Paris.

In 2011, the terrace was entirely renovated with curved panes of glass surrounding the viewing point.

Get your tickets to the tower’s terrace!

Get your Tour de Montparnasse tickets for 360° views over the City of Lights!

With these tickets, get an amazing view of Paris that includes the Eiffel Tower and many of the city’s other top landmarks.

Day Panoramic View

The panoramic view from the roof-top terrace of the Tour Montparnasse stretches over 40 km. Most of Paris’ famous monuments and landmarks can be seen from there:

The Eiffel Tower

The great perspective leading to the Grande Arche of La Défense through the École Militaire, the Champ de Mars, the Eiffel Tower , and the Trocadéro.

The curved Unesco headquarters can also be seen to the left of the École Militaire.

The Invalids

The gilded dome of the Church at the Invalides looks like a gem in the sky of Paris…

The view reaches the Esplanade des Invalides, the Pont Alexandre III and the Petit and Grand Palais .

To the right lies the Garden of the Champs-Élysées and then the Place de la Concorde .

The Arc de Triomphe

The view of the Louvre reveals how large the palace is! It extends onwards with the famous Tuileries Garden . Behind, on top of the Montmartre Hill , a sunbeam lights up the white façade of the Sacré-Cœur basilica .

A closer look at the Samaritaine department store:

The Opéra Garnier, just above the Tuileries Garden:

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

The neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés is clearly recognisable thanks to the old bell tower of the church.

The Rue de Rennes looks like it cut Paris in half, leading to the Seine:

To the right of the rue de Rennes stands the Saint-Sulpice church:

The Luxembourg Palace

To the North-East, the view shows the Luxembourg Garden in the foreground along with the Luxembourg Palace.

Notre-Dame de Paris and Ile de la Cité

Behind lies Île de la Cité with Notre Dame de Paris . In the distance can be seen the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall of Paris).

The central districts of Paris

The latin quarter.

You’ll get a great view of the Pantheon, the Sorbonne and the Latin Quarter, particularly in the afternoon.

South-East of Paris

The view reveals the Val de Grace, Paris Observatory, the 13th arrondissement and, beyond these, the Bois de Vincennes.

The view extends beyond the hill of Montmartre with the basilica of Saint-Denis, the Stade de France, the airports of Le Bourget and Charles de Gaulle. In the far distance, you can also see the countryside!

And street life in the Montparnasse district…

From the top of the tower, the Montparnasse cemetery reveals its great size.

The railway lines that start from the Montparnasse Train Station lead to the French Atlantic Coast (Brittany, Poitou-Charentes, Pays de la Loire, Aquitaine) and Spain.

The aerial part of métro line 6:

The stunning rooftops of Paris in the 7th arrondissement:

The view offers amazing sights of street life in Paris (here Boulevard du Montparnasse and Boulevard de Port-Royal)

Night Panoramic View

Visiting the roof-terrace of the Tour Montparnasse at sunset offers one of the most enchanting views over the City of Light. Little by little, the lights are lit, revealing the famous monuments of Paris.

One of the best spots to enjoy the Eiffel Tower glittering is from the top terrace of the Montparnasse Tower, aligned perfectly with the Eiffel Tower, with the skyline of La Défense in the background. The “light show” takes place every hour for ‘5 minutes précieuses’ from nightfall until 1.00 am, on the hour.

The gilded Dôme des Invalides is lit up like a gem, and behind it stretches the vast esplanade that leads to Pont Alexandre III:

At Christmas time, you can clearly see the Big Wheel at the Tuileries and Place de la Concorde, in between the two dark areas of the Champs-Élysées and the Tuileries Gardens.

The length of Rue de Rennes winds its way through the 6th arrondissement leading to the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. To the right, the St. Sulpice Church reveals its classical façade.

The Louvre  is seen in its entirety surmounted by the Montmartre Hill  and the Sacré-Cœur basilica .

Check out blogger Mark Wyld’s article on Montparnasse Tower. His post is illustrated with many of his photos taken from the top terrace!

English-French Vocabulary

(f) for  féminin , (m) for  masculin and (v) for verbs

• building = immeuble (m)
• to inaugurate = inaugurer (v)
• intra-muros = within the city limits of Paris
• lift = ascenseur (m)
• office building = immeuble de bureau (m)
• orientation table = table d’orientation (f)
• panoramic terrace = terrasse panoramique (f)
• railway station = gare ferroviaire (f)
• shopping mall = centre commercial (m)
• to show = montrer (v)
• skyscraper = gratte-ciel (m)
• stair = escalier (m)
• to stretch = s’étendre (v)
• terrace = terrasse (f)
• tower = tour (f)
• view = vue (f)
• viewing point = point de vue (m)

About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

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Agree entirely! The Montparnasse Tower is an ugly blot on the landscape, but the views from the top of the tower are magnificent. I look forward to returning one day.

And make sure you climb on a sunny afternoon (the best time of the day to see all of central and eastern Paris!)

These are wonderful photos, Pierre – thank you! I always say the best thing about the Tour Montparnasse is being in it so you can’t see it! I’m going to choose a clear day when I’m in Paris to go to the top.

Merci Ellen – and choose a sunny afternoon to have the central and eastern districts of Paris in plain sight (not against-the-light)! 🙂

I’ve been there, once at day- and once at nighttime. Indeed very beautiful.

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Observatoire Panoramique de la Tour Montparnasse

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Tour Montparnasse

• Présentation
• Liens utiles

Tour Montparnasse en soirée Crédit photo : Flickr

La Tour Montparnasse est un des rares gratte-ciel de Paris. Il est situé dans le 15e arrondissement de Paris dans le quartier Necker. Haute de 210 mètres, la tour fut pendant près de 20 ans la plus élevée d'Europe : elle a été dépassée par le Messeturm à Francfort en 1990. La tour abrite essentiellement des bureaux d'entreprise, seuls le 56ème étage et la terrasse sont ouvert au public en offrant un point de vue unique sur tout Paris. Un panorama à travers de grandes baies vitrées permet de contempler la capitale à 360°. Il est possible lorsque les conditions météorologiques sont favorables de voir jusqu'à 40km à la ronde. Un salon (espace 56) est présent en location afin d'organiser des évènements privés. Des restaurants et bars permettent d'admirer la vue autour d'un bon repas ou d'un café. La Tour Montparnasse est une attraction qui attire environ 600 000 visiteurs par an. Les amateurs de sensations fortes utilisent plutôt la tour Montparnasse comme un terrain de jeu... Le grimpeurs surnommé ''l'homme araignée'' Alain Robert l'a escaladée à plusieurs reprises et des adeptes du base-jump sont parvenus à déjouer la sécurité pour sauter en parachute du sommet de la tour.

Tarifs Tour Montparnasse

18€ par personne

15€ pour les moins de 18 ans et les étudiants

9,50€ pour les moins de 11 ans

7,50€ pour les personnes handicapées

Gratuit pour les moins de 4 ans

Billet Tour Montparnasse

Pour voir Paris comme jamais, il sera agréable de se rendre au 56e étage de la Tour Montparnasse. De là, une vue panoramique sur la Seine, la Tour Eiffel, le quartier latin mais également le Sacré Coeur et autre s'offre à vous. Notre partenaire vous permet de réserver votre billet à l'avance et ainsi bénéficier d'un accès prioritaire, sans faire la queue !

Après avoir vue Paris de haut, il sera temps de la voir de plus près. Retrouvez dessous une sélection des billets les plus appréciés des voyageurs à Paris. Vous pourrez ainsi réserver sans attendre les entrées qui vous plaisent et gagner du temps lors de votre séjour tout en planifiant mieux et en faisant des économies grâce aux billets combinés ou à prix réduits.

Acces Tour Montparnasse

Métro : La station Montparnasse-Bienvenue, grand point de rencontre de plusieurs lignes se trouve sous la tour (lignes 4, 6, 12 et 13)

Bus : 28, 58, 82, 88, 89, 92, 94, 95 et 96

Horaires Tour Montparnasse

La plateforme panoramique est accessible tous les jours de 10 heures 30 à 22 heures 30.

Contact Tour Montparnasse

Telephone : 01 45 38 52 56

Email : [email protected]

Carte Tour Montparnasse

Adresse : Tour Montparnasse, 33 Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris

Liens utiles Tour Montparnasse

• Site officiel

Vidéos Tour Montparnasse

Photos Tour Montparnasse

Montparnasse Tower tickets

The Montparnasse Tower’s observation levels – 56th and 59th floors, provide a breathtaking 360-degree view of the entire city of Paris and the Eiffel Tower!

In just 38 seconds, Europe’s swiftest elevator will take you from ground level to the top of the tower.

This famous Parisian landmark, also known as the Tour Montparnasse, is a favorite attraction of adults and children. 

Also, the freshly opened panoramic rooftop patio has a spectacular window with a dazzling perspective.

Where to buy Montparnasse Tower tickets?

You can buy Montparnasse Tower tickets online or at the ticket counter. 

Online tickets tend to be cheaper than offline tickets. 

Buying Montparnasse Tower tickets online allows you to gain priority access and skip long queues. 

During peak hours, online tickets save up to 30 to 35 minutes of waiting time.  

We recommend visitors to buy tickets online in advance to ensure you get your preferred time slot and avoid last-minute disappointments. 

How do Montparnasse Tower online tickets work?

To buy your tickets to Montparnasse Tower, head to the booking page

 and choose your desired date, time slot and number of tickets.

Your tickets will be emailed to you after purchase – no need to take printouts. 

Ensure you arrive at the attraction 15 minutes before the time indicated on your ticket.

You can just enter on the day of your visit by displaying the tickets on your smartphone. 

Because you have the Montparnasse Tower ticket and are on time, you can present it on your smartphone and enter. 

Montparnasse Tower ticket prices 

Montparnasse Tower standard admission ticket costs €19 for visitors above 18 years.

Visitors from 12 to 17 years old get a discount of €4 on the ticket prices and pay a reduced entrance fee of €15. 

The ticket price for children from four to 11 years is €10. 

Types of Montparnasse Tower tickets 

There are three ways to experience the Montparnasse Tower – 

you can choose from a skip the line ticket , a combination ticket with the Seine River cruise or the All-Inclusive Paris Pass . 

Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck Entry Ticket

This is the basic entrance ticket to the observation deck at the Montparnasse Tower. 

It is the most frequently bought ticket by tourists and best suited to people who want to see the rooftop views of Paris with all its iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower.

With this Montparnasse Tower skip-the-line ticket, you travel over 200 meters above Paris in just 38 seconds to admire the classic Parisian skyline.

The ticket includes 

• Entry to the Montparnasse Tower
• Access to the Observation deck

Ticket price:

Adult ticket (18+ years): €19 Youth ticket (12 to 17 years): €15 Child ticket (4 to 11 years): €10 Infant ticket (upto 3 years): Free entry

Montparnasse Tower + Rooftop + Cruise on the Seine

Want to elevate your experience of Paris? Book this combination of the two must-see attractions and ensure your trip is filled with cherished memories.

If you buy these tickets individually, the total cost is €69. 

But when you buy Montparnasse Tower Rooftop and Seine River Cruise combination tickets, you get a discount of 10% and have to pay just €62. 

The Montparnasse Tower gives you a breathtaking perspective of Paris – including the Eiffel Tower and many other famous monuments. 

Additionally, you can also enjoy a one-hour Seine river cruise in the center of Paris and take in the views of the city’s iconic landmarks. 

This ticket includes: 

• Admission to Montparnasse Tower
• Direct access to the elevators
• Access to the rooftop and 56th floor
• 1-hour Seine River cruise
• Audio guide in 14 languages
• Attendant or guide on board for queries

Ticket price: 

• Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck Entry ticket + Rooftop Access

Adult ticket (18+ years): €20 Youth ticket (12 to 17 years): €16 Child ticket (4 to 11 years): €10 Infant ticket (upto 3 years): Free entry

• Sightseeing Cruise on the Seine

Adult ticket (12+ years): €16 Child ticket (4 to 11 years): €8 Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free entry 

Paris All-Inclusive Pass

This Paris pass allows you to access 35+ sites, tours, and experiences. 

Explore the city of lights while saving money with this 2 or 3-day all-inclusive pass. 

Your pass is accessible on your mobile. You can use the free digital guide in the Go City app or download it to plan your itinerary.

• All-inclusive digital pass with attraction information

Is Montparnasse Tower worth it?

The Montparnasse Tower provides spectacular panoramic views of Paris, making it a rewarding experience for visitors who enjoy beautiful cityscapes. 

You can have unobstructed views of prominent monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum from the 56th floor. 

The observatory on the 59th floor is far more enjoyable. It is located 210 meters above the streets and provides more breathtaking city views. 

You will also ride in the quickest lift in Europe, which is one of the highlights.

If you enjoy photography, the tower offers a beautiful opportunity to capture Paris from above. 

To enhance your experience, there is a “ Magnicity ” with stories, films, and 3D reconstructions.

The Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck, in comparison to the Eiffel Tower, offers unimpeded 360-degree views of the city without the crowds. 

It’s worth going just for the view (particularly of the Eiffel Tower), and we are confident there’s no better place in Paris for sunsets!

Is Montparnasse Tower free?

The Montparnasse Tower is free for children up to the age of three.

How much does it cost to go to Montparnasse Tower?

The Montparnasse Tower entry tickets cost €19 for adults, €15 for youngsters between 12 and 17, and €10 for children aged four to 11. 

Is Montparnasse Tower included in the Paris Pass? 

Yes, the Montparnasse Tower is included in the Paris Pass . This pass provides access to over 35+ top attractions in Paris, including monuments and landmarks. 

Can I re-enter the Montparnasse Tower with the same ticket if I leave and want to return later in the day?

You cannot use the same ticket to enter the Montparnasse Tower. You will have to pay again for a new admission ticket. 

Are there on-site ticket booths at Montparnasse Tower?

Yes, Montparnasse Tower has on-site ticket booths where visitors can purchase tickets for admission. 

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La Tour Montparnasse, une vue à 360° sur tout Paris

Avis aux amateurs de hauts points de vue et de sorties perchées, au coeur de Paris, l'Observatoire de la Tour Montparnasse est l'un des spots les plus connus pour prendre de la hauteur sur la capitale. Cette terrasse de 800m2 est perchée à 210 mètres de hauteur, sur le toit du plus haut (et l'un des rares) gratte-ciel existant dans l'enceinte de Paris. Depuis son sommet, on profite d'un panorama à 360° sur la Ville Lumière, avec, bien évidemment, une vue sur la Tour Eiffel.

• À lire aussi
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Ici on retrouve un espace de promenade design et abrité offrant une vue vertigineuse sur Paris de jour comme de nuit et deux espaces d'observation. La visite comprend également une expérience immersive en réalité virtuelle qui, d'une part, célèbre la construction de la tour Montparnasse et, d'autre part, explore l'histoire de la capitale en vous transportant à travers les époques. Par ailleurs, tout au long de l'année, l'Observatoire de la Tour Montparnasse organise régulièrement des animations, événements et expositions destinés à faire vivre ce rooftop bien connu de la capitale. 

La nuit, la terrasse se pare de toutes ses couleurs nocturnes . Une ambiance et une scénographie lumineuse originale pour un spectacle nocturne que les passants peuvent admirer au pied de la tour.

N'oubliez surtout pas votre appareil photo !

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Lieu Tour Montparnasse 33 avenue du Maine 75015 Paris 15

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Montparnasse Tower in Paris: History, Facts and Tickets to the Top

The Montparnasse Tower, La Tour Montparnasse in French, is a 59-storey skyscraper located in Montparnasse, in the 15 th arrondissement of Paris.

It is among the list of the tallest buildings in Europe and the only hall tower in the center of Paris . Indeed, most of the tall towers of the city are concentrated in the financial district of La Défense but this special one is not.

Montparnasse Tower is not an extraordinary building however, it is a great attraction as it give the most incredible view of Paris (specially the Eiffel Tower ) and the important Parisian monuments from its top floor. In this article, we will give you all the information you need to know about the tower, including about the tickets to the top.

• Check out all the best ticket options for Montparnasse Tower in Paris and pick from the finest selection.

What can I do at Montparnasse Tower ?

Montparnasse Tower is a 210 m (689 ft) high skyscraper which has a wonderful view from its 56th floor to observe the most iconic buildings in Paris including the Eiffel Tower. On the 56th floor there is a restaurant, an exhibition space and a cinema. Montparnasse is a very lively neighbourhood with a lot of restaurants, shopping areas, cafes, theatres and cinemas.  

After a birdeye view from the Montparnasse Tower, you can discover a lot of things in this neighbourhood. The Montparnasse Cemetery (Cimetière du Montparnasse) is located very near to the tower.

It attracts a large number of tourists as there are the tombs of many prominent people such as Serge Gainsbourg, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Charles Baudelaire.

Le Cilel de Paris

Le Cilel de Paris is a restaurant on the 56th floor of Montparnasse Tower . It's entrance is made by a seperate elevator. The restaurant offers a spectacular view of the city.

The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8 am to 10:30 pm (The restaurant will be open on Tuesday July 14th).

The Bar is open from 8 am to midnight.

Entrance, Tickets and Tours

Reserving your ticket in advance is suggested to avoid long queue for admission. The ticket allows the entrance twice within 48 hours. This means you can see the outstanding Paris view day and night.

• Entrance: Ticket valid 48 hours for 2 visits from the date of your choice.

How to get to the Montparnasse Tower

• You can easily reach the Montparnasse Tower from the Metro station "Montparnasse-Bienvenüe" on the lines 4, 6, 12 and 13. 
• You can also take a bus number : 28, 58, 82, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95 and 96.
• There is a paid parking area in Paris , if you get there with your own vehicle.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How tall is the Tour de Montparnasse?

Tour de Montparnasse is 210 meter (689 ft) high.

Who was the architect of the Tour de Montparnasse?

Tour de Montparnasse was constructed between the years 1969 to 1973 on the site of the old Montparnasse station by the architect Robert Saubot. 

What is the use of Tour de Montparnasse today?

Montparnasse Tower is not an extraordinary building however, it is a great attraction as  it give the most incredible view of Paris  (specially the  Eiffel Tower ) and the important Parisian monuments from its top floor. 

How can ı get to Tour de Montparnasse?

History of the Montparnasse Tower

Tour de Montparnasse takes its name from the district where it is located. Montparnasse is an important district where the Gare Montparnasse is located. 

It was constructed between the years 1969 to 1973 on the site of the old Montparnasse station by the architect Robert Saubot. Montparnasse Tower was the tallest skyscraper in France until 2011, but it was surpassed by the Tour First with 231 m. 

Following the massive criticism about destroying the Parisian ladscape, the construction of skyscrappers in the center of Paris was banned.

It is visited by more than one million people in a year.

Contact & Map

• Address:  33 avenue du Maine75015 Paris, France
• Opening Hours :  Tour de Montparnasse Official site  
• Public Transport :  Metro station : "Montparnasse-Bienvenüe" on the lines 4, 6, 12 and 13.  
• Bus : 28, 58, 82, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95 and 96.
• Website :  Tour de Montparnasse Official site

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10 Interesting Facts About Montparnasse Tower

By: Author Christine Rogador

Posted on Published: October 14, 2022  - Last updated: January 6, 2023

Do you want to know some interesting facts about Montparnasse Tower in Paris?

Commonly called Tour Montparnasse or Montparnasse Tower, the 689-foot (210 meters) office skyscraper in Paris is named Tour Maine-Montparnasse – or Maine-Montparnasse Tower – in full.

Named after Montparnasse, the area in the city where it is located, in the 15th Arrondissement of Paris, the tower is one of the most peculiar landmarks in the French capital.

While Paris is home to plenty of architectural wonders such as Eiffel Tower , the Louvre , and Notre-Dame , la Tour Montparnasse is easily one of the city’s most distinguishable buildings and certainly a unique part of the Paris skyline.

Montparnasse Tower is also among the most popular, attracting some 1.2 million visitors every year.

This legendary Parisian tower was designed by architects Louis Hoym de Marien, Urbain Cassan, and Eugène Beaudouin, with help of Jean Saubot.

The structure weighs some 130,000 tons and has a total of 7,200 windows, with 6 underground levels and foundations that are 70 meters deep.

Read on to learn more interesting facts about this odd Parisian structure that provides some of the most amazing views of Paris.

Things you'll find in this article

Interesting Facts About Montparnasse Tower

1. montparnasse tower was built on top of a train station., 2. montparnasse tower is the first and oldest skyscraper in paris., 3. montparnasse tower was the tallest skyscraper in france until 2011., 4. montparnasse tower is currently the third-tallest building in france., 5. montparnasse tower was deemed so ugly that, for decades, the city of paris banned any further buildings above seven storeys., 6. montparnasse tower was voted second in the list of “the world’s top 10 ugliest buildings and monuments” in 2008., 7. montparnasse tower was climbed three times with only hands and feet – and no safety devices., 8. a famous fine-dining restaurant is located on one of montparnasse tower’s top floors., 9. montparnasse tower offers 360-degree panoramic view of paris., 10. montparnasse tower was contaminated with asbestos – and it took three years to remove it..

Let’s jump into our list of 20 facts about Montparnasse Tower that make this Parisian building so interesting.

The history of Montparnasse Tower goes back to 1934, when the French railway company SNCF determined that the Gare Montparnasse railway station was no longer satisfactory.

Twenty-five years later, the reconstruction of the metro station resulted in a major urban renewal project. It was decided that the said station would be relocated and the now-vacant land would be repurposed. This land became the site of the legendary Montparnasse Tower that we know today.

Montparnasse Tower was built from 1969 to 1973, making it the oldest skyscraper in Paris. It was inaugurated in June of 1973, becoming the first ever building this tall in the French capital.

Since its completion in 1973, Montparnasse Tower was the tallest skyscraper in the country until the 758-foot Tour First broke this record in 2011 – after over 40 years.

However, the 59-storey Montparnasse Tower remains the tallest structure in the French capital outside of the La Défense business district (where Tour First is located).

At 689 feet (210 meters), Montparnasse Tower comes in third place in the list of France’s tallest buildings.

Tour Hekla (built in 2022) at 722 feet (220 meters) comes in second place and Tour First (built in 2011) emerges on top of the list at 758 feet (231 meters). These two are both located in La Défense, in the west of the city limits of Paris.

Although impressive at just about 100 meters shorter than the Eiffel Tower, Montparnasse Tower’s black appearance and its modern look are said to be out of place in Paris’ urban landscape.

This created such an uproar when the tower was first completed, with people hating it and calling it the ugliest building in Paris. The city was pressured to prohibit any further buildings that have over seven floors.

This law was approved just 2 years after the tower’s completion, banning buildings taller than 7 storeys within the historical center of Paris. It was only a few years ago that they lifted the said ban for neighborhoods outside the city center.

Today, even after over 4 decades, this sentiment has never gone away completely.

In 2008, Montparnasse Tower was in second place – next to the Boston City Hall in Boston, Massachusetts, USA – in the list of “The World’s Top 10 Ugliest Buildings and Monuments.” This is according to both the readers and editors of the now-defunct Virtual Tourist website.

The LuckyShoe Monument in Tuuri, Finland, came in third place.

The first feat took place in 1995 and was repeated in 2015 by the same person – French urban climber Alain Robert, nicknamed “the French Spider-Man” or the “Human Spider” for obvious reasons. Without safety devices of any kind, Robert reached the top of the tower by scaling its exterior glass and steel wall.

This was also achieved in 2020 by Marcin Banot, a climber from Poland.

Aptly named and no doubt one of the most famous restaurants in Paris , le Ciel de Paris – Sky of Paris – not only serves refined French luxury cuisine but provides its guests with sweeping views of the city as well.

Le Ciel de Paris is decked in an organic, ethereal décor and located high on the Montparnasse Tower’s 56th floor.

If you’re craving for some foie gras or caviar in the French capital, first consider the Sky of Paris. Because what could be better than enjoying exquisite food with a stunning view of Paris skyline (including the Eiffel Tower)? Le Ciel de Paris is also the best place to go for a cocktail or two.

Said to be the only place where you can see the true colors of the French capital, getting on the viewing deck of Montparnasse Tower allows you to really see just how big Paris’ monuments and parks are. You can also see just how big the city is when on top of the tower.

This is possible because the observation deck is right on the roof of the tower, not to mention its central location that provides some really astonishing views that are not possible in most places in Paris.

From up the Montparnasse Tower, you can see as far as the Stade de France which is situated behind the Montmartre Hill and the Sacré-Coeur . You can see up to 40 km. far in all directions if you happen to be on the tower’s viewing deck on a clear day. By night, Montparnasse Tower allows you to have the best possible view of the Eiffel Tower that sparkles with flashing lights every hour.

If you want to see everything in Paris from one single spot, the Montparnasse Tower Panoramic Observation Deck is the place to be.

It was discovered in 2005 that Montparnasse Tower contained asbestos material, a chemical that can cause cancer when inhaled. It was revealed that legal limits of asbestos fibers per liter in Montparnasse Tower were surpassed, reaching 20 times the legal limit on at least one occasion. This resulted in some tenants abandoning their offices in the tower.

The removal of asbestos was started in 2009 and ended in 2012, when the building was declared 90% clear of asbestos. During these three years, the building continued to operate as usual – something that was considered remarkable.

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.

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RESTAURANT WITH A PANORAMIC VIEW OF PARIS

Continue your pleasurable experience at the Montparnasse Tower Panoramic Observation deck by dining at the Ciel de Paris, the 360 Café, or in a famous brasserie in the neighbourhood.

LE CIEL DE PARIS

Montparnasse Tower features an exceptional gourmet restaurant, le Ciel de Paris (the Paris Sky),  the highest panoramic restaurant in Paris . Taste flavourful, imaginative, seasonal cuisine. Having lunch or dinner at the restaurant in Montparnasse Tower is a unique experience that creates long-lasting memories.

For an even more exceptional experience at the Montparnasse Tower restaurant, book a table near the windows. Reservations: +33 (0)1 40 64 77 64.

THE 360 CAFÉ

The 360 Café is  the highest panoramic bar in Europe . The 360 Café welcomes you during visiting hours for a food lover’s break (sandwiches, salads, croque-monsieurs, cold and hot drinks, desserts), looking out over the most breathtaking views of Paris.

EATING IN MONTPARNASSE

Montparnasse is known for its famous cafés and Parisian brasseries where writers, painters, and poets gathered at the beginning of the 20th century.

The most iconic ones, like Le Dôme, La Coupole, La Rotonde, Le Select, La Closerie des Lilas, etc., are less than a 10-minute walk from Montparnasse Tower. There you can dine in a typically Parisian ambiance.

Visit the tower

Paris’s best view is from the top of Montparnasse Tower. Experience one of the top things to do in Paris from the 56th-floor observatory and 59th-floor rooftop.

Other interesting articles

A breathtaking experience…and no need to queue, discovering the best montmartre view, paris at night: top 7 things to do, experience the view.

Looking for the most breathtaking view in Paris? Look no further than the rooftop terrace and Montparnasse Tower. Access is included with every ticket.

the perfect view

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Montparnasse Tower 33 Avenue du Maine 75015 Paris

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1. parisians don’t like the montparnasse tower.

2. La Tour Montparnasse is the Second Tallest Skyscraper in France

By Paul Gauldriault on Unsplash

3. It’s the Oldest Skyscraper in Paris

By Felix Meynet on Unsplash

4. There’s a Restaurant on Top

Photo by The Ciel de Paris – Uploaded by them

practical information:

Ciel de paris – 33 avenue du maine 75015, metro: montparnasse bienvenue, open daily 8:00-23:00, 5. montparnasse tower has the best view in paris.

By Simon Infanger on Unsplash

Tour Montparnasse – 33 avenue du Maine 75015

Observation deck open daily from 9:00-22:30, cost: €18 per adult €15 per student or €9,50 per child under 12.

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Jordan has been writing a Paris blog for two years and became a Discover Walks writer in early 2018. While most of our Paris writers are born and raised Parisians, Jordan is not. She is a Californian who moved to Paris in 2013. We like her different point of view when she writes - of course our tour guides are a great source of tips and inspiration in her articles. We hope you enjoy all of them.

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