magasin tour montparnasse

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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 public holidays: 9:30 am – 11 pm

Adults: € 20 ( US$ 22.20) Youth (12-17 years old) and students: € 15.50 ( US$ 17.30) Children (4-11 years old): € 9.50 ( US$ 10.60) Free entry with the Paris Pass .

Montparnasse Tower Ticket € 20 ( US$ 22.20)

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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Discover the stunning view from Tour Montparnasse

Last Updated:  17 April 2024

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)

Check out our curated magazine on Flipboard for exclusive stories & insights on France!

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.

Like it? Leave a comment!

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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Shopping in Montparnasse

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

• Montparnasse
• price 3 of 4

'An independent boutique offering exceptional design objects created by people with a story to tell' in the words of owner Fiona Cameron, Storie is a tiny, open space bathed in light a few steps from the Montparnasse Tower. It's stocked with lightbulb-shaped vases, patterned cushions, pewter picture frames: everything needed to add a touch of luxury to a home. At the back of the shop you'll also find a fine selection of jewellery. Rings carved in jasper by Vanessa Dubbs, industrial lamps saved by Cyril Bonnifet, linen bags by SUD (from €25), silk scarves woven on a traditional loom (€145) – many lovely creations fill this anti-IKEA where each piece of furniture, every piece of porcelain, each metre of silk has been carefully selected. The prices may be high, but quality is guaranteed.

Former stylist Patricia Wang creates looks from the practical to the chic to the unexpected in her boutique, stocked with the creations of European designers. Every season, new names appear: elegant Danes, offbeat Spaniards, dreamy Brits, all creating beautiful clothes. Patricia happily offers advice and has built a roster of regulars who are happy to take her recommendations as to what suits them (and their husbands often come seeking gift suggestions). ‘When I’m choosing a piece, I try to imagine in what way it could be worn,’ explains Patricia.  Is it for a young girl? An active woman? Ultimately, it all depends on the person in front of me – I dress all women, from 16-year-old adolescents up to ladies of 72.’

Hazar and co

Anne-Cécile Zitter and her and cohorts cleverly mix leather, textiles and paper to create Japanese-influenced rings, necklaces, bracelet, headbands and more. Japan also comes through in the clothing fabrics, with skirts and blouses studded with bits of origami-style colour. Exceptional couturiers, they also propose classic basics, with ’20s-style jackets and coats, sportswear (sweatshirts with lace trims), fancy knitwear and bags. The biggest pieces don’t exceed €200 and you can even pick some items up for as little as one or two euros.

• Denfert-Rochereau
• price 2 of 4

If Hansel and Gretel had a cake shop in Paris it might look like Bogato (a name that sounds like ‘beau gateau’ in French, as in ‘pretty cake’). Everything here is about temptation, from the quaint wooden furniture to pastry chef Anaïs Olmer’s brightly coloured cupcakes, towering under glass bells on the counter like sugary art installations. There are crunchy butter biscuits, smooth Nutella tarts, cherry cheesecakes, chocolate-coated marshmallows, and even Cheshire Cat shortbread biscuits with an edible rice paper smile. Eat in or take out; and if you like what you’ve scoffed, sign up for a baking class where you can learn how to make Bogato’s gooey macaroons, cream filled ‘choux’ or sugary cupcakes. Lessons are available for adults (€58) and children (26€). Call for details.

La Cave des Papilles

• Off licences

Located right in the middle of the bustling Rue Daguerre, you can't miss the lemon-yellow frontage of La Cave des Papilles. The owner, a lover of 'natural' wine, has been operating in Paris for 16 years, and of the 1200 wines on offer, 80% are produced organically, while the rest are more traditional. The owner knows each supplier personally, most of them independent French wine growers (Frédéric Cossard in Burgundy, la Maison Pierre Overnoy in the Jura and Jean-Yves Perron in Savoy, to name a few). Lovers of bubbles can find a good selection of champagnes (e.g. Emmanuel Lassaigne, or a very sought after one by Vincent Laval), plus magnums and spirits (whiskies, cognacs, armagnacs). La Cave des Papilles itself has a hand in certain vintages, particularly during the blending stage (l’assemblage), producing bottles under the Cave des Papilles brand. It's not outrageously priced either: with a choice of 60 to 80 bottles between €3 and €10 Euros, even the strapped for cash will leave happy.

Sophie sacs

• Bags and luggage
• Rennes-Sèvres
• price 1 of 4

Rammed with outlets, the Rue de Rennes was once the stomping ground of grumpy shoppers with blistered feet who had to elbow their way past the shopping-bag-bearing hordes. But this busy artery has since benefited from a pavement widening project which has almost doubled the pedestrian space. But even if it is now less crowded out on the street, it's impossible to say the same thing of the inside of Sophie Sacs during the sales. The boutique doesn’t owe its notoriety to its longevity alone (it was opened in 1976), but also to its year-round rock-bottom prices. It offers a plethora of bags to choose from: handbags, shoulderbags, backpacks, leatherbags, fabric bags – all in a space reminiscent of a Middle Eastern souk. However narrow its corridors may be, all of Paris comes here to dig up supple leather bags by Nat & Nin, waterproof Eastpaks or other treasures.

If the right bank has all the places for going out, the left bank is unrivalled for its plentiful supply of bookshops. From the mythical Hune to the unavoidable Divan, they are everywhere, from Saint Germain to Convention. Opened in 2006, two steps from Pernety metro, Les Minots is no ordinary bookshop. Specialised in children’s literature, it also offers a multitude of toys including the very useful 'Birthday box', a sort of survival kit for disorganised parents. With its ephemeral shop window displays, its precise catalogue and numerous workshops, Linda Ornano’s shop is one of the liveliest addresses in the area and the perfect place to introduce children to the pleasure of reading.

Madame de… takes its name from the 1951 Max Ophüls film, in which the Parisian heroine is forced to pawn her beloved diamond earrings, causing all kinds of trouble. Nothing so dark here, just a delightful second hand shop where owner Armelle Franz reassures her customers that ‘I make it a point of honour only to select pieces that are like new’. And indeed, leather bags glow and there are no loose threads on the knitwear – even better, the prices wouldn’t look out of place in the sales. A taupe Vanessa Bruno bag for €187, APC jeans for €66, a checked Zara dress for €40. For retro décor fans, Armelle also stocks homeware treasures – an art deco carafe with smoked glass goblets at €88, a vintage sewing machine, a Kodak Senior n°1 projector…

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Visit the Montparnasse Tower: A Panoramic Glimpse of Paris

Today, I'm taking you on a tour of the Tour Montparnasse (Montparnasse Tower) and its breathtaking view of Paris. A skyscraper in the heart of one the capital's bustling districts, it offers a 360° view of the city, almost, thanks to a panoramic observatory situated around 656 feet above sea level.

Is it worth the trip? What's the history of this building and how will it undergo significant change in the upcoming years? Which landmarks can you spot when at the top? Let's delve into its history and gather some practical advice if you wish to visit: ticket prices, opening hours, access, and more.

The (controversial) construction of the Tour Montparnasse

Even today, the Montparnasse Tower stands as a debated addition to the Paris skyline... but opposition was even more pronounced when it was first constructed! A quick historical overview:

In the 1930s, the area faced challenges. The Montparnasse train station was becoming insufficient for the growing number of passengers, and many buildings in the district were in dire straits. This prompted authorities to reimagine the district's layout.

As with many grand projects, it took time to secure the ideal architects and plans. The more spacious Montparnasse station, familiar to us today, was eventually reconstructed in the late 1960s. During this period, André Malraux, the renowned writer and then-minister, greenlit the project to construct a skyscraper beside the new station.

Plans soon included a shopping mall at the tower's base to rejuvenate the district further. However, many found the tower's imposing height contentious. This tall structure "disrupted" the traditional Parisian skyline with its dark glass and concrete facade.

Despite criticisms, the Tour Montparnasse reached impressive elevations. Construction spanned just over 3 years, including deep foundations (230 feet), a sturdy framework of 56 reinforced concrete pillars, and special accommodations for the metro line running below. Ultimately, the 59-story building ascended to approximately 686 feet. The grand opening was on June 18, 1973.

Decades later, some critics remain vocal, even if the tower has earned its place in Paris. In 2008, it was unfortunately dubbed the second ugliest building globally, following Boston's City Hall. It also ranks as France's second-tallest skyscraper, next to the Tour First in the La Défense business district.

A new face for Tour Montparnasse

The building's future looks promising as efforts are made to endear it to Parisians. A proposal by the Nouvelle AOM architectural collective was recently approved to renovate the Tour Montparnasse , ensuring it melds seamlessly with the city.

The transformative vision includes:

• ... enhancing its green credentials with a hanging garden and an additional floor designated for an agricultural greenhouse;
• ... modernizing it for today's environmental challenges , incorporating photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient windows;
• ... refreshing its aesthetic to dispel its current grim reputation, favoring transparent glazing.

Although the renovations have been postponed, primarily due to asbestos removal needs, this project promises to reshape the Tour Montparnasse's image for years to come.

Whether you appreciate the architecture or not, one thing's undeniable: the vista from the pinnacle is a must-see! It's also a unique chance to marvel at a bird's-eye view of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower. From the Tour Montparnasse's rooftop, it takes center stage.

Ascending the Tour Montparnasse

Presently, the edifice functions primarily as an office building , so not all floors are open to the public.

However, for visitors eager to reach the summit, there's the elevator. The tower boasts 25 elevators, but the one destined for tourists is special—it travels directly from the ground to the 56th floor without stopping. It's swift, and you might even feel a slight pressure change during the ascent!

Its speed was curtailed in 2009 (from approximately 20 ft/s to roughly 16.5 ft/s). In a mere 38 seconds, you can ascend the tower's 56 stories. This rapid journey concludes at the Tour Montparnasse's panoramic observatory , which showcases a splendid Parisian panorama.

The Panoramic Observatory

The viewing space spans two levels:

• The 56th floor is indoors (cozy during winter) and includes amenities like a café, fine dining restaurant, boutique, restrooms, and interactive displays. This level is wheelchair accessible;
• The 59th floor , accessible by stairs, is an outdoor terrace. Spanning roughly 8,600 square feet, it presents an aerial view of Paris from a height of 656 feet. On a clear day, you can gaze as far as 25 miles. During summer, a rooftop bar provides the perfect spot to watch the sunset while sipping a beverage.

The 57th and 58th floors remain closed to the public.

For visitors in 2023, the terrace was inaccessible for 3 months due to the termination of the operating lease by the condominium association. After a legal challenge, the premises were permitted to reopen on July 14, 2023.

Here, the space on the 56th floor:

And next, the terrace:

It's encircled by glass panels to deter any tragic incidents, and some gaps are left open for photography. There are also spyglasses available to magnify specific details of the cityscape.

View of Paris from the Montparnasse Tower

So, what can you see? The tower provides an all-encompassing view of the city. Whether you visit during the day, night, or at sunset, each moment offers distinct contrasts and colors, providing opportunities to identify notable landmarks.

Here’s the Alexandre III Bridge, with the Grand Palais looming just behind:

Far off, you can spot Mont Valérien in Suresnes, a significant historical and commemorative site:

There are the eye-catching matte-gold domes of the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity , standing distinct amidst the more typical Parisian rooftops:

Observe the Basilique Sainte-Clotilde and, right behind it, the Assemblée Nationale (national assembly):

Spot the church of Saint-Augustin , with the Concorde obelisk and the Hôtel de Crillon making a grand appearance up front:

The iconic Arc de Triomphe , appearing subtly amid the urban sprawl:

Here, the elevated section of the metro line 6 stands out, accompanied by the green expanse of the Avenue de Suffren:

Take a gander at the Parc André-Citroën with its soaring hot-air balloon, the Ballon de Paris. Beyond that, you can spot the "Ici c'est Paris" signs of the Parc des Princes , the iconic home of football club Paris Saint-Germain:

Laid before you is the Necker-Enfants malades hospital , a premier institution in Europe for pediatric and adolescent care:

The unmistakable Paris Observatory , can be identified by its bright white dome:

I also recommend visiting The Pantheon for the stunning views it provides of Paris when its dome is open, typically from April to October.

At the Montparnasse Cemetery , you'll find the resting places of renowned figures such as Serge Gainsbourg, Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, André Citroën (the namesake of the car brand), Alain Resnais, Philippe Noiret, Serge Reggiani, journalist Yves Mourousi, Maurice Pialat, Jean Poiret, and many more.

Don't miss the Jardin du Luxembourg and Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral , which is currently undergoing reconstruction!

I captured a photo of the cathedral at sunset a few years back, showcasing its original spire.

You can also spot the Church of Saint-Sulpice :

Be sure to also see the Tour Saint Jacques and the Centre Pompidou, two other landmarks in Paris.

The Tuileries Garden and a section of the Louvre Museum (with the Louvre pyramid obscured from view)

The hill of Montmartre and the Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur . Just beyond, the silhouette of the Stade de France aligns with it.

The rooftops of the Paris Opera House , and in the foreground, Place Vendôme with its iconic column.

The gleaming dome of the Hôtel des Invalides.

And, unmistakably, the Eiffel Tower and Trocadero with the La Défense business district rising in the distance.

At sunset, the landscape is imbued with a magical aura.

There's a wealth to witness. I could continue for hours, but I trust you grasp the essence: from the top of the Tour Montparnasse , nearly every iconic monument in Paris is visible. It’s an opportunity to explore the city's intricate architecture in detail — churches, distinguished structures, institutions, universities, schools. Essentially, the rich heritage of the city unfolds before you, much like an open-air museum!

Visiting the Tour Montparnasse: Practical Information

Where is the tour montparnasse located.

The tower stands on the esplanade across from the Montparnasse train station in Paris, at 33 Avenue du Maine in the 15th arrondissement. The entrance to the "Top of the City" panoramic observatory is to the left of the building as you come out of the station.

After a security screening, you'll be directed to the elevators. So, there's no chance of getting lost!

Ticket Prices for the Top

You can reserve a ticket online in advance for $20 (or £15) per adult. Keep in mind that purchasing tickets on-site at the ticket counter will be pricier, with a $1.20 (or £0.90) surcharge added to the ticket price.

Children aged 4 to 11 can enjoy a 50% discount, while young adults aged 12 to 17 and students aged 18 to 25 are eligible for a reduced rate. Children under the age of 3 are admitted free of charge.

Overall, it's a fair price, especially considering you can stay as long as you wish!

Operating Hours of the Tower

From April 1 to September 30 , the Tower is open daily from 9:30 am and until 11:30 pm.

From October 1 to March 31 , the Tower welcomes visitors every day from 9:30 a.m., until 10:30 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, the eve of public holidays and public holidays.

These extended opening hours enable visitors to enjoy the view over Paris day and night, and to witness some splendid sunsets.

Restaurants and cafés at Tour Montparnasse

The Tour Montparnasse boasts multiple dining venues:

• A rooftop bar situated at the building's summit, operational solely during the spring and summer months;
• 360 Café, positioned on the 56th floor, which remains open each day until 10pm;
• Ciel de Paris, a restaurant located on the 56th floor, features exquisite culinary offerings. Feel free to browse their menu here . Among the available options is the "Grand Ecran" menu that assures a seating by a bay window, barring special event nights. Furthermore, there's a brunch/tea room package available, perfect for an affordable yet delightful experience.

A word to the wise: ensure you're adequately dressed for the cold when visiting the observatory, especially if coming during seasons other than summer. The outdoor viewing deck often encounters breezy conditions. You wouldn't want the chilly temperatures to dampen your experience!

Five Things to Know About the Montparnasse Tower

How many levels does the Tour Montparnasse comprise? It stands tall with a total of 59 levels, of which the 56th and 59th levels serve as the panoramic observatory open to visitors.

What is the Tour Montparnasse's height? The height ranges between 686-689 feet, varying based on the information source.

Who is credited with constructing the Tour Montparnasse? The Agence pour l'Opération Maine Montparnasse (AOM) managed its construction. This agency incorporated architects such as Eugène Beaudoin, Urbain Cassan, Louis de Hoÿm de Marien, and Jean Saubot.

What is the primary function of the Tour Montparnasse? While the majority of its space serves as office areas, tourists can also relish expansive views of Paris from the designated observation zones.

How much time should one allocate for a Tour Montparnasse visit? The duration is subjective to individual preferences like taking numerous photographs or indulging in a drink atop. Nevertheless, plan to spend a minimum of one hour on the premises.

Hello! On this blog, I share my photos, insights, and travel tips from journeys in France and around the world. I launched this blog in French in 2014 and began translating some articles into English in late 2022. I have a special passion for solo travel! In March 2023, I was blessed with my son James, and I've already begun introducing him to the joys of traveling as a solo mom with a baby.

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Above, the megalithic Tour Montparnasse . Below, Notre Dame from the terrace.

• A Locals Guide To The...

A Local's Guide to the Best Things To Do in Montparnasse

Grand brasseries, shady boulevards and offbeat galleries have made Montparnasse a magnet for artists and gourmands since the days of Oscar Wilde and Pablo Picasso. These days, it represents the essence of the Left Bank, and is one of the most laid-back quartiers to explore in Paris.

Paris has plenty of neighbourhoods where you can idle in corner cafés, admire great art and stroll through overgrown cemeteries – but none are quite like Montparnasse. “It’s the traditional Left Bank,” says photographer Becca Gerbino , “an infusion of French culture, art and history. I love shooting here because I am able to capture local and traditional Parisian life.”

You’ll find authentic experiences in spades, perhaps shopping on market streets like rue Daguerre or eating chantilly-smothered crêpes in an institution such as La Crêperie de Josselin. Then there are the cutting-edge installations at the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, creepy subterranean experiences at the Catacombes and magnificent city views from the Tour Montparnasse.

1st Day in Paris Discovery Private Tour

Historical Landmark

Perfect for first-time visitors, this private tour provides an orientation of Paris. Discover major landmarks, learn navigation tips, and get insights into Parisian culture. A great start to any Paris visit. It’s the only way to get to know the French capital, and once you’ve done this the distinctive districts will feel like less of a mystery.

Catch an exhibition at the Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain

Building, Museum

Get in the community spirit at Les Grands Voisins

Bar, Cafe, Restaurant, Beer, Wine

What was once the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul hospital, lying in a no man’s land between Port-Royal and Denfert-Rochereau, is now a creative live-work utopia, thanks to the ambitious vision of Les Grands Voisins. The project is still a work in progress, but 2,000 people – including refugees, artists and craftspeople – are already living and working here. Visitors are welcome to stop by for a coffee (pay it forward and buy one for a neighbour, too), drink at the bar (open evenings from Wednesday to Sunday), or shop in the boutiques and ateliers. The on-site restaurant, L’Oratoire, is a great space to stop for lunch (three courses for €13 (£11.50)), especially in summer, when you can eat at tables in the courtyard.

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Vintage 2CV Adventure: 2 -Hour Paris Secrets Tour

Explore the hidden gems of Paris in a classic 2CV car on this two-hour tour. Discover secret spots, charming streets, and lesser-known landmarks with a knowledgeable guide.Explore the hidden gems of Paris in a classic 2CV car on this two-hour tour. Discover secret spots, charming streets, and lesser-known landmarks with a knowledgeable guide.Explore the hidden gems of Paris in a classic 2CV car on this two-hour tour. Discover secret spots, charming streets, and lesser-known landmarks with a knowledgeable guide.

Shop on rue Daguerre, Paris

Take in the view from the Tour Montparnasse

Pay tribute to great writers at the Cimetière du Montparnasse

Order a new-fashioned cocktail at rosebud.

Bar, Cocktail Bar, French

Rosebud’s white-jacket-clad bartenders have been mixing martinis, manhattans and moscow mules at this old-school, wood-panelled bar for more than 50 years, and it still regularly makes lists of the best bars in the world. This isn’t the kind of place where you come to see and be seen, but to put the world to rights over a quiet cocktail or three. Expect a jazz soundtrack and beautifully made classic drinks. Consider eschewing the traditional old fashioned and order a new fashioned (Peychaud’s Bitters, maraschino and bourbon for €14 (£12.40)) instead.

Descend deep into Paris's Catacombes

Check out the theatre scene on rue de la Gaîté

Paris doesn’t have a theatreland equivalent to London’s West End or New York’s Broadway, so theatres are scattered throughout the city. La rue de la Gaîté is one of the few spots where they’re clustered together. This street has been a hub of stagecraft since the 1870s: the music hall stars of the belle époque performed here, as well as legends such as Edith Piaf and Josephine Baker. If you’re not sure about seeing a show in French, check out musical comedies like Tutu and Les Franglaises at Théâtre Bobino.

Eat crêpes at the most traditional spot in Paris

Creperie, French, Gluten-free

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Paris Travel Guide

Tour Montparnasse

With its 210 metres in height and 60 floors, the Montparnasse Tower is Paris’ tallest skyscraper.

Tour Maine-Montparnasse , or simply Tour Montparnasse , is a 210-metre tall (689 feet) skyscraper located in the Montparnasse area of Paris. The tower has 60 floors , of which 53 are occupied by various offices, bars and restaurants.

?, which will be cheaper and faster than getting it on-site.

While the climb up the first 56 floors is by lift - and a really fast one at that: only 38 seconds - the last three have to be reached by way of three flights of stairs, but honestly, it’s all worth it. The view covers a radius of 40 km (25 miles), and it is said you can even see planes taking off from Orly Airport .

If you want to get a good look at Paris, Tour Montparnasse is an occasion like no other, so we highly recommend it.

Avenue du Maine 33, 15th arrondissement

Tickets and price

Nearby sights.

Jardin du Luxembourg - 1.1 km (0.7 miles) northeast, 15-minute walk

Catacombs of Paris - 1.4 km (almost 0.9 miles) southeast, 18-minute walk

Musée Curie - 2.1 km east (1.3 miles), 27-minute walk

Musée Rodin - 2.1 km north (1.3 miles), 27-minute walk

Les Invalides - 2.4 km north (1.5 miles), 30-minute walk

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Que faire à Montparnasse : Nos bons plans et meilleures adresses

Non loin du quartier de Saint-Germain-des-Prés , le quartier Montparnasse  est réputé être le cœur de la vie artistique et intellectuelle parisienne  depuis les Années Folles . Pour l'anecdote, le quartier tient son nom des étudiants du coin qui le baptisent ainsi au 17e siècle en référence au mont Parnasse, la résidence des Muses dans la mythologie grecque. 

Dès la Révolution française , de nombreux cabarets et salles de danse s'installent dans les rues de Montparnasse , mais le quartier connait un véritable essor avec l'installation de nombreux artistes français et internationaux dans les années 1920 . Parmi eux, Picasso , Soutine, Cézanne , Foujita, Apollinaire ,  Modigliani , Brancusi, Man Ray ou encore Georges Braque. Encore en friche, le quartier offre alors des ateliers bons marché !

Si Montparnasse a aujourd'hui changé de visage, certaines de ces  adresses historiques  sont à ce jour toujours ouvertes, à l'instar de la Closerie des Lilas , de la  Coupole ou encore du  Dôme . Montparnasse est un quartier où il fait bon vivre, se cultiver grâce aux nombreux musées , et se détendre , dans l'une des nombreuses salles de cinéma indépendantes ou dans les parcs et jardins. 

Alors pour découvrir les meilleures adresses à Montparnasse, suivez le guide !

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• Que faire dans le quartier de l'Opéra et des Grands Boulevards: Nos bons plans & meilleures adresses
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• Que faire dans les quartiers Louvre-Rivoli, Palais-Royal et Tuileries : Nos meilleures adresses

Où sortir à Montparnasse, nos bons plans et meilleures adresses:

Pour découvrir l'histoire du quartier .

Pour se balader 

En ce moment :

Pour se régaler .

Pour se cultiver

Pour se divertir 

Pour faire du shopping

Pour garder la forme

Pour passer du bon temps en famille

Pour passer du bon temps entre amis :

Découvrez toutes ces bonnes adresses sur la carte ci-dessous !

Que faire dans le 14e arrondissement de Paris ? Les idées sorties et adresses coup de cœur Cette fois vous avez décidé de partir à la conquête du 14e arrondissement de Paris et vous avez bien raison ! Depuis la Tour Montparnasse jusqu'à Alésia en passant par Denfert Rochereau, voici les meilleurs spots de ce quartier parisien. [Lire la suite] Que faire dans le 15e arrondissement de Paris ? Les idées de sorties et bonnes adresses Vous cherchez des idées de sorties du côté du 15e arrondissement de Paris ? En famille, entre amis ou en amoureux, on vous dévoile les meilleurs plans à découvrir dans l'ouest parisien. [Lire la suite]

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Paris , Travel

Top 19 Things to do in Montparnasse

Montparnasse Tower - by Joshua Veitch-Michaelis - Wikimedia Commons

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What to see in Montparnasse?

Plan your visit to Montparnasse

• Montparnasse Tower: 56th Floor Panoramic Terrace –  get your tickets with Tiqets.com
• Skip The Line Paris Catacombs Tour –  A 2-hour tour of the Catacombs with Viator

1. Enter the Empire of Death

catacombes de paris – 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris

Open tuesday – sunday 10am//8:30pm, metro station denfert rochereau, 2. take a look back in the past with the paris observatory.

paris observatory – 61 Av. de l’Observatoire, 75014 Paris, France

3. discover contemporary artists at the fondation cartier.

> Learn more about Cartier

fondation cartier – 261 Boulevard Raspail, 75014 Paris

Open tuesday 11am//10pm – wed-sunday 11 am//8pm, metro station: raspail, 4. visit montparnasse cemetery.

Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre’s grave in Montparnasse Cemetery by Evan O’Neil – WikiCommons

> For your lunch, I offer you two options depending on your tastes and your budget (or take a look at other restaurants here ).

montparnasse cemetery – 3 Boulevard Edgar Quinet, 75014 Paris

Monday-friday 8am//5.30pm- sat 8.30am//5.30pm – sun 9am//5.30pm, metro station: edgar quinet, 5. go fancy and artsy with the restaurants.

6. Eat the Best « Crêpes » you have ever tasted

Breizh Café – by Breizh Café – Sourced from their website

ty breiz crêperie – 2 Boulevard de Vaugirard, 75015 Paris

Open monday – friday for lunch 11am//2:30pm and for dinner 6.30pm//10.30pm, open weekends 11am//10.30pm, metro station: montparnasse bienvenue, 7. contemplate the sculptures of musée bourdelle.

musée bourdelle – 18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015 Paris

Open tuesday – sunday 10am//6pm, metro station: falguière, 8. have fun in rue de la gaieté.

9. Catch the Sunset at the top of Montparnasse tower

montparnasse tower – 33 Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris

Open daily 11am//10:30pm, 10. for the night owls: night-clubbing.

11. Participate in community activities at Les Grands Voisins

74 av. denfert rochereau, 75014 paris, france, open daily from 10am-12pm, metro station: grands boulevards, 12. shop on rue daguerre, paris, 75014 paris, france, open daily from 12:00 pm to 11:30 pm, metro station: denfert-rochereau station, 13. visit the cimetière de montparnasse to honour renowned authors.

Cimetière du Montparnasse by Jérôme Blum from Wikimedia Commons

3 Bd Edgar Quinet, 75014 Paris, France

Open daily from 9am-:11:30pm, metro station: the notre dame des champs station, 14. a new-fashioned cocktail can be ordered at rosebud,   11 rue delambre, 75014 paris, france, open from 6am to 2am, metro station: ternes station, 15. visit the theatre district on rue de la gaîté.

Rue de la Gaîté by Thomon from Wikimedia Commons

Line 13 of the Paris Métro in the 14th arrondissement

75014 paris, france, metro station: gaîté, 16. get in the community spirit at les grands voisins, 72-82  avenue denfert-rochereau , paris 14è, les grands voisins , metro station: grand paris express, 17. take in the view from the tour montparnasse.

Guilhem Vellut from Paris, France , CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

11 Rue Delambre, 75014 Paris, France

18. visit the fondation cartier pour l’art contemporain, boulevard raspail in the 14th arrondissement of paris, 261 boulevard raspail, metro station: pyrénées, 19. cimetière du montparnasse.

Jérôme Blum , CC BY-SA 2.0 FR , via Wikimedia Commons

Open from: 8am-6pm

Metro station: gaîté, bonus: discover france from the gare montparnasse.

Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !

These are  Amazon’s best-selling  travel products that you may need for coming to Paris.

• The best travel book : Rick Steves – Paris 2023 –  Learn more here
• Fodor’s Paris 2024 –  Learn more here

Travel Gear

• Venture Pal Lightweight Backpack –  Learn more here
• Samsonite Winfield 2 28″ Luggage –  Learn more here
• Swig Savvy’s Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle –  Learn more here

Check Amazon’s best-seller list for the most popular travel accessories. We sometimes read this list just to find out what new travel products people are buying.

Clara is a young Parisian who is a bit lost about her future so she studies both Political Sciences at Sciences Po University and Mathematics at La Sorbonne. However, if you dare to lose yourself in the streets of Paris with her, be certain to discover their magical and mystical secrets. Passionate about traveling and discovering new cultures, she still prefers the food, the river banks and the street art of Paris.

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Tour Montparnasse

Spectacular views unfold from this 210m-high smoked-glass-and-steel office block, built in 1973. A speedy elevator whisks visitors up in 38 seconds to the indoor observatory on the 56th floor, with multimedia displays. Finish with a hike up the stairs to the 59th-floor open-air terrace (with a sheltered walkway) and bubbly at the terrace's Champagne bar. This venerable building is undergoing a makeover – major renovation works started in early 2020 and are due for completion in 2024.

The tower also houses the city’s highest restaurant, Ciel de Paris .

33 av du Maine, 15e

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https://​www​.tourmontparnasse56​.com​/

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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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Home > What Nobody Told You About Tour Montparnasse (Montparnasse Tower, Paris)

What Nobody Told You About Tour Montparnasse (Montparnasse Tower, Paris)

The Tour Maine-Montparnasse , best known as Tour Montparnasse or Montparnasse Tower , is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris . With 59 floors and 210 m high, the Tower is Paris’ tallest building and the only skyscraper in the city. This stupendous Tower is situated at 33 Ave. du Maine, in the 15th Arrondissement of Paris. The entrance is at Rue de l’Arrivée, while the nearest metro stop is Montparnasse Bienvenue.

The Tour Montparnasse is named after the neighborhood it is located in. In the 17th century, students from the neighboring Latin Quarter liked to meet at the top of a small artificial hill in the south of the city, where sand and rubble were piled up, to recite poems. Ironically, the hill then took the name of Mount Parnassus , a mythical Greek mountain dedicated to the god Apollo and his nine Muses, protectors of the arts and poetry.

The Montparnasse neighborhood was from 1900 and, especially during the interwar period, the heart of Parisian artistic and intellectual life. After Apollinaire, Gauguin, Matisse, and the Douanier Rousseau, many foreign artists, mostly Jews, went into exile in Paris: Modigliani, Zadkine, Soutine, Chagall, and many more. They were attracted by the affordable rents of housing and workshops.

The Montparnasse neighborhood is also home to the Montparnasse Cemetery , one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Paris , the Observatoire de Paris, the Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain, and the Carrières des Capucins .

Tour Montparnasse Hours and Ticket Price

From 1 October to 31 March, the Tower is open from 9.30 am to 10.30 pm, from Sunday to Thursday, and from 9.30 am to 11.00 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays.

From 1 April to 30 September, the Tower is open from 9.30 am to 11.30 pm every day.

Tour Montparnasse tickets cost 15€ (adults), 11€ (students and visitors aged 12 to 17), and 7.50€ (kids aged 4 to 11). It is free to visit for kids under 4 years – Click here to book your tickets in advance

Access to Tour Montparnasse is included in The Paris Pass (now Go City Paris) . There are also interesting bundles combining some of the top Paris attractions that make you save time and money:

• Montparnasse Tower + Seine Cruise (5% off)
• Montparnasse Tower + Arc de Triomphe (5% off)
• Montparnasse Tower + Opera Garnier (5% off)

Tour Montparnasse Inside

The Montparnasse Tower has 59 floors above ground and six floors underground. The floors open to visitors are floor #56 and floor #59.

Montparnasse Tower Obervation Deck

Prepare for a dizzying ascent: the Tower’s lightning-fast elevator rises from the ground floor to the 56th floor in just 38 seconds! This lift is one of the fastest lifts in Europe at speeds reaching 60km/h.

Called the Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck , the 56th floor allows visitors to admire breathtaking views of Paris protected from wind and rain. The Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck is equipped with avant-garde interactive and audio-visual facilities to aid in interpreting the views of the city you see below. These include exhibitions, binoculars, interactive facilities, viewpoint tables, quizzes, and more.

You will also find a bar-restaurant, a café and a souvenir shop on this floor.

The Terrace

The Montparnasse Tower tickets also give you access to the 59th floor. This is actually an outdoor roof terrace that, at 210 meters high, offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of Paris.

This floor is accessible by stairs from the 56th floor, and it has telescopes and orientation tables to help visitors locate the monuments and famous buildings of Paris .

Interesting and Quirky Facts About the Montparnasse Tower, Paris

In addition to its location and imposing architecture, here are some interesting Montparnasse Tower facts.

1. Tour Montparnasse’s Main Figures

The Tour Montparnasse weighs 150,000 tons, has an oval shape of 164 x 104 meters, and has six underground levels and 59 floors.

It has 70 m of foundation, 25 lifts working at 6m/second, 40,000m2 of façade, 7,200 windows, and 1306 stairs. The Montparnasse Tower receives 1,2 million visitors per year on roofs #56 and #59, while the rest of the Tower is a prestigious address that welcomes around 5,000 employees daily.

2. It took 11 Years to Approve the Construction of the Montparnasse Tower

From the first drawings to the beginning of the construction, it took eleven years to approve the project!

All began in 1959 when the French rail company, SNCF, decided that the Montparnasse Station needed to be renovated and moved to accommodate the growing influx of passengers. So much to Paris’ dismay, the Gare Montparnasse was moved to its current location, and a 59-story tower was designed on the site of the former station to house Parisian office buildings.

The project was strongly criticized because of the height of the building. A controversy began and led to slowdowns in the project, led by the Minister of Equipment Edgard Pisani, who obtained the support of André Malraux, then Minister of Culture under General de Gaulle.

In 1969, Georges Pompidou, President of the Republic, wanted to provide Paris with modern infrastructure and granted the construction of a real complex with a Shopping Center. The construction of this Paris skyscraper could then begin.

In April 1970, the first stone was laid, and French multinational VINCI built the Tower after the design of architects Eugène Beaudouin, Urbain Cassan, and Louis Hoym de Marien. VINCI is also known for constructing the Centre Pompidou, the Channel Tunnel, and the Stade de France.

It took four years to complete the Tower, and was finally inaugurated in 1973.

3. The Montparnasse Tower Was Strongly Criticized by Parisians

Just like with the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Pyramid , Tour Montparnasse’s design and imposing measures were strongly criticized by Parisians.

While the Eiffel Tower and the Glass Pyramid eventually became the most popular landmarks in the city and Parisians fully embraced the Eiffel Tower as the ultimate symbol of their city, the resentment toward the Tour Montparnasse never went away, and it still isn’t liked by Parisians.

The Parisians were so unhappy that the city of Paris passed a law banning further buildings over seven stories tall in the historical center of Paris to prevent such a fiasco from happening again.

4. The Tour Montparnasse Was Voted the Second Ugliest Building in the World

In 2008,  the travel website named Virtual Tourist , rest in peace, organized a competition amongst its readers to choose the World’s Ugliest Buildings, and the Montparnasse Tower was voted second!

Only the Boston City Hall , a Brutalist building in Boston, was voted uglier, an honor that we are not sure their cities are proud of.

5. The Montparnasse Tower Offers the Best View of Paris

While everybody agrees the Montparnasse Tower offers one of the best views of Paris , we say it simply offers the best! While the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and the Sacré-Coeur, provide a great view, you can’t escape the giant Montparnasse Tower in the distance. Ironically, the Montparnasse Tower view is the best because it’s the only vantage point in the city where you don’t see the Tour Montparnasse.

From 210 meters above ground, admire one of the best Eiffel Tower views , Montmartre, the Louvre, the Invalides, and even see beyond Paris.

In clear weather, the view extends up to 40 kilometers from the Yvelines to Charles-de-Gaulle and Orly Airports and the Eastern suburbs of Val de Marne and Seine-et-Marne. From the Observation Deck, one can often see planes taking off and landing at Orly Airport!

6. The Montparnasse Tower Restaurant is the Highest in Europe

On floor 56, visitors will also find the Montparnasse Tower restaurant, Le Ciel de Paris , which is the highest restaurant in Europe!

Le Ciel de Paris welcomes guests every day until 11.30 pm and provides fine dining with 360° vistas of the city and all its monuments.

Because of its unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower, Le Ciel de Paris is one of the most coveted places to see the fireworks on the 14th of July (France’s National Day) . Book well in advance!

7. The Tour Montparnasse Was Paris’ Tallest Building in France for Nearly 40 Years!

From its construction in 1973 until 2011, the Tour Montparnasse (210 meters tall) was Paris’ tallest building and also the tallest building in France.

In 2011 however, the massive Tour First was remodeled, adding to its height and surpassing the Montparnasse Tower as the tallest in France. Located in La Défense business district, just outside Paris, the Tour First stands today at 231 meters, just 21 meters taller than Montparnasse Tower. This difference was enough to land it the title of the tallest building in France.

8. The Tour Montparnasse Was Free-Scaled in 2015

In 2015 Alain Robert, also known as “the French Spider-Man,” climbed the Montparnasse Tower without a harness or ropes in less than an hour. During his climb, he wore the Nepalese flag to bring awareness to human rights violations in this country.

As you can imagine, the Paris police were waiting for Mr. Robert on the top of the Tower with a red carpet, and he was arrested as soon as he reached the top.

9. It took 3 Years to Remove a Substance that Causes Cancer from the Tower

In 2005, a study concluded that the Montparnasse Tower contained 20 times the legal limit of asbestos material, a substance considered to be a carcinogen.

This resulted in some companies who rented office space at the Tower leaving it.

Removal of the asbestos started in the year 2009 and ended three years later. Surprisingly, the Tour Montparnasse continued to operate normally during this time.

10. A Place of Numerous Events

During summer in Paris , the Montparnasse Tower hosts a variety of events on the Observation Deck. Some of the events in the Tower are yoga, exercise classes, and live musical performances. There is also an outdoor bar, which offers a lovely chance to relax with your head in the clouds…

11. Home to the Highest Skate Rink in Paris

Believe it or not, but in winter, you can skate at the Tower’s open terrace – the highest skating rink in Paris!

For the last four years, a 30m2 ice rink made of synthetic material was installed at the top of the Montparnasse Tower at an altitude of 210m. The event welcome more than 30,000 people each year, both Parisians and tourists from all over the world, who could enjoy the joys of ice skating with unobstructed views of Paris

The highest ice rink in Paris was to return to the top of the Montparnasse Tower for a fifth edition in February-March 2023. However, “reasons beyond its control” prompted the Paris Montparnasse Observatory to cancel the event last minute. Let’s hope the Tower’s skate rink will be back in 2024!

What to Do Near the Montparnasse Tower, Paris?

• Montparnasse Cemetery
• Catacombs of Paris
• Parc Montsouris
• Carrières des Capucins
• Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain

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Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you make a purchase through my links. It costs you nothing more (in fact, if anything, you’ll get a nice discount) but helps me to go on creating incredible Paris content for you. I trust all products promoted here and would never recommend a product that isn’t of value. World in Paris is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no expense to you.

About WORLD IN PARIS

Quirky parisian explorer with a preference for lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about me ., i am elisa, the travel blogger behind world in paris. quirky explorer with a preference for the local side of my city and its lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & my best tips learn more.

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Paris Montparnasse

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The most  beautiful view of Paris , of the Eiffel Tower, and of all the historical monuments of the city.

At 210 meters, Montparnasse Tower is Paris’s only true skyscraper

From here, the entire Parisian panorama is yours for the taking: The Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Coeur, even the planes landing nearby. Not forgetting a drink or just a sunset view from the panoramic terrace on the 56th floor. Truly a unique place to discover Paris.

The city of lights

French history starts here, and architectural styles from every age are still only a walk away. Even in the 21st century, Paris drifts between high-tech, classicism and the much-loved “French Touch”. Nestled in a loop of the Seine, the beauty of the city is everywhere. In its monuments, squares, cafés, and indeed everyone who lives there.

Paris Montparnasse Updates

Magnicity Eyes Global Expansion

Montparnasse Tower Celebrates 50 Years with a VR Trip Through TIme

Best view of paris.

"I absolutely love this attraction. It has the best view of Paris for a reasonable price. The 360° view is astonishing and you can also go up to the rooftop. The building was far from busy with plenty of room to move around and take photos.

Huddersfield, United Kingdom

The Views Were Amazing

"We were not disappointed. The views were amazing, no queue to get up and plenty of room for everyone to view the city 360."

Daithí Kilcourse

Local Guide

Absolutely Stunning

"The champagne in the bar was tasting great, the view is absolutely stunning and it's way better than waiting for hours in the Eiffel tower! Beats the view too!"

Tihomir Bodurski

A wonderful experience.

"Perfect. Staff are wonderful. I say get there just before sunset and watch the skies changes colors and the streets below light up. Thanks for a wonderful experience. I love it."

Marilyn Perrot

Landmark spotting.

"Well worth a trip to the top floor. The views are phenomenal. Can pick out all the landmarks. A really good top deck bar area with seats, music and loads of photo opportunities. Well stocked gift shop and cafe too."

Barnsley, United Kingdom

observatoire.tourmontparnasse

1,300 44,122

Deux silhouettes qui contemplent la tour Eiffel depuis le rooftop de la tour Montparnasse… Et on les comprend c’est magnifique 🤩🌃 ㅤ Two silhouettes contemplating the Eiffel Tower from the rooftop of the Montparnasse Tower... And we can understand them, it`s stunning 🤩🌃 ㅤ 📸 by @yruama_knr ㅤ 🎟 L’observatoire de la tour Montparnasse est ouvert tous les jours de 9h30 à 23h30 🎟 Paris Montparnasse observation deck is open everyday from 9:30am to 11:30pm ㅤ Use #tourmontparnasse & tag us on your photos and videos 🤍 ㅤ Paris Montparnasse is a @magni.city experience 🏙 ㅤ #montparnassetower #montparnasse #paris #francephoto #hello_france #hello_rooftops #rooftopparis #visitparis #paris_maville #parisjetaime #toureiffel #eiffeltower #paris2024 #eiffelofficielle #parisphotographer #parissunset #parislanuit #parisbynight #sortiraparis #quefaireaparis #vivreparis #visitparisregion

Si la météo est capricieuse ou simplement si vous voulez plus de calme, la magnifique vue à 360 de l’observatoire est sur le rooftop mais aussi au 56ème étage couvert ! 😇💙 ㅤ If the weather is bad or you simply want more calm, the magnificent 360 view from the observatory is on the rooftop but also on the 56th indoor floor! 😇💙 ㅤ 📸 by @chorvalis_ ㅤ 🎟 L’observatoire de la tour Montparnasse est ouvert tous les jours de 9h30 à 23h30 🎟 Paris Montparnasse observation deck is open everyday from 9:30am to 11:30pm ㅤ Use #tourmontparnasse & tag us on your photos and videos 🤍 ㅤ Paris Montparnasse is a @magni.city experience 🏙 ㅤ #montparnassetower #montparnasse #paris #francephoto #hello_france #hello_rooftops #rooftopparis #visitparis #paris_maville #parisjetaime #toureiffel #eiffeltower #paris2024 #jo2024 #olympicgames #jeuxolympiques #olymoicrings #anneauxolympiques #eiffelofficielle #parisphotographer #parissunset #parislanuit #parisbynight #stadetoureiffel #eiffeltowerstadium

Il n’y a pas que la vue sur la tour Eiffel qui est magnifique, côté nord le combo musée du Louvre, grands magasins, Opéra, Sacré-cœur et stade de France est un concentré du patrimoine de Paris ! 🤩📍 ㅤ It`s not just the view of the Eiffel Tower that`s magnificent, on the north side the combo of the Louvre Museum, department stores, Opera House, Sacré-cœur and Stade de France is a concentration of Paris`s rich cultural and historical heritage! 🤩📍 ㅤ 📸 by @imzefyr ㅤ 🎟 L’observatoire de la tour Montparnasse est ouvert tous les jours de 9h30 à 23h30 🎟 Paris Montparnasse observation deck is open everyday from 9:30am to 11:30pm ㅤ Use #tourmontparnasse & tag us on your photos and videos 🤍 ㅤ Paris Montparnasse is a @magni.city experience 🏙 ㅤ #montparnassetower #montparnasse #paris #francephoto #hello_france #hello_rooftops #rooftopparis #visitparis #paris_maville #parisjetaime #sortiraparis #quefaireaparis #vivreparis #paris2024 #parisphotographer #parissunset #parislanuit #parisbynight #sacrecoeur #montmartre #louvremuseum #museedulouvre #stadefrance

Les belles rues de Paris avec l’iconique logo vintage du Métro et la tour Montparnasse en arrière plan 🤩 ㅤ The beautiful streets of Paris with the iconic vintage Metro sign and the Montparnasse Tower in the background 🤩 ㅤ 📸 by @parisiangeek ㅤ 🎟 L’observatoire de la tour Montparnasse est ouvert tous les jours de 9h30 à 23h30 🎟 Paris Montparnasse observation deck is open everyday from 9:30am to 11:30pm ㅤ Use #tourmontparnasse & tag us on your photos and videos 🤍 ㅤ Paris Montparnasse is a @magni.city experience 🏙 ㅤ #montparnassetower #montparnasse #paris #francephoto #hello_france #hello_rooftops #rooftopparis #visitparis #paris_maville #parisjetaime #toureiffel #eiffeltower #paris2024 #vivreparis #metroparis #ratp #ruderennes #sortiraparis #parisarchitecture

Le sourire quand tu es face à la plus belle vue de Paris au coucher du soleil ! 🤩🌇 ㅤ The smile when you`re facing the most beautiful view of Paris at sunset! 🤩🌇 ㅤ 📸 by @coeurdeglace_ ㅤ 🎟 L’observatoire de la tour Montparnasse est ouvert tous les jours de 9h30 à 23h30 🎟 Paris Montparnasse observation deck is open everyday from 9:30am to 11:30pm ㅤ Use #tourmontparnasse & tag us on your photos and videos 🤍 ㅤ Paris Montparnasse is a @magni.city experience 🏙 ㅤ #montparnassetower #montparnasse #paris #francephoto #hello_france #hello_rooftops #rooftopparis #visitparis #paris_maville #parisjetaime #toureiffel #eiffeltower #paris2024 #eiffelofficielle #parisphotographer #parissunset #quefaireaparis #sortiraparis

Les deux plus grandes tours de Paris en une photo, deux époques réunies 📸 ㅤ Paris`s two tallest towers in one photo, two eras united 📸 ㅤ 📸 by @paris.i.l.a ㅤ 🎟 L’observatoire de la tour Montparnasse est ouvert tous les jours de 9h30 à 23h30 🎟 Paris Montparnasse observation deck is open everyday from 9:30am to 11:30pm ㅤ Use #tourmontparnasse & tag us on your photos and videos 🤍 ㅤ Paris Montparnasse is a @magni.city experience 🏙 ㅤ #montparnassetower #montparnasse #paris #francephoto #hello_france #hello_rooftops #rooftopparis #visitparis #paris_maville #parisjetaime #toureiffel #eiffeltower #paris2024 #jo2024 #olympicgames #jeuxolympiques #anneauxolympiques #eiffelofficielle #parisphotographer #parissunset #parislanuit #parisbynight #stadetoureiffel #eiffeltowerstadium

Le magnifique jardin du Luxembourg et sa superbe architecture. Photographie prise depuis l’observatoire de la tour Montparnasse ! 🌳 Le plus beau jardin de Paris ? 🤩� The magnificent Luxembourg garden and its superb architecture. Photograph taken from the observatory of the Montparnasse tower! 🌳 The most beautiful garden in Paris? 🤩 🤩 ㅤ 📸 by @dreuxvalou ㅤ 🎟 L’observatoire de la tour Montparnasse est ouvert tous les jours de 9h30 à 23h30 🎟 Paris Montparnasse observation deck is open everyday from 9:30am to 11:30pm ㅤ Use #tourmontparnasse & tag us on your photos and videos 🤍 ㅤ Paris Montparnasse is a @magni.city experience 🏙 ㅤ #montparnassetower #montparnasse #paris #francephoto #hello_france #hello_rooftops #rooftopparis #visitparis #paris_maville #parisjetaime #vivreparis #luco #luxembourg #jardinduluxembourg #parisnature #paris2024 #parisphotographer

Quand le ciel nous fait le cadeau d’un magnifique coucher de soleil à Paris !  🎁🌇 Timelapse de la vue de l’observatoire de la tour Montparnasse 📍 When the sky treats us with a magnificent sunset in Paris!  🎁🌇 Timelapse of the view from the Montparnasse tower observatory 📍 🎬 @heytope 🎟 L’observatoire de la tour Montparnasse est ouvert tous les jours de 9h30 à 23h30 🎟 Paris Montparnasse observation deck is open everyday from 9:30am to 11:30pm Use #tourmontparnasse & tag us on your photos and videos  🤍 Paris Montparnasse is a @magni.city experience 🏙 _________________
 #parisjetaime #tourmontparnasse #montparnassetower #paris #paris2024 #toureiffel #eiffelofficielle #visitparis #eiffeltower

La vue au coucher du soleil sur l’Arc de Triomphe et I`Hôtel des Invalides capturée depuis la terrasse de l’observatoire de la tour Montparnasse ! On ne s’en lasse pas 🤩 ㅤ The sunset view of the Arc de Triomphe and the Hôtel des Invalides captured from the rooftop of the Montparnasse tower observatory! We never get tired of it 🤩 ㅤ 📸 by @yoeltaieb ㅤ 🎟 L’observatoire de la tour Montparnasse est ouvert tous les jours de 9h30 à 23h30 🎟 Paris Montparnasse observation deck is open everyday from 9:30am to 11:30pm ㅤ Use #tourmontparnasse & tag us on your photos and videos 🤍 ㅤ Paris Montparnasse is a @magni.city experience 🏙 ㅤ #montparnassetower #montparnasse #paris #francephoto #hello_france #hello_rooftops #rooftopparis #visitparis #paris_maville #parisjetaime #paris2024 #parisphotographer #parissunset #parislanuit #parisbynight #invalides #arcdetriomphe #frenchvisuals #paris_maville #visitparisregion

MERCI PARIS 2024 🇫🇷 L’aventure des Jeux Olympiques et Paralympiques touche à sa fin et c’était magique : des grands champions, des installations superbes et des moments inoubliables ! ✨ ㅤ THANK YOU PARIS 2024 🇫🇷 The adventure of the Olympic and Paralympic Games is coming to an end and it`s been magical: great champions, superb venues and unforgettable moments! ✨ ㅤ 📸 by @justefe ㅤ 🎟 L’observatoire de la tour Montparnasse est ouvert tous les jours de 9h30 à 23h30 🎟 Paris Montparnasse observation deck is open everyday from 9:30am to 11:30pm ㅤ Use #tourmontparnasse & tag us on your photos and videos 🤍 ㅤ Paris Montparnasse is a @magni.city experience 🏙 ㅤ #montparnassetower #montparnasse #paris #francephoto #hello_france #hello_rooftops #rooftopparis #visitparis #paris_maville #parisjetaime #leonmarchant #paralympique #jeuxparalympiques #paralympics #parisparalympics #paralympics2024 #parisolympics #olympics2024 #paris2024 #jo2024 #olympicgames #jeuxolympiques #olympicrings #anneauxolympiques #parisphotographer #stadetoureiffel #eiffeltowerstadium

Septembre nous offre très souvent de magnifiques couchers de soleil à Paris, et l’un des meilleurs spots pour en profiter c’est le rooftop de l’observatoire de la tour Montparnasse 🌇📍 ㅤ September often offers us magnificent sunsets in Paris, and one of the best spots to enjoy them is the rooftop of the Montparnasse tower observatory 🌇📍 ㅤ 📸 by @imzefyr ㅤ 🎟 Ouvert tous les jours de 9h30 à 23h30 (dernière montée 23h) 🎟 Open everyday from 9:30am to 11:30pm (last lift 11pm) ㅤ Use #tourmontparnasse & tag us on your photos and videos 🤍 ㅤ Paris Montparnasse is a @magni.city experience 🏙 ㅤ #montparnassetower #montparnasse #paris #francephoto #hello_france #hello_rooftops #rooftopparis #visitparis #paris_maville #parisjetaime #toureiffel #eiffeltower #paris2024 #jo2024 #olympicgames #jeuxolympiques #paralympics #parisparalympics #visitparisregion #parislafense #jeuxparalympiques #eiffelofficielle #parisphotographer #parissunset #frenchvisuals #stadetoureiffel #eiffeltowerstadium

POV : Tu profites du plus beau panorama de la plus belle ville du monde : Paris 🤩 📍 Observatoire de la tour Montparnasse, 56ème étage POV: You’re enjoying the most beautiful panorama of the most beautiful city in the world: Paris 🤩 📍 Montparnasse tower observatory, 56th floor 🎬 @imzefyr 🎟 Ouvert tous les jours de 9h30 à 23h30 (dernière montée 23h) 🎟 Open everyday from 9:30am to 11:30pm (last lift 11pm) Use #tourmontparnasse & tag us on your photos and videos  🤍 Paris Montparnasse is a @magni.city experience 🏙 _________________
 #parisjetaime #tourmontparnasse #montparnassetower #paris #paris2024 #jo2024 #frenchvisuals #toureiffel #eiffelofficielle  #visitparis #eiffeltower #olympicgames #jeuxolympiques #panoramicview #panorama #paralympics #jeuxparalympiques #invalides #hoteldesinvalides

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• The Montparnasse Tower

Montparnasse Tower tickets and tours

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Montparnasse tower 56th floor tickets

Book your ticket for the Tour Montparnasse and go up to the 56th floor of the tower to enjoy the best panoramic view of Paris!

Arts in Montparnasse tour with guide on your smartphone

Enjoy an audio-guided tour of Montparnasse, the heart of Parisian artistic and intellectual life in the first half of the 20th century.

Best of Artists in Paris, 3 audioguided tours on your smartphone

Visit Montmartre, Montparnasse and the Street Art district at your own pace and customize your itinerary as you wish with this audio-guided tour on your smartphone!

Go City | Paris All-Inclusive Pass

With the Go City® All-Inclusive Paris Pass enjoy access to many sites, art galleries and monuments, hop-on hop-off bus and sightseeing tours.

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Tickets for the Centre Pompidou permanent collection

Book your entrance tickets to visit the permanent collection of Centre Pompidou!

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The inside story

The Montparnasse tower is the tallest skyscraper in Paris, and probably the most beautiful viewpoint of the capital. This unique view overlooking Paris is located at 200 meters above sea level and offers a 360° view of the capital up to 40 km away when the weather is favorable. It is even possible to see the planes takingoff from the Orly airport!

Entirely renovated in 2005 and then in 2011, the site offers two levels of visit:

• The 56th floor, covered, with many facilities to better understand the city and its history: interactive terminals and panoramas, historical photo exhibition of Paris. This level also offers a bar and a souvenir shop.
• The open-air terrace of 8611 sq ft has been designed to make the most of the unobstructed view of Paris via large windows. A champagne bar is open during the summer.

How to get there