Montparnasse

The Basics

Named after Mount Parnassus—the mountain in Greek mythology where the Muses were said to reside—Montparnasse has long had a reputation for creativity and intellectual daring. The neighborhood experienced its golden age—or its Années Folles (Crazy Years), as the period is known locally—during the 1910s and ‘20s, when internationally renowned artists and writers including Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani, Man Ray, Max Ernst, James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway, André Breton, and Marc Chagall called the neighborhood home.

Today, Montparnasse is home to the Tour Montparnasse, the city’s only skyscraper; visitors also flock to the Montparnasse Cemetery, the Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain, and the Catacombs of Paris. You can take a tour of all four; alternatively, hop-on hop-off bus tours, bike tours, and walking tours provide a general neighborhood overview.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Tour Montparnasse, which debuted in 1973, is the city’s only skyscraper, and its 56th-floor observation deck provides some of the best views in town.

• The Montparnasse Cemetery is the second-largest in Paris, after Père Lachaise, and contains the graves of many top artists and other creatives.

• The macabre Catacombs of Paris were first established in the late 18th century, and they contain the remains of more than 6 million people.

How to Get There

The Gare Montparnasse is one of Paris’ largest and most important railway stations, and includes numerous train services, including the TGV. Additionally, the Montparnasse – Bienvenüe Métro station includes connections to the 4, 6, 12, and 13 lines. Other stations in the neighborhood include Vavin (line 4), Raspail (lines 4 and 6), Edgar Quinet (line 6), and Port-Royal (RER B). Alternatively, travel by bus or taxi, or explore on foot or by bicycle.

When to Get There

As one of Paris’ busiest and most vibrant neighborhoods, Montparnasse is destination-worthy throughout the year. Explore sights like the Montparnasse Cemetery during the day and venture to the top of the Tour Montparnasse in the evening to savor aerial views of Paris’ neon-lit cityscape.

Restaurants and Cafés in Montparnasse

Montparnasse’s history comes to life at the cafes and restaurants that were once favored by famous artists—La Coupole, Le Dôme, and La Closerie des Lilas are all still open today. The neighborhood is also renowned for its many Breton crêperies; don’t leave without indulging in a salted butter caramel crêpe.

Is Montparnasse worth a visit?

Yes, a visit to Montparnasse is a highlight of Paris’ left bank, with cafés, leafy parks, and cultural attractions like Montparnasse Tower. This towering skyscraper might not look like much from the street, but it’s worth venturing up for sweeping Paris views without the long lines of the Eiffel Tower.

Are tours of Montparnasse free?

No. Most Montparnasse tours are fee-based activities led by tour guides. These professionally guided tours help visitors get oriented in the neighborhood and offer historical info, insider tips, and fun facts. For lower-cost options, look for self-guided smartphone or audio tours featuring this bustling Paris enclave.

What is Montparnasse famous for?

Montparnasse has long been known as a neighborhood that draws a creative crowd; Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and Pablo Picasso were among the neighborhood’s earlier champions, putting Montparnasse on the map in the early 20th century. Other Montparnasse claims-to-fame include the Catacombs of Paris, a major historical attraction.

How long is a tour of Montparnasse?

On the shorter end, tours can cover the neighborhood highlights in about an hour. For a visit to Montparnasse Tower (Tour Montparnasse), most visitors with prebooked tickets stay for around an hour. This covers time to climb up, scope out the views, and grab a coffee from the bar.

Do you need to book tours of Montparnasse?

Yes. For most Paris walking tours, it’s better to book ahead so you can take the Montparnasse tour that works for you. To visit Montparnasse Tower (Tour Montparnasse), there are no guided tours, but you can prebook entry—especially important in summer—to avoid waiting in admission lines.

How many floors are there in Montparnasse?

There are 59 floors in the Montparnasse Tower, most of which are offices. The Panoramic Space on floor 56 is open to the public, has a restaurant, and is accessible via elevator. The other public area is the Terrace on floor 59, which is accessible via a 3-story staircase climb.

Ways to explore

Named after Mount Parnassus—a mountain in Greek mythology where the muses were said to reside—Montparnasse is a fitting moniker for a district that has long had a reputation for creativity and intellectual daring. Guided and self-guided walking tours of the neighborhood bring its early 20th-century golden age—or années folles (crazy years)—to life, with stories of famed residents such as Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway. City tours typically visit the Tour Montparnasse, Montparnasse Cemetery, the Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain, and the Catacombs of Paris. Many evening experiences offer a taste of the années folles with a show at Crazy Horse Paris.

Accessibility

Much of Montparnasse is wheelchair accessible, but you can only reach the Tour Montparnasse’s rooftop terrace by stairs (an elevator takes you to the 56th-floor observatory).

Age limits

All ages are welcome, but some tours and experiences may include stories unsuitable for kids about the district’s hedonist past.

What to pack

Camera, cash for tips

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layered clothing

Not allowed

Loud talking is frowned upon in Paris, especially in restaurants, as is eating on the go.

Amenities

Shopping, dining, restrooms (including in the train station and by the cemetery), Wi-Fi

Address

Montparnasse is on the left bank of the Seine, centered on the Boulevard de Montparnasse and Rue de Rennes. You can travel to the area by taxis, rideshare services, or there are multiple options by public transport.

Driving

You could drive to Montparnasse, but navigating traffic and parking is stressful in Paris. Hail a cab or book a rideshare instead.

Public transportation

Metro lines 4, 6, 12, and 13 stop at Montparnasse-Bienvenüe station, and take RER B to Port-Royal, a 10-minute walk. Bus lines 38, 83, and 95 serve the area.

Best times to visit

Early morning to beat the crowds at museums and attractions, or come in the evening to see the city lit up from the Tour Montparnasse.

Best days to visit

Attractions are typically less busy on weekdays.

Best months to visit

September to November boast smaller crowds, mild temperatures, and fall foliage.

Special events

On Friday evenings, rollerbladers and bikers take over the streets during the weekly Pari Roller.