What to see and do in the Montparnasse district in Paris? In which arrondissement is Montparnasse located? In the 14th arrondissement and a fun and safe district with a number of popular sights. A vibrant neighborhood full of art, history and one of the best views of Paris. The most famous highlights are the Tour Montparnasse with a beautiful viewpoint and the Catacombs. But also the Cimetière du Montparnasse cemetery and Fondation Cartier are worth a visit. At the beginning of the 20th century, the district was known as the beating heart of the artistic avant-garde. Just think of Picasso, Hemingway and Sartre, who came together here in famous cafés and studios.
Nowadays Montparnasse is a mix of trendy restaurants, historical places and modern high-rise buildings (the impressive tower ‘Tour Montparnasse’). Whether you like art, good food or simply want to experience the atmosphere, Montparnasse has something to offer everyone. From famous brasseries like La Coupole to hidden gardens and a fascinating underground world of tunnels and passages. You can go shopping in the large shopping street Rue de Rennes and there are also many nice shops in Gare Montparnasse. These are the best sights in Montparnasse, hotspots and the best places to enjoy culinary delights in this creative district.
TIP: discover the best boutique hotels in Montparnasse where you can spend the night.
• Fun to do: Tickets Cruise on the Seine by Bateaux Mouches (1h) →
• Nice combo: Tickets Louvre Museum + Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor or Summit →
1. Admire the beautiful view over Paris from the Montparnasse tower
Admire Paris without the hustle and bustle of the Eiffel Tower? The Tour Montparnasse is the most famous landmark of the district and offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city of light. In 38 seconds (!) you are on the 56th floor of the Tour Montparnasse. Then you can take the stairs to the 59th floor. With a glass platform and an open roof terrace you get a beautiful view and vantage point of icons such as the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Coeur. Especially at sunset it is a magical experience. There is also a restaurant Le Ciel de Paris on the 56th floor where you can eat quite affordably.
2. Go underground in the famous Catacombs
A visit to the catacombs in Paris is a unique and creepy experience that takes you to the dark underworld. Open to the public since 1809, the catacombs are an underground realm of tunnels filled with the bones and skulls of 6 million people. Over the centuries, the catacombs have had different functions. During World War II, the French Resistance used the tunnels as shelters and secret passages, while the German troops even built a bunker there. Around 500,000 people visit the corridors and tunnels every year. Buy your ticket in advance to avoid the queues. There is usually a long line.
3. Best restaurants in Montparnasse: fine dining and drinking in the 14th arrondissement
Montparnasse, once a vibrant center for artists and intellectuals, is home to some of Paris’ most iconic brasseries. Here are some recommendations, nice restaurants where you can eat and drink well.
• Our favorite restaurants & hotspots for culinary enjoyment in Montparnasse:
– La Coupole: famous classic brasserie in Montparnasse
– La Rotonde: iconic Parisian Brasserie with beautiful interior
– Le Petit Baigneur: family restaurant with a (h)onest French cuisine
– Poinçon Paris: dining in a former train station from 1867
– Restaurant le Dôme: one of the most famous fish restaurants in Paris
– Les Fondus de la Raclette: for fondue lovers, in chalet style
– Bouillon Chartier: famous French bouillon in Art Nouveau style
– Ramen Wang: popular place for Asian fusion dishes
– Maison Binder: vegetarian restaurant and hip lunch spot
– La Closerie des Lilas: legendary brasserie at Jardin du Luxembourg
• Read also: 10x Trendy & coolest restaurants in Paris right now →
4. Take a walk in Cimetière du Montparnasse
Opened in 1824, Montparnasse Cemetery is the second largest cemetery in Paris, after Père Lachaise, with an area of 19 hectares. The cemetery is located on the site of three former farms, including a monumental tower from one of the many flour mills. It is the final resting place of many great names, such as philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir and singer Serge Gainsbourg. Jacques Chirac is also buried here. An oasis of peace in the heart of the lively Montparnasse district.
5. Visit Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain
Are you a modern art lover? Fondation Cartier has changing exhibitions with cutting-edge artists and impressive glass architecture. The combination of art, technology and innovative concepts makes it one of the most dynamic museums in Paris. Moreover, the beautiful garden surrounding the building is a wonderful place to relax.
Good to know: from the end of 2025, the museum will move to the 1st arrondissement (near the Louvre)
6. Eat delicious crepes in Rue du Montparnasse
Rue du Montparnasse is known for its many Breton crêperies. Try a classic galette with ham and cheese or a sweet crêpe with Nutella. The cozy eateries and the smell of freshly baked crêpes make this a delicious stop during your discovery of the district. Here you can taste real French cuisine at its best. Bon appétit.
• Read also: 6x Best crêperies in Paris for sweet crêpes and galettes →
7. Rue Daguerre: one of the nicest market streets in Paris
Rue Daguerre is a charming, lively street, known for its cosy market atmosphere and local boutiques. Here you can stroll past artisanal bakeries, excellent cheese shops and colourful greengrocers. The street was also made famous by French filmmaker Agnès Varda, who lived here and used it as a setting for her film Daguerréotypes. A great place to get a taste of real Parisian life, away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist hotspots.
8. Guided walking tour of Montparnasse with visit to the tower
Explore the Montparnasse district with a guide and learn about the area’s rich history and culture, from theaters to World War II to the local joie de vivre. Your guide will provide entertaining commentary as you stroll the quaint streets, including the famous Boulevard de Montparnasse and the leafy Montparnasse Cemetery. The tour ends at the Montparnasse Tower, nearly 210 meters high and the only skyscraper in Paris. Learn about the tower and take the elevator with your guide to the observation deck at the top (ticket included). Enjoy the city’s best view of the Eiffel Tower from here.
9. Discover Rue de la Gaîté: theatres and vibrant nightlife
This street is known for its theatres and vibrant nightlife. Here you will find some of the oldest and most renowned theatres in Paris, where you can enjoy plays, cabaret and stand-up comedy. The cosy bars and restaurants make it a perfect place for a night out. Whether you like classical theatre or modern shows, you will be in the right place here.
10. Relax in Parc Montsouris and Jardin Atlantique
Parc Montsouris is one of those hidden places in Paris where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city with winding paths, a large lake with elegant swans and lush lawns where locals relax with a book. Architect Jean-Charles Alphand designed the park in the 19th century, and it still exudes that classic Parisian charm.
Hidden above the large Montparnasse train station is a modern city garden, Jardin Atlantique. The architecture of the park is surprisingly modern and forms a beautiful contrast with the classic atmosphere of the neighborhood. Bring a picnic and enjoy a moment of peace in this hidden gem.
