From the breathtaking view from the Tour Montparnasse to bohemian cafés, intimate museums and unusual experiences, get ready for a unique moment in the authentic Montparnasse district.
To guide you, here are my recommendations for must-see places to visit in the area.
Let’s start by looking at these places on a map:
Tour Montparnasse
33 Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris
In addition to offering a superb gastronomic menu, this establishment also allows visitors to enjoy the experience of an unobstructed view of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Coeur.
Go up to the 56th floor to enjoy the incredible panorama of the City of Light, as well as a small exhibition relating the history of the tower. You’ll be able to see as far as 40km.
We love:
- The breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower, perhaps the best in Paris.
- Binoculars are provided so that you can get a closer look at the monuments.
Book your visit to the Tour Montparnasse (and benefit from an exclusive discount of over 10% with the combined offer of a cruise on the Seine).
Le Ciel de Paris
33 Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris
In this panoramic restaurant situated at the top of the Tour Montparnasse, you can enjoy a meal while admiring the breathtaking view of the capital.
Le Ciel de Paris offers an exceptional culinary experience in an elegant and refined setting.
Thus, you’ll be able to admire the lights of the city and the emblematic monuments of Paris while savoring tasty and inventive dishes prepared with fresh, seasonal produce.
Among these delights is the roasted duckling filet with a fresh apricot stir fry accompanied by a melting sweet potato cream and vitelotte potato chips.
We love:
- The romantic, prestigious setting of this panoramic restaurant.
- The pavé of salmon lacquered with spices and linseed, accompanied by a broccoli cream, a vegetal salad and crunchy fennel.
Price: €32 for the 2-course menu – €42 for the 3-course menu.
Jardin Atlantique
Place des Cinq Martyrs du Lycée Buffon, 75015 (9 minutes on foot from the Tour Montparnasse)
Located above the Montparnasse train station and its TGV tracks, this suspended theme garden extends over 3 hectares, perfect for a long stroll.
Sports facilities are also provided, including ping-pong tables, a body-building area, tennis courts and numerous play areas for children.
The (almost secret) access to the garden can be reached from the Place des Martyrs du Lycée Buffon, or by walking along the right-hand side of the number 20 tracks. Few Parisians, and even fewer tourists, know about this enchanting place.
We love:
- The garden’s completely unusual location
- The anonymity of this little-known site.
- Discovering the Jardin Atlantique.
Discover the Jardin Atlantique (website in French)
Catacombs of Paris
1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy (17 minutes from the Tour Montparnasse on foot)
Immerse yourself in Paris’ underground history with a visit to the Catacombs.
This network of galleries is home to ancient quarries and fascinating ossuaries. As you go down into the depths of the city, you’ll discover a place full of history.
The visit is a unique experience that will give you a better understanding of the complexity of the Parisian underground and the capital’s history.
We love:
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The mysterious and intriguing aspect of this extraordinary tour.
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The audioguide, which ensures an instructive visit.
Read more: Visiting the Catacombs of Paris: Is It Worth It?
Book your visit to the Catacombs.
Musée de la Poste
34 Boulevard de Vaugirard, 7015 Paris (8 minutes on foot from the Tour Montparnasse)
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The Musée de la Poste offers you the chance to discover the history of mail and stamps through its interactive exhibitions on 4 floors.
Learn more about the different stages of mail delivery, from the first stamps to modern postal innovations, as well as the professions of La Poste [french postal service] in this unusual museum.
We love: The rare stamp collections and postal-related objects on display.
Visit the Musée de la Poste
Notre-Dame-du-Travail church
59 Rue de Vercingétorix, 75014 Paris (8 minutes from the Tour Montparnasse on foot)
This church of singular architecture was built at the end of the 19th century for the local workers.
Designed by architect Jules-Godefroy Astruc, the church is a true masterpiece of engineering, with its iron arches and cast-iron pillars.
Inside, you’ll be charmed by the church’s luminosity and sobriety, offering a peaceful and warm atmosphere.
We love:
- The original, industrial style of this unusual Parisian church.
- The colorful stained glass windows that illuminate the interior.
Visit the Notre-Dame-du-Travail church (website in French)
Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain
261 boulevard Raspail, 751014 Paris (12 minutes from the Tour Montparnasse on foot)
Since 1984, the aim of this institution has been to promote and support international contemporary artistic creation through various activities (exhibitions, various events, shows, new acquisitions, allocation of funds, publication of books and catalogs).
The Fondation covers a wide range of disciplines, including painting, sculpture, video, sound, design and photography.
The Fondation specializes in the acquisition of large-scale works of art, and its 1,200 m² of exhibition space enables it to bring together a highly varied collection of over 1,000 works by 300 different artists.
What’s more, every year the Fondation tries to promote new artists and new artistic movements.
We love :
- Its beautiful gardens
- The commitment of the Fondation to new artists and artistic trends.
Visit the Fondation Cartier
Atelier Brancusi
11 Impasse Ronsin, (12 minutes on foot from the Tour Montparnasse)
Discover the studio of Constantin Brancusi, a renowned 20th-century sculptor.
A journey into the artist’s creative world awaits you in this studio which is an exact replica of the original.
You can admire some of his iconic works and learn more about his art as you wander through the various rooms of the studio, which perfectly reflect the atmosphere of his era.
We love:
- The collection of iconic Brancusi sculptures.
- The unique history of the studio, reconstructed since the artist’s death.
Discover the Atelier Brancusi
Paris Observatory
61 avenue de l’Observatoire, 75014 Paris (20 minutes on foot from the Tour Montparnasse)
This building is the oldest observatory in the world.
Founded in 1667, it was designed as a citadel of science, with a distinct main building composed of a square tower and two large domes, both housing astronomical telescopes.
The guided tour lasts two hours and introduces you to the history of the Observatory from its foundation to the present day.
Educational tours are also open on specific dates throughout the year.
We love: The immersion in the history of science and astronomy, a unique and enriching experience.
Visit the Paris Observatory
Enchanthé Bubble Tea
17 Rue Vavin, 75006 Paris (12 minutes from the Tour Montparnasse on foot)
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The Bubble Tea Café is an original establishment offering a wide variety of bubble teas in delicious and surprising fruity flavors.
This delicious Asian beverage is a Taiwanese blend of tea or herbal tea with milk or fruit, topped with tapioca pearls or fruit/jelly bubbles.
We love: The many creative and refreshing flavor combinations, such as the bubble tea with green tea, raspberry and tapioca pearls.
Website (in French)
Closerie des Lilas
171 Boulevard du Montparnasse, (14 minutes on foot from the Tour Montparnasse)
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This historic literary café has been home to writers such as Hemingway and Apollinaire.
The restaurant and brasserie menus include gourmet dishes, tasting platters, classic starters and desserts.
The café has a terrace, as well as an elegant fully glazed interior, including the ceiling, so that you can enjoy a breathtaking view during your meal.
Prices: dishes from €20 – tasting platters from €50.
We love:
- The Hemingway beef filet
- The pianist-singer playing in the café.
Musée Bourdelle
18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle (8 minutes from the Tour Montparnasse on foot)
Art lovers will appreciate the intimate, artistic atmosphere of this 19th-century museum.
There, you can discover the fascinating works of sculptor Antoine Bourdelle. You’ll be immersed in the creative world of this renowned sculptor, surrounded by his bronze and marble sculptures, which even decorate the museum’s garden.
The museum also offers exhibitions and activities for children and families throughout the year.
We love: The delightful garden in which some of the works are displayed.
Visit the Musée Bourdelle
Brutus
28 Rue de la Gaité, 75014 Paris (6 minutes on foot from the Tour Montparnasse)
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At Brutus, you’ll be able to enjoy delicacies made with fresh produce. You’ll discover a varied selection of wheat and buckwheat crêpes, as well as galettes and high-quality cider.
In this restaurant where everything is homemade, prepare to be enchanted by original flavors like the galette Paulette, a true delight combining the oriental flavors of tajine, the Mediterranean notes of eggplant and an original touch with celery chips.
What’s more, it’s the perfect place for a gourmet break before or after a show at one of the many theaters on the street.
We love:
- Its small sunny terrace.
- The Jacqueline galette, an exquisite creation combining fresh goat’s cheese, honey and walnuts.
Website (in French)
Trantranzai
47 Bd du Montparnasse, 75006 Paris (7 minutes on foot from the Tour Montparnasse)
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In this restaurant famous for its tasty noodles and delicious ravioli, you’ll have the opportunity to discover Chinese cuisine, and more specifically Sichuanese.
Originality takes the spotlight with dazzling decor, where lanterns and LEDs fill the space, recreating the enchanting atmosphere of Chinese night markets
Vegetarian options are plentiful, for both starters and main courses, and portions are generously sized.
As a side dish, discover the delicious bubble teas, and for those with a sweet tooth, the establishment also offers desserts such as matcha panna cotta.
We love:
- The beef noodle soup, a dish made with tender, melting beef and creamy noodles.
- The vegetarian ravioli, stuffed with celery, carrot and sweet potato vermicelli.
- The wonderfully colorful decor adds to the uniqueness of the place.
Website (in French)
Studio des Ursulines
10 Rue des Ursulines 75005 Paris (20 minutes from the Tour Montparnasse on foot)
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This cinema is adapted for young audiences and offers both independent films that are difficult to distribute and classics.
The Studio des Ursulines offers an original and eclectic program that will delight all movie lovers.
You’ll discover a superb cinema with a sumptuous decor, dressed in red velvet and adorned with a theater or opera-style balcony, elegantly reminiscent of the old movie theaters.
We love:
- The retro, intimate atmosphere of this cinema.
- The selection of alternative and little-known movies.
Discover the Studio des Ursulines (website in French)
Food Society Paris
68 Av. du Maine, 75014 Paris (4 minutes on foot from the Tour Montparnasse)
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The Food Society Paris is a food court, or dining space, that brings together 15 different restaurants, offering a wide variety of cuisines in a single location.
The advantages of a food court lie in the culinary diversity it offers, allowing you to choose from a wide selection of dishes ranging from local specialties to international cuisines, such as falafel, empanadas or burgers.
In the outdoor area, you’ll regularly come across DJ sets or other types of events.
We love: The Syrian cuisine stand, especially falafel and eggplant caviar.
Les Fondus de la Raclette
209 Bd Raspail, 75014 Paris ( 9 minutes on foot from the Tour Montmartre)
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In this charming little mountain chalet-style restaurant, you’ll discover the delights of Savoyard specialties.
The restaurant offers three formulas, as well as a variety of starters, hearty raclettes with charcuterie and unlimited potatoes, and fondues served with salad and unlimited bread.
The establishment also offers grilled food, mountain specialties and gourmet desserts.
We love :
- The tartiflette
- The onion soup
Prices: raclette and fondue from €22.
Escape Game “Nightmare in Room 7”
147 Rue de Vaugirard, 75015 Paris (12 minutes from the Tour Montparnasse on foot)
In this one-hour escape game for groups of 3 to 6 people, you’ll enjoy a unique immersive experience.
Doctor Zibn’s escape game will take you to the heart of a life-size horror film.
In this adventure, you’ll have to solve riddles as a team and escape traps. Everything is fictitious and safe for a fun adventure.
Price: €96 for 3 people
We love:
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The uniquely immersive experience that immerses players in the heart of a life-size horror film, an unforgettable experience for thrills lovers.
Information and Booking (in French)
Ceramics workshop
42 rue Raymond Losserand, 75014 Paris (11 minutes on foot from the Tour Montparnasse)
In this 2-hour workshop, you can explore the universe of ceramics.
For groups of up to 7 people, you’ll learn the basics of pottery and create your own earthenware pieces.
After the workshop, your pieces will be carefully enameled and then fired at 1000 degrees.
Price: €60 per person.
We love:
- You can pick up your final creations a few days later, and use them as you wish.
- The enriching experience and satisfaction of creating and preserving your own handcrafted pieces.
Information and Booking (in French)
Drawing workshop & cultural tour
241 Bd Raspail, 75014 Paris (9 minutes on foot from the Tour Montparnasse)
During this three-hour workshop for groups of up to 10 people, your trainer will take you on a tour of iconic locations such as Campagne Première street and the Atelier Bourdelle.
What’s more, you’ll be introduced to architectural drawing, calligraphy, volumes and live sketches.
Materials will be provided, and as a bonus, you’ll receive a sketchbook and a drink to make this experience even more memorable.
We love:
- In addition to practicing art, your guide will enhance the walk with historical and cultural anecdotes, making every step of the excursion enriching and entertaining.
- A complete experience that combines technical learning and artistic creativity.
Price: €40 per person
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
