Montparnasse Tower (Tour Montparnasse)

The Basics

Designed by architects Eugène Beaudouin, Urbain Cassan, and Louis de Hoÿm de Marien, the 59-story Montparnasse Tower irrevocably altered the Paris cityscape. Following its construction, the city levied a ban on new buildings exceeding seven stories; while that stricture has been relaxed somewhat in recent years, the tower still stands out from the rest of the city.

Its looks may not inspire rapturous praise, but its views certainly do. The building’s observation deck includes both indoor and outdoor viewing areas. From its heights, most of the City of Light can be glimpsed, from the Eiffel Tower to Sacré Coeur and beyond. Various ticket packages cater to individual visitors and groups; you can also explore Montparnasse Tower on a private Paris tour or glimpsed it in passing on a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Montparnasse Tower’s observation deck is poised 656 feet (200 meters) above street level, and the elevator that ferries visitors to the top is among the fastest in Europe.

• The observation deck is equipped with interactive kiosks and touchscreens that will help you spot key Paris landmarks.

• Two-entry tickets to the Montparnasse Tower, available for a small additional fee, let visitors take in both daytime and evening skyline views.

• The tower’s gourmet restaurant, le Ciel de Paris (the Paris Sky), is the highest panoramic eatery in town.

How to Get There

The Montparnasse Tower, located in the 15th arrondissement, is just adjacent to the Gare Montparnasse: one of Paris’ largest train stations, which is served by numerous train lines, including the TGV. It also stands above the Montparnasse – Bienvenüe Métro station, which is accessible by lines 4, 6, 12, and 13.

When to Get There

The Montparnasse Tower is open to visitors seven days a week, 365 days per year, from 9:30am–11:30pm. If you can, avoid visiting during foggy or rainy days, or times of low visibility. Sunny days and neon-lit evenings both offer top-notch sightseeing potential.

What’s Next for the Montparnasse Tower

It’s true that the Montparnasse Tower’s looks are oft-maligned, but that’s poised to change. Inspired by the 2024 Paris Olympics, the tower’s facade will undergo a complete renovation in the coming years that promises to give it contemporary flair.

Ways to explore

The Montparnasse Tower’s appearance may not inspire rapturous praise, but its 360-degree views certainly do. The building’s sky-high observation deck includes both indoor and outdoor viewing areas, ideal for all weather. You can take in most of the City of Light from its heights, with a panorama stretching from the Eiffel Tower to the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur and beyond. Various ticket packages are available for individuals or groups, and the attraction is included in the Paris Pass. You can also explore the tower on a private Paris tour by car or e-bike, or glimpse it in passing during a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Accessibility

The indoor observation area on the 56th floor is wheelchair accessible; the outdoor terrace is not, as it’s accessed via stairs.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera and battery pack, sun hat

What to wear

Comfortable clothing and shoes, sunscreen, layers

Not allowed

Outside food and drink, glass bottles

Amenities

Wi-Fi, interactive kiosk maps, gift shop, café

Address

The Montparnasse Tower is located in the 15th arrondissement, south of the city center, and is adjacent to main train and metro stations. Though it’s too far to walk from most of the city’s top sights, public transportation routes to the tower are fast and easy.

Driving

There is paid parking directly under the Montparnasse Tower, and several main city avenues lead directly to the building, so getting there by car is relatively straightforward. However, driving in Paris is stressful; travel by public transportation to avoid the hassle.

Public transportation

The Montparnasse Tower is located next to Gare Montparnasse, one of Paris’ largest train stations, which is served by numerous train lines, including the TGV. It also stands above the Montparnasse–Bienvenüe metro station, which is accessible by lines 4, 6, 12, and 13. At least 10 different city bus routes stop near the tower, as well.

Best times to visit

Top-notch views await both by day and evening, but tour groups generally stop by during the peak hours in the middle of the day. Visit in the morning or from late afternoon to closing time to sidestep the crowds.

Best days to visit

Avoid visiting during foggy conditions, rainy days, or times of low visibility. Sunny days and neon-lit evenings both offer unforgettable panoramic potential.

Best months to visit

Visiting from April through October to enjoy the outdoor rooftop terrace; it’s open all year round, but the open-air viewing deck is chilly in winter.

Special events

The observation decks often host events, including yoga classes and art exhibitions. Check the tower’s website for updated information.