They say that the Montparnasse tower is the most beautiful place in Paris because it is the only one from which you cannot see it. A monument generally rejected by Parisians but praised by all those travelers who come to the City of Love in search of contrasts and some of the best views.
Did we go up to the top floor of the Montparnasse tower?
Introduction to the Montparnasse tower
The origin of the also known as tour Montparnasse was born in the Mount Parnassus, a leveled hill in 1725 that would attract the attention of some of the brothels, venues and cabarets most sought after of the time, especially because in this area, more specifically in Carrer de la Gaité, the owners did not pay taxes on alcoholic beverages. A golden opportunity that was strengthened by the presence of cafes still present today such as La Rotonde or Le Select, opened at the beginning of the XNUMXth century.
Starting in 1930, the area's neglect coincided with plans by the SNFC, France's main railway company to change a station that was no longer useful. A fact that coincided with an urban planning plan that, despite its timid beginnings, was strengthened in the late 50s, at which time the idea of building the Montparnasse tower began to take shape in the circles of the city despite from the barrage of criticism regarding its excessive height.
After calling a contest, Urbain Cassan, Eugène Beaudoin, Louis de Hoÿm de Marien and Jean Saubout become the architects chosen to build the tower, whose first stone was laid in 1970. Finally, on June 18, 1973 it was inaugurated with 209 meters high, being the tallest building in Paris until the renovation of the tour Fist de La Défense 2010 in the year.
Although over time, the Parisian collective has criticized the tower's unsightly concept on more than one occasion, the truth is that the skyscraper has become the epicenter of a Montparnasse neighborhood full of interesting plans, in addition to assuming one from the best viewpoints in Paris when it comes to obtaining a perfect panoramic view with the Eiffel Tower in the background.
What to do at the Montparnasse tower
Located on 33 Maine Avenue, the Montparnasse tower is currently located opposite the train station of the same name, being the main headquarters of several offices of the Mutuelle Génerale de L'Éducation Nationale, an organization that occupies 52 floors and has up to 5.000 employees in your instalations.
Among the attractions, the most popular is the viewpoint located on the 56th floor, from which you can get some of the best views of Paris, especially at sunset. Unlike the viewpoint of the Eiffel Tower, the one of the Montparnasse Tower is much less crowded, the pass being assured without hardly queuing. The viewpoint itself includes an exhibition of old photographs of the city and different multimedia applications that explain interesting information about the area.
If you are also looking to have a bite, the same floor 56 houses a restaurant, Le Ciel de Paris, which offers a menu of French and international food, although its 360 café, the highest panoramic bar in EuropeInvites you to have a sandwich or a drink after approaching the viewpoint.
It is estimated that, in total, the Montparnasse tower receives an annual total of 600.000 visitors.
Useful information
When visiting the Montparnasse tower, you should take metro lines 4, 6, 12 and 13 with a stop at Montparnasse-Bienvenüe, while bus lines 28, 58, 82, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94 , 95 and 96 also include a stop next to the skyscraper.
Once you have arrived, try to do it within the tower's schedule, which is divided into two different seasons: from April 1 to September 30 from 09:30 a.m. to 23:30 p.m. and from October 1 to March 31, Sunday to Thursday from 09:30 to 22:30 and on Friday, Saturday and holidays from 09:30 to 23:00.
Regarding the prices for the Montparnasse tower, are these:
- Adults: 18 euros.
- Young people between 12 and 18 years old and students: 15 euros.
- Children between 4 and 11 years old: 9,50 euros.
- People with reduced mobility: 8,50 euros.
- Admission is free if you use the recommended Paris Pass.
What to visit near the Montparnasse tower
The Montparnasse area is one of the most vibrant in Paris, since its location on the left bank of Paris made it the place of artists such as Maupassant, De Beauvoir or Cortázar, being impregnated with that art so characteristic of the city.
Crossed by the Boulevard MontparnasseHere you can find different restaurants and places where you can have a glass of wine or succumb to different typical French dishes in a typically Parisian atmosphere.
If you also want to delight yourself with other specific tourist attractions, the Catacombs of Paris they are located near the tower. A network of tunnels of up to 300 kilometers that house the remains of 6 million people that from 1786 and the different epidemics that took place at this time were buried under the city in order to prevent the spread.
Another interesting place is also made up of Luxembourg gardens. Designed in 1612 following the wishes of Marie de Medici, these being the most central in Paris and ideal for a picnic In the summer months, rent a boat, enjoy different attractions aimed at the little ones and even participate in beekeeping workshops, since a large hive resides here.
If you travel to Paris and don't know where to start, the Montparnasse tower and its neighborhood become the best allies when it comes to discovering the city beyond the Eifeel Tower and Notre Dame. A contemporary icon that still reads the history of past centuries while committing to modernity and innovation, this being the best place when it comes to feeling the French capital in the palm of your hand.
Would you like to visit the Montparnasse tower?