Today, I'm taking you on a tour of the Tour Montparnasse (Montparnasse Tower) and its breathtaking view of Paris. A skyscraper in the heart of one the capital's bustling districts, it offers a 360° view of the city, almost, thanks to a panoramic observatory situated around 656 feet above sea level.
Is it worth the trip? What's the history of this building and how will it undergo significant change in the upcoming years? Which landmarks can you spot when at the top? Let's delve into its history and gather some practical advice if you wish to visit: ticket prices, opening hours, access, and more.
The (controversial) construction of the Tour Montparnasse
Even today, the Montparnasse Tower stands as a debated addition to the Paris skyline... but opposition was even more pronounced when it was first constructed! A quick historical overview:
In the 1930s, the area faced challenges. The Montparnasse train station was becoming insufficient for the growing number of passengers, and many buildings in the district were in dire straits. This prompted authorities to reimagine the district's layout.
As with many grand projects, it took time to secure the ideal architects and plans. The more spacious Montparnasse station, familiar to us today, was eventually reconstructed in the late 1960s. During this period, André Malraux, the renowned writer and then-minister, greenlit the project to construct a skyscraper beside the new station.
Plans soon included a shopping mall at the tower's base to rejuvenate the district further. However, many found the tower's imposing height contentious. This tall structure "disrupted" the traditional Parisian skyline with its dark glass and concrete facade.
Despite criticisms, the Tour Montparnasse reached impressive elevations. Construction spanned just over 3 years, including deep foundations (230 feet), a sturdy framework of 56 reinforced concrete pillars, and special accommodations for the metro line running below. Ultimately, the 59-story building ascended to approximately 686 feet. The grand opening was on June 18, 1973.
Decades later, some critics remain vocal, even if the tower has earned its place in Paris. In 2008, it was unfortunately dubbed the second ugliest building globally, following Boston's City Hall. It also ranks as France's second-tallest skyscraper, next to the Tour First in the La Défense business district.
A new face for Tour Montparnasse
The building's future looks promising as efforts are made to endear it to Parisians. A proposal by the Nouvelle AOM architectural collective was recently approved to renovate the Tour Montparnasse, ensuring it melds seamlessly with the city.
The transformative vision includes:
- ... enhancing its green credentials with a hanging garden and an additional floor designated for an agricultural greenhouse;
- ... modernizing it for today's environmental challenges, incorporating photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient windows;
- ... refreshing its aesthetic to dispel its current grim reputation, favoring transparent glazing.
Although the renovations have been postponed, primarily due to asbestos removal needs, this project promises to reshape the Tour Montparnasse's image for years to come.
Whether you appreciate the architecture or not, one thing's undeniable: the vista from the pinnacle is a must-see! It's also a unique chance to marvel at a bird's-eye view of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower. From the Tour Montparnasse's rooftop, it takes center stage.
Ascending the Tour Montparnasse
Presently, the edifice functions primarily as an office building, so not all floors are open to the public.
However, for visitors eager to reach the summit, there's the elevator. The tower boasts 25 elevators, but the one destined for tourists is special—it travels directly from the ground to the 56th floor without stopping. It's swift, and you might even feel a slight pressure change during the ascent!
Its speed was curtailed in 2009 (from approximately 20 ft/s to roughly 16.5 ft/s). In a mere 38 seconds, you can ascend the tower's 56 stories. This rapid journey concludes at the Tour Montparnasse's panoramic observatory, which showcases a splendid Parisian panorama.
The Panoramic Observatory
The viewing space spans two levels:
- The 56th floor is indoors (cozy during winter) and includes amenities like a café, fine dining restaurant, boutique, restrooms, and interactive displays. This level is wheelchair accessible;
- The 59th floor, accessible by stairs, is an outdoor terrace. Spanning roughly 8,600 square feet, it presents an aerial view of Paris from a height of 656 feet. On a clear day, you can gaze as far as 25 miles. During summer, a rooftop bar provides the perfect spot to watch the sunset while sipping a beverage.
The 57th and 58th floors remain closed to the public.
For visitors in 2023, the terrace was inaccessible for 3 months due to the termination of the operating lease by the condominium association. After a legal challenge, the premises were permitted to reopen on July 14, 2023.
Here, the space on the 56th floor:
And next, the terrace:
It's encircled by glass panels to deter any tragic incidents, and some gaps are left open for photography. There are also spyglasses available to magnify specific details of the cityscape.
View of Paris from the Montparnasse Tower
So, what can you see? The tower provides an all-encompassing view of the city. Whether you visit during the day, night, or at sunset, each moment offers distinct contrasts and colors, providing opportunities to identify notable landmarks.
Here’s the Alexandre III Bridge, with the Grand Palais looming just behind:
Far off, you can spot Mont Valérien in Suresnes, a significant historical and commemorative site:
There are the eye-catching matte-gold domes of the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, standing distinct amidst the more typical Parisian rooftops:
Observe the Basilique Sainte-Clotilde and, right behind it, the Assemblée Nationale (national assembly):
Spot the church of Saint-Augustin, with the Concorde obelisk and the Hôtel de Crillon making a grand appearance up front:
The iconic Arc de Triomphe, appearing subtly amid the urban sprawl:
Here, the elevated section of the metro line 6 stands out, accompanied by the green expanse of the Avenue de Suffren:
Take a gander at the Parc André-Citroën with its soaring hot-air balloon, the Ballon de Paris. Beyond that, you can spot the "Ici c'est Paris" signs of the Parc des Princes, the iconic home of football club Paris Saint-Germain:
Laid before you is the Necker-Enfants malades hospital, a premier institution in Europe for pediatric and adolescent care:
The unmistakable Paris Observatory, can be identified by its bright white dome:
I also recommend visiting The Pantheon for the stunning views it provides of Paris when its dome is open, typically from April to October.
At the Montparnasse Cemetery, you'll find the resting places of renowned figures such as Serge Gainsbourg, Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, André Citroën (the namesake of the car brand), Alain Resnais, Philippe Noiret, Serge Reggiani, journalist Yves Mourousi, Maurice Pialat, Jean Poiret, and many more.
Don't miss the Jardin du Luxembourg and Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, which is currently undergoing reconstruction!
I captured a photo of the cathedral at sunset a few years back, showcasing its original spire.
You can also spot the Church of Saint-Sulpice:
Be sure to also see the Tour Saint Jacques and the Centre Pompidou, two other landmarks in Paris.
The Tuileries Garden and a section of the Louvre Museum (with the Louvre pyramid obscured from view)
The hill of Montmartre and the Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur. Just beyond, the silhouette of the Stade de France aligns with it.
The rooftops of the Paris Opera House, and in the foreground, Place Vendôme with its iconic column.
The gleaming dome of the Hôtel des Invalides.
And, unmistakably, the Eiffel Tower and Trocadero with the La Défense business district rising in the distance.
At sunset, the landscape is imbued with a magical aura.
There's a wealth to witness. I could continue for hours, but I trust you grasp the essence: from the top of the Tour Montparnasse, nearly every iconic monument in Paris is visible. It’s an opportunity to explore the city's intricate architecture in detail — churches, distinguished structures, institutions, universities, schools. Essentially, the rich heritage of the city unfolds before you, much like an open-air museum!
Visiting the Tour Montparnasse: Practical Information
Where is the Tour Montparnasse located?
The tower stands on the esplanade across from the Montparnasse train station in Paris, at 33 Avenue du Maine in the 15th arrondissement. The entrance to the "Top of the City" panoramic observatory is to the left of the building as you come out of the station.
After a security screening, you'll be directed to the elevators. So, there's no chance of getting lost!
Ticket Prices for the Top
You can reserve a ticket online in advance for $20 (or £15) per adult. Keep in mind that purchasing tickets on-site at the ticket counter will be pricier, with a $1.20 (or £0.90) surcharge added to the ticket price.
Children aged 4 to 11 can enjoy a 50% discount, while young adults aged 12 to 17 and students aged 18 to 25 are eligible for a reduced rate. Children under the age of 3 are admitted free of charge.
Overall, it's a fair price, especially considering you can stay as long as you wish!
Operating Hours of the Tower
From April 1 to September 30, the Tower is open daily from 9:30 am and until 11:30 pm.
From October 1 to March 31, the Tower welcomes visitors every day from 9:30 a.m., until 10:30 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, the eve of public holidays and public holidays.
These extended opening hours enable visitors to enjoy the view over Paris day and night, and to witness some splendid sunsets.
Restaurants and cafés at Tour Montparnasse
The Tour Montparnasse boasts multiple dining venues:
- A rooftop bar situated at the building's summit, operational solely during the spring and summer months;
- 360 Café, positioned on the 56th floor, which remains open each day until 10pm;
- Ciel de Paris, a restaurant located on the 56th floor, features exquisite culinary offerings. Feel free to browse their menu here. Among the available options is the "Grand Ecran" menu that assures a seating by a bay window, barring special event nights. Furthermore, there's a brunch/tea room package available, perfect for an affordable yet delightful experience.
A word to the wise: ensure you're adequately dressed for the cold when visiting the observatory, especially if coming during seasons other than summer. The outdoor viewing deck often encounters breezy conditions. You wouldn't want the chilly temperatures to dampen your experience!
Five Things to Know About the Montparnasse Tower
How many levels does the Tour Montparnasse comprise?
It stands tall with a total of 59 levels, of which the 56th and 59th levels serve as the panoramic observatory open to visitors.
What is the Tour Montparnasse's height?
The height ranges between 686-689 feet, varying based on the information source.
Who is credited with constructing the Tour Montparnasse?
The Agence pour l'Opération Maine Montparnasse (AOM) managed its construction. This agency incorporated architects such as Eugène Beaudoin, Urbain Cassan, Louis de Hoÿm de Marien, and Jean Saubot.
What is the primary function of the Tour Montparnasse?
While the majority of its space serves as office areas, tourists can also relish expansive views of Paris from the designated observation zones.
How much time should one allocate for a Tour Montparnasse visit?
The duration is subjective to individual preferences like taking numerous photographs or indulging in a drink atop. Nevertheless, plan to spend a minimum of one hour on the premises.
