If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, you’ve probably planned to go up the Eiffel Tower’s observation deck at some point in your itinerary. Recognized as the symbol of Paris and France, this (wrought) Iron Lady is an unmissable monument in Paris that many newcomers feel compelled to see. However, I would like to suggest a better plan: Visit the Montparnasse Tower instead.
The Montparnasse Tower Offers the Best Views of Paris
Considered an architectural eyesore by many Parisians, the best part of visiting is that you get a panoramic view of the city where Tour Montparnasse can’t be seen.
Often criticized and labeled as “the ugliest building in Paris,” the impressive Montparnasse Tower is the tallest skyscraper in the French capital and the third tallest structure in France.
It rises 210 meters above the ground (approximately 689 feet, nearly 328 feet less than the Eiffel Tower). The tower’s dark appearance and modern style, which starkly contrasts with the Parisian landscape, caused such outrage when it was first completed that Paris banned any other building over seven stories high. This ban was lifted for neighborhoods outside the city center only a few years ago.
Constructed between 1969 and 1973, Montparnasse Tower is located in the 15th district of Paris.
Visited by over 1.2 million tourists annually, its rooftop observation deck offers breathtaking views of Paris at 200 meters (656 feet).
Montparnasse Tower: Historical and Technical Features
After facing strong criticism of the controversial project, permission to build the Montparnasse Tower was finally granted in 1968.
In 1969, President Georges Pompidou’s wishes were fulfilled by including a shopping center and giving the tower a modern look.
The project was monumental for its time: after clearing 420,000 cubic meters (14,835,327 cubic feet) of debris, 56 reinforced concrete pillars were inserted 70 meters (229.7 feet) underground to consolidate the structure’s foundations. This helped distribute the tower’s mass and protect the Montparnasse-Bienvenüe metro station on Line 6, and the train tracks running directly underneath.
Its 150,000-ton weight rests on limestone, chalk, and clay soil.
When the Montparnasse Tower was inaugurated in 1973, the 210-meter (688.9-foot) skyscraper became the tallest office building in Europe. It held this position for nearly twenty years until the Messeturm was built in Frankfurt in 1990.
The building has 58 floors, 25 elevators, and a total surface area of 90,000 square meters (968,751 square feet). Its façade extends over 40,000 square meters (430,556 square feet) and features 7,200 windows and 1,306 steps.
So much for the numbers; let’s explore Montparnasse Tower.
Visit the Montparnasse Tower and Climb to Its Panoramic Observation Deck
Although the entire skyscraper is designated for corporate offices, part of the tower (two floors) is open to the public.
On the 56th floor, a bar restaurant offers visitors a gourmet break and a chance to rehydrate. Additionally, visitors can access panoramic views, exhibitions of historical photographs of Paris, and interactive kiosks that provide information about the city’s history.
While the views from the 56th floor are spectacular, it’s important to note that they are protected by glass, which means reflections can be an issue. Fortunately, the best is yet to come two floors higher.
On the top floor (the 58th), you can enjoy the huge open-air terrace of 800 m² (8,611 square feet), 200 meters (656 feet) above the ground.
While ascending to the top of the Montparnasse Tower, you’ll enjoy a 360° view of the City of Light, and visibility extends up to 40 kilometers (25 miles) on a clear day.
Visiting the Montparnasse Tower offers an impressive view, both day and night, of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, the rooftops of Paris, the streets, and the grand Parisian boulevards, making it a great place to visit during a first trip to Paris.
Additionally, suppose you decide to go up the Montparnasse Tower at the beginning of your visit to Paris. In that case, it will be much easier for you to get your bearings in the city, as you’ll have a general idea of where the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré-Cœur, and the main train stations are located.
Visit the Montparnasse Tower: Rates, Opening Hours and Tickets
Montparnasse Tower Opening Hours
It is possible to visit and climb the Montparnasse Tower all year round. However, the opening hours change in summer and winter:
- From April 1 to September 30: daily, from 9:30 am to 11:30 pm.
- From October 1 to March 31: Sunday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Friday, Saturday, and Christmas Eve from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
The last visit takes place 30 minutes before closing time. Most visitors come between 11:00 and 15:00.
Rates for the Montparnasse Tower observation deck
General rates:
- Adults (+12): 18 €.
- Children from 4-12 years old: 9,50 €.
- Free for children under 4
Two visits in 48 hours Combined Tickets
- Adults (+12): 20 €.
- Young people from 16 to 20 years old and students: 16 €.
- Children from 7 to 14 years old: 12,50 €.
- Free for children under seven years old
Booking your tickets in advance is recommended for climbing the Montparnasse Tower. This will save you time and allow you to visit the Montparnasse Tower more relaxed.
You can book your ticket online and choose your options and date of visit.
Visiting the Montparnasse Tower: Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions
33 Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris, France
By metro: Montparnasse-Bienvenue station (lines 4, 6, 12 and 13)
By bus: lines 28, 58, 82, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95 and 96.
By train: Gare Montparnasse is just across the street.
There is a parking lot (for a fee) at the tower.
No, the Eiffel Tower is 324 meters high, which makes it 114 meters higher than the Montparnasse Tower (220m). However, the Montparnasse Tower is Paris’s tallest building (not structure).
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