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What Nobody Told You About Tour Montparnasse (Montparnasse Tower, Paris)

The Tour Maine-Montparnasse , best known as Tour Montparnasse or Montparnasse Tower , is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris . With 59 floors and 210 m high, the Tower is Paris’ tallest building and the only skyscraper in the city. This stupendous Tower is situated at 33 Ave. du Maine, in the 15th Arrondissement of Paris. The entrance is at Rue de l’Arrivée, while the nearest metro stop is Montparnasse Bienvenue.

The Tour Montparnasse is named after the neighborhood it is located in. In the 17th century, students from the neighboring Latin Quarter liked to meet at the top of a small artificial hill in the south of the city, where sand and rubble were piled up, to recite poems. Ironically, the hill then took the name of Mount Parnassus , a mythical Greek mountain dedicated to the god Apollo and his nine Muses, protectors of the arts and poetry.

The Montparnasse neighborhood was from 1900 and, especially during the interwar period, the heart of Parisian artistic and intellectual life. After Apollinaire, Gauguin, Matisse, and the Douanier Rousseau, many foreign artists, mostly Jews, went into exile in Paris: Modigliani, Zadkine, Soutine, Chagall, and many more. They were attracted by the affordable rents of housing and workshops.

The Montparnasse neighborhood is also home to the Montparnasse Cemetery , one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Paris , the Observatoire de Paris, the Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain, and the Carrières des Capucins .

Tour Montparnasse Hours and Ticket Price

From 1 October to 31 March, the Tower is open from 9.30 am to 10.30 pm, from Sunday to Thursday, and from 9.30 am to 11.00 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays.

From 1 April to 30 September, the Tower is open from 9.30 am to 11.30 pm every day.

Tour Montparnasse tickets cost 15€ (adults), 11€ (students and visitors aged 12 to 17), and 7.50€ (kids aged 4 to 11). It is free to visit for kids under 4 years – Click here to book your tickets in advance

Access to Tour Montparnasse is included in The Paris Pass (now Go City Paris) . There are also interesting bundles combining some of the top Paris attractions that make you save time and money:

• Montparnasse Tower + Seine Cruise (5% off)
• Montparnasse Tower + Arc de Triomphe (5% off)
• Montparnasse Tower + Opera Garnier (5% off)

Tour Montparnasse Inside

The Montparnasse Tower has 59 floors above ground and six floors underground. The floors open to visitors are floor #56 and floor #59.

Montparnasse Tower Obervation Deck

Prepare for a dizzying ascent: the Tower’s lightning-fast elevator rises from the ground floor to the 56th floor in just 38 seconds! This lift is one of the fastest lifts in Europe at speeds reaching 60km/h.

Called the Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck , the 56th floor allows visitors to admire breathtaking views of Paris protected from wind and rain. The Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck is equipped with avant-garde interactive and audio-visual facilities to aid in interpreting the views of the city you see below. These include exhibitions, binoculars, interactive facilities, viewpoint tables, quizzes, and more.

You will also find a bar-restaurant, a café and a souvenir shop on this floor.

The Terrace

The Montparnasse Tower tickets also give you access to the 59th floor. This is actually an outdoor roof terrace that, at 210 meters high, offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of Paris.

This floor is accessible by stairs from the 56th floor, and it has telescopes and orientation tables to help visitors locate the monuments and famous buildings of Paris .

Interesting and Quirky Facts About the Montparnasse Tower, Paris

In addition to its location and imposing architecture, here are some interesting Montparnasse Tower facts.

1. Tour Montparnasse’s Main Figures

The Tour Montparnasse weighs 150,000 tons, has an oval shape of 164 x 104 meters, and has six underground levels and 59 floors.

It has 70 m of foundation, 25 lifts working at 6m/second, 40,000m2 of façade, 7,200 windows, and 1306 stairs. The Montparnasse Tower receives 1,2 million visitors per year on roofs #56 and #59, while the rest of the Tower is a prestigious address that welcomes around 5,000 employees daily.

2. It took 11 Years to Approve the Construction of the Montparnasse Tower

From the first drawings to the beginning of the construction, it took eleven years to approve the project!

All began in 1959 when the French rail company, SNCF, decided that the Montparnasse Station needed to be renovated and moved to accommodate the growing influx of passengers. So much to Paris’ dismay, the Gare Montparnasse was moved to its current location, and a 59-story tower was designed on the site of the former station to house Parisian office buildings.

The project was strongly criticized because of the height of the building. A controversy began and led to slowdowns in the project, led by the Minister of Equipment Edgard Pisani, who obtained the support of André Malraux, then Minister of Culture under General de Gaulle.

In 1969, Georges Pompidou, President of the Republic, wanted to provide Paris with modern infrastructure and granted the construction of a real complex with a Shopping Center. The construction of this Paris skyscraper could then begin.

In April 1970, the first stone was laid, and French multinational VINCI built the Tower after the design of architects Eugène Beaudouin, Urbain Cassan, and Louis Hoym de Marien. VINCI is also known for constructing the Centre Pompidou, the Channel Tunnel, and the Stade de France.

It took four years to complete the Tower, and was finally inaugurated in 1973.

3. The Montparnasse Tower Was Strongly Criticized by Parisians

Just like with the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Pyramid , Tour Montparnasse’s design and imposing measures were strongly criticized by Parisians.

While the Eiffel Tower and the Glass Pyramid eventually became the most popular landmarks in the city and Parisians fully embraced the Eiffel Tower as the ultimate symbol of their city, the resentment toward the Tour Montparnasse never went away, and it still isn’t liked by Parisians.

The Parisians were so unhappy that the city of Paris passed a law banning further buildings over seven stories tall in the historical center of Paris to prevent such a fiasco from happening again.

4. The Tour Montparnasse Was Voted the Second Ugliest Building in the World

In 2008,  the travel website named Virtual Tourist , rest in peace, organized a competition amongst its readers to choose the World’s Ugliest Buildings, and the Montparnasse Tower was voted second!

Only the Boston City Hall , a Brutalist building in Boston, was voted uglier, an honor that we are not sure their cities are proud of.

5. The Montparnasse Tower Offers the Best View of Paris

While everybody agrees the Montparnasse Tower offers one of the best views of Paris , we say it simply offers the best! While the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and the Sacré-Coeur, provide a great view, you can’t escape the giant Montparnasse Tower in the distance. Ironically, the Montparnasse Tower view is the best because it’s the only vantage point in the city where you don’t see the Tour Montparnasse.

From 210 meters above ground, admire one of the best Eiffel Tower views , Montmartre, the Louvre, the Invalides, and even see beyond Paris.

In clear weather, the view extends up to 40 kilometers from the Yvelines to Charles-de-Gaulle and Orly Airports and the Eastern suburbs of Val de Marne and Seine-et-Marne. From the Observation Deck, one can often see planes taking off and landing at Orly Airport!

6. The Montparnasse Tower Restaurant is the Highest in Europe

On floor 56, visitors will also find the Montparnasse Tower restaurant, Le Ciel de Paris , which is the highest restaurant in Europe!

Le Ciel de Paris welcomes guests every day until 11.30 pm and provides fine dining with 360° vistas of the city and all its monuments.

Because of its unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower, Le Ciel de Paris is one of the most coveted places to see the fireworks on the 14th of July (France’s National Day) . Book well in advance!

7. The Tour Montparnasse Was Paris’ Tallest Building in France for Nearly 40 Years!

From its construction in 1973 until 2011, the Tour Montparnasse (210 meters tall) was Paris’ tallest building and also the tallest building in France.

In 2011 however, the massive Tour First was remodeled, adding to its height and surpassing the Montparnasse Tower as the tallest in France. Located in La Défense business district, just outside Paris, the Tour First stands today at 231 meters, just 21 meters taller than Montparnasse Tower. This difference was enough to land it the title of the tallest building in France.

8. The Tour Montparnasse Was Free-Scaled in 2015

In 2015 Alain Robert, also known as “the French Spider-Man,” climbed the Montparnasse Tower without a harness or ropes in less than an hour. During his climb, he wore the Nepalese flag to bring awareness to human rights violations in this country.

As you can imagine, the Paris police were waiting for Mr. Robert on the top of the Tower with a red carpet, and he was arrested as soon as he reached the top.

9. It took 3 Years to Remove a Substance that Causes Cancer from the Tower

In 2005, a study concluded that the Montparnasse Tower contained 20 times the legal limit of asbestos material, a substance considered to be a carcinogen.

This resulted in some companies who rented office space at the Tower leaving it.

Removal of the asbestos started in the year 2009 and ended three years later. Surprisingly, the Tour Montparnasse continued to operate normally during this time.

10. A Place of Numerous Events

During summer in Paris , the Montparnasse Tower hosts a variety of events on the Observation Deck. Some of the events in the Tower are yoga, exercise classes, and live musical performances. There is also an outdoor bar, which offers a lovely chance to relax with your head in the clouds…

11. Home to the Highest Skate Rink in Paris

Believe it or not, but in winter, you can skate at the Tower’s open terrace – the highest skating rink in Paris!

For the last four years, a 30m2 ice rink made of synthetic material was installed at the top of the Montparnasse Tower at an altitude of 210m. The event welcome more than 30,000 people each year, both Parisians and tourists from all over the world, who could enjoy the joys of ice skating with unobstructed views of Paris

The highest ice rink in Paris was to return to the top of the Montparnasse Tower for a fifth edition in February-March 2023. However, “reasons beyond its control” prompted the Paris Montparnasse Observatory to cancel the event last minute. Let’s hope the Tower’s skate rink will be back in 2024!

What to Do Near the Montparnasse Tower, Paris?

• Montparnasse Cemetery
• Catacombs of Paris
• Parc Montsouris
• Carrières des Capucins
• Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain

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Quirky parisian explorers with a preference for lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about us ., i am elisa, the travel blogger behind world in paris. quirky explorer with a preference for the local side of my city and its lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & my best tips learn more.

A Full Guide to the Montparnasse Neighborhood in Paris

Last Updated on January 25, 2024

Bold modernity & artistic history galore

One of the most interesting and vibrant of Paris’ diverse neighborhoods , Montparnasse is also soaked in literary and artistic history. Dominated by the boldly modern Montparnasse Tower– the capital’s only real skyscraper– the area’s bustling boulevards are populated by cafés and brasseries where famous Parisian artists, writers, poets, musicians and performers gathered and exchanged ideas, particularly prior to World War II.

Today, it’s a little sleepier than during its heyday, but still has plenty to offer culturally curious visitors, from art and architecture to theatre, markets, pedestrian streets that reveal their village roots, parks and restaurants. Keep reading to learn what to do on your next visit in the area, and for a bit of history.

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Orientation and Transport

Montparnasse is situated on the left bank of the Seine in the 14th arrondissement of Paris . It is located due south from Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Jardin du Luxembourg, and just southwest from the Latin Quarter. The Denfert-Rochereau area, often considered a separate micro-district, stretches across the southwestern edge of greater Montparnasse.

{ Quiz: Are You More Right-Bank or Left-Bank Paris?  }

Main streets :  These include Boulevard de Montparnasse, Rue de Montparnasse, Rue de Rennes, Rue de l’Arrivée, Rue de la Gaîté, Boulevard Raspail, Place Denfert-Rochereau and Rue Daguerre.

Getting There:  The district can be reached from the Metro stations Montparnasse, Vavin, Edgar Quinet, Gaîté-Josephine Baker or Denfert-Rochereau. It’s also a major national rail hub, with the enormous Gare Montparnasse station shuttling trains to and from regions and major cities including Brittany, Rennes, Bordeaux and Toulouse.

A Bit of Neighborhood History

As mentioned above, Montparnasse is best-known for being an artistic hotbed in the late 19th and 20th century– but its status as a place where writers, artists and various performers assembled and created their works goes back even further.

While Montparnasse was incorporated into Paris rather early– sometime in the 18th century, by most accounts– its borders have always been curiously ill-defined, as the historian Eric Hazan notes in his brilliant book The Invention of Paris . It was only in the 1830s that it began to be truly urbanized in places, notably along the Rue de Montparnasse and the Rue Notre-Dame des Champs.

But as Hazan notes, much of the quarter retained a rural character for decades thereafter, with muddy, unpaved roads, and fields, windmills and “guingettes “(musical cafés and restaurants) scattered around its raggedy borders.

It might, in this sense, be compared to Montmartre, which shares a considerable legacy as a place of intense creation (and also of rural activity prior to being incorporated into Paris).

The neighborhood, which was once hilly and dubbed “Mount Parnassus” after the mountain in Greek mythology, was transformed considerably in the 18th century when the famous Boulevard de Montparnasse was constructed. Dance halls, cabarets and theatres sprung up in the area from the Revolutionary period.

The district is perhaps most noteworthy for the artistic heavyweights– from painters to novelists, sculptors to performers– it attracted in various waves over the years. During the 19th century, French writer Victor Hugo lived in the area with his wife, Adèle.

In the early 20th century, cheap rents and inexpensive restaurants attracted painters, poets, and other artists to the area, many of whom lived in dilapidated residences such as “La Ruche”.

Italian-born painter Amedeo Modigliani, poets Guillaume Apollinaire and Blaise Cendrars, Marc Chagall, sculptor Constantin Brancusi and Belarusian expressionist painter Chaïm Soutine were among the many noteworthy artists and writers to live at the residence, which remains open and stages a number of exhibitions each year.

During the post World War I period and the “Roaring ’20s”, Montparnasse became even more sought-after by the creative class, with artists from Pablo Picasso, Henri Rousseau, Nina Hamnett, Salvador Dalí and Diego Rivera, writers such as Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce and Samuel Beckett, and performers including Josephine Baker gathering in the district to share ideas, dance and (often) heavily drink.

{Related: Walking in the Footsteps of Josephine Baker in Paris}

The famed Boulevard Montparnasse cafés clustered around the Vavin metro stop, La Coupole, la Rotonde, Le Dôme, Le Select and La Closerie des Lilas, were popular with these and less well-known artists and writers for their inexpensive fare and grandiose interiors. They remain an important part of the neighborhood’s fabric, though they’ve obviously become rather “touristy” in recent decades.

During this period, Montparnasse was also the site of a large and thriving American community of “expatriates” and artists. One publishing house established in the area by Harry Crosby and his wife Caresse, the Black Sun Press, published novels and other works from soon-to-be-famous authors including Hemingway, John Dos Passos, Dorothy Parker, D.H. Lawrence, James Joyce and many others.

Literary magazines and other small presses also thrived in the area. Photographer Man Ray set up his first studio in the area at 15, Rue Delambre; now-iconic figures such as Gertrude Stein and Jean Cocteau posed for portraits there.

Meanwhile, the nearby Rue de la Gäité was a thriving center for the performing arts, where Parisian cabarets, music halls, and theatre populaire (working-class theatre) drew crowds late into the evening.

The Bobino hosted a legendary final performance from Jospephine Baker in 1975. Its doors remain open to this day, under the name Bobin’o (20 Rue de la Gäité).

What to See & Do in Montparnasse: Museums & Other Key Attractions

The sprawling district doesn’t have as many “big-ticket” tourist attractions as neighboring Saint-Germain and the Latin Quarter, but you’re guaranteed a culturally enriching experience if you concentrate your time on some of the following sights, from modern art and sculpture museums to quiet places that reveal the neighborhood’s history as an artistic and cultural powerhouse.

La Tour Montparnasse

Built in 1973 (and maligned by most Parisians ever since as an eyesore), La Tour Montparnasse is the only true skyscraper within the city limits, rising 210 metres high and comprising 59 floors, plus six more situated underground.

Unless you’re a big fan of 1970s corporate architecture, the real attraction isn’t the looming tower itself, but its panoramic viewpoints on the 56th and 59th floors.

Take one of the tower’s 25 elevators (you heard me correctly!) to zip upwards at heart-fluttering speeds to the 56th-floor panoramic viewing deck. Unfortunately for visitors with limited mobility, you can only take stairs from here to the top floor and its second deck.

From the heights of the tower you can take in huge swathes of the capital, including the Eiffel Tower, Sacré Coeur, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Seine River, Latin Quarter and more.

You can buy tickets for Montparnasse Tower here (via Tiqets.com).

Montparnasse Cemetery

One of the loveliest places in the area to stroll and ponder life’s fleeting beauty is Montparnasse Cemetery, one of the city’s largest and most-visited. Famous denizens who now call the leafy, flower-lined cemetery their permanent place of rest include Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir (who share adjoining graves), the playwright Samuel Beckett (whose last home was just south of the cemetery), French writer Guy de Maupaussant and American critic and essayist Susan Sontag.

Especially in the spring and summer, the cemetery is a surprisingly joyful place for an after-lunch amble– and it can be amusing to try to find the graves of various heroes hidden somewhere in the tree-lined lanes.

The Paris Catacombs

Heading down to the Denfert-Rochereau Metro stop, the entrance to the Paris Catacombs is just outside the metro exit. This fascinating underground kingdom of human skulls, femurs and other bones– counting in the millions– was built starting in the 18th centuries, when overflowing cemeteries in central Paris were exhumed for hygienic reasons; the remains were neatly stacked in miles of underground limestone quarries.

The effect is fascinating and chilling. Visiting the Catacombs is less horrific than you might imagine– the trip through the narrow, low-ceilinged passageways stretch for about a mile and are only genuinely scary (in my opinion, at least)if you’re claustrophobic.

But the encounter with millions of anonymous, deceased Parisians is certainly a memorable one, not least because the remains are in many places accompanied by poems and notable quotations about death and mortality.

Buy skip-the-line tickets and audioguide for the Catacombs here (via Tiqets.com). You can also book a combined ticket that gives you access to both the Catacombs and Montparnasse Tower (via Tiqets).

Museums of Note in the Area

There are several interesting museums in Montparnasse, chief of which is the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain (pictured above). With its striking glass facade from architect Jean Nouvel, the Fondation is one of the best places in the city to see exhibitions on contemporary art, genres and artists. It also boasts a lush garden with enormous trees and a green wall.

At the western end of Montparnasse, the Musée Bourdelle is a small, charming museum and studio dedicated to the work of French sculptor Antoine Bourdelle. It’s also entirely free– one of several city-run museums in the capital that charge nothing for entry.

Last but not least, the Musée Zadkine is another small (and free) museum dedicated to a prominent 20th-century sculptor, the Russian-born cubist master Ossip Zadkine. It was here that Zadkine and his wife lived and worked for over 40 years, and the “studio-museum” offers a fascinating glimpse into the artist’s life and work.

It’s situated at the northeastern border of Montparnasse (technically in the 6th arrondissement), but the recently-renovated museum is well worth a visit, especially if you’re interested in modern sculpture.

Academie de la Grande Chaumière

One of the more interesting places in Montparnasse that carries on the legacy of the area’s vibrant artistic history is the Academie de la Grande Chaumière , comprising an academy and studio spaces in service of aspiring and contemporary artists.

Nestled on an unassuming side street adjacent to Boulevard de Montparnasse (and right next to a branch of the famed Sennelier Frères art supply stores, the Academie was opened in 1870 by a Swiss patron of the arts named Martha Stettler.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, artists including Amedeo Modigliani, the aforementioned Ossip Zadkine, and Tamara de Lempicka occupied studios and/or taught here.

Today, the existence of the historic Academie is under constant threat, but the neighborhood is fighting to preserve the precious space. It can only be visited upon appointment or by those who have booked classes or studio time here; see more in my full guide.

Shopping, Wandering & Entertainment in Montparnasse

There’s no shortage of places to wander, shop and entertain oneself in halfway-cozy, halfway urban and bustling Montparnasse. Here are just a few ideas for the flâneur or flâneuse (cool urban stroller) in you…

Boulevard de Montparnasse

Boulevard de Montparnasse is the place to stroll and linger for legendary cafés, brasseries , cinemas and traditional shops. The Boulevard houses several of the neighborhood’s most iconic cafés (see more on some of them below under “Eating and Drinking”), including Le Select (#99 Boulevard de Montparnasse), La Coupole (#102, just across the street), La Rotonde (#105) Le Dôme (#108), and La Closerie des Lilas further up towards the edge of the Latin Quarter, at #171).

As detailed above in the neighborhood history section, these cafés have been the stuff of literary and artistic legend for over a century. Make sure to take some time to at least sip a coffee or nurse a drink at one of them– people-watching out on the terrace not de rigueur, but recommended.

The wide Boulevard, which stretches all the way from Metro Montparnasse-Bienvenue to Vavin and the Port-Royal RER station to the southeast, is also home to cinemas including the beloved indie moviehouses Les 7 Parnassiens (#98) and Le Bretagne (#73).

Finally, you’ll find global stores and French fashion boutiques such as Lacoste, C&A and more at the Montparnasse Rive Gauche Shopping Mall (10 Rue du Départ, at the angle of Boulevard Montparnasse).

Rue de la Gaité

The lively Rue de la Gaité (Metro: Gaite-Josephine Baker) is a narrow street and micro-district that’s long been the site of popular theatres and dance halls in the area, as well as restaurants and cafes.

Venues such as the Théâtre Montparnasse (31 rue de la Gaité) and Théâtre de la Gaité-Montparnasse ( #26) have been operating for decades here, and the old-world vibe is still appreciable. Take a stroll down Rue de la Gaité to browse its shops, loaf in its cafés and take in a spirit that feels close to timeless.

Finally, pop into Bobin’o (#20), a historic musical theatre where countless legendary performers have taken to the stage– from Edith Piaf to Jacques Brel and Amy Winehouse.

Rue Daguerre

Just off the bustling Place Denfert Rochereau, crowned by its handsome lion statue from famed sculptor Frédéric Bartholdi, Rue Daguerre suddenly plunges you into a village-like atmosphere. Its sidewalk cafe terraces, artisan shops, and neighborhood shopkeepers who’ve been in the area for decades reveal a different side of “greater Montparnasse”: one that’s a bit more intimate and quiet.

Browse the shops and stalls from the permanent market vendors, and have lunch or a coffee at one of the many cafés that line the street, which was recently reserved for pedestrians.

While the area has gentrified significantly in recent years, it’s the heart of a traditional working-class and immigrant community that was venerated by filmmaker (and former resident) Agnès Varda in the documentaries “ Daguerréotypes ” and “ The Beaches of Agnès ” (both highly recommended).

Where to Eat & Drink in Montparnasse

The area is teeming with restaurants, cafes, brasseries and casual dining options, so you’ll have no lack of choice if you want to duck in spontaneously for lunch or dinner, or book in advance (recommended for some of the more popular places). I’ve made just a few suggestions for good places to eat in Montparnasse below, but you can find many more at sites like The Fork and Time Out .

Classic Montparnasse Brasseries

For traditional French brasserie dishes such as gigantic fresh shellfish platters, steak-frites, roasted duck, sole meunière, escargots, chocolate mousse and other typical fare, head to the aforementioned classic brasseries clustered mostly on Boulevard de Montparnasse– each with their own particular histories and charm.

At La Coupole (see my full review) , sit in the period dining room with its distinctive painted pillars, perhaps sitting at one of the tables where luminaries such as Josephine Baker and Albert Camus once gathered, dined and discussed. Or head across the street to Le Select, enjoying a casual lunch outside on the iconic terrace with its green and gold signage. The fixed-price menu is quite reasonable at this brasserie frequented by the likes of Picasso, Chagall, and Hemingway. Whisky fans can choose from a selection of 50 different varieties.

See above for more details on the area’s beloved and history-drenched brasseries– all of which are worth dining at for their legacies, even if the food is rarely extraordinary.

Bréton-style Crepes and Galettes

As I note in my complete guide to the best creperies in Paris , many of the places to beeline to in the capital for Bréton-style savory galettes (pancakes) and sweet crepes are in Montparnasse. Perhaps owing in part to the fact that trains regularly depart for and arrive from Brittany at the rail station here, many good creperies have cropped up in the area.

Two of my favorites are Creperie Ti Jos (see my full review) and Creperie Plougastel (47 Rue de Montparnasse) , both of which offer inexpensive but delicious fare, including a good selection of Brittany ciders– as well as some truly tempting dessert crepes.

For a special occasion like an anniversary dinner or birthday, gourmets should aim to book a table at Montée , a creative table helmed by Japanese chef Takayuki Nameura. The menu blends Japanese and French culinary traditions to superb effect, and you should consider the lunch and dinner tasting menus for the full experience. Prices are (at the time this went to press) quite reasonable for a Parisian restaurant of this caliber, too.

Interestingly, one of the other superb fine-dining tables in the Montparnasse area (this time closer to Denfert-Rochereau) is also headed by a talented and innovative Japanese chef, Michihiro Kigawa. At his eponymous restaurant, fresh, locally sourced market ingredients are put to beautiful use in dishes that re-imagine classic French gastronomy for more contemporary palates.

The fixed-price lunch menu offers excellent value and includes two starters, a main course and a dessert. The five-course lunch tasting menu is also very reasonably priced, and the six-course Chef’s dinner tasting menu is one to try if you’re hoping to sample the full range of Kigawa’s talents.

You can see more on the seasonal menus, dishes and info on booking a table here, at the official website.

Where to Stay in Montparnasse?

Finding the right hotel or other accommodations is a highly personal matter, so we don’t typically recommend a generic list of hotels. See our guide to finding the right hotel or apartment rental in Paris , and browse available places to stay by exploring the clickable map below (via Stay22).

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Editor’s note: This article contains a few affiliate links. While they have not influenced the objectivity of the advice offered here, booking hotels or tours through these comes at no additional cost to you– but does help to fund more free, in-depth features like this one at Paris Unlocked. Thank you.

Courtney Traub is the Founder and Editor of Paris Unlocked. She’s a longtime Paris resident who now divides her time (as well as she can manage) between the French capital and Norwich, UK. Co-author of the 2012 Michelin Green Guide to Northern France & the Paris Region, she has been interviewed as an expert on Paris and France by the BBC, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Le Figaro, Matador Network and other publications. Courtney has also written and reported stories for media outlets including Radio France Internationale, The Christian Science Monitor, Women’s Wear Daily and The Associated Press. In addition to going down various rabbit holes of curiosity when it comes to French culture, history, food and art, Courtney is a scholar of literature and cultural history whose essays and reviews have appeared in various forums.

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Visit the Montparnasse Tower: A Panoramic Glimpse of Paris

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

Ascending the tour montparnasse, visiting the tour montparnasse: practical information, five things to know about the montparnasse tower.

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.

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!

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!

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.

Hello! On this blog, I share my photos, insights, and travel tips from journeys in France and around the world. I launched this blog in French in 2014 and began translating some articles into English in late 2022. I have a special passion for solo travel! In March 2023, I was blessed with my son James, and I've already begun introducing him to the joys of traveling as a solo mom with a baby.

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How to Visit The Tour Montparnasse Rooftop Terrace

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 2nd March 2023

Categories Paris

Last Updated on 2nd March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

Situated in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, the tower of Tour Montparnasse in the south of Paris takes at least a few hours to visit and offers one of the best views that the city has to offer.

Tall and might above the Parisian skyline, it’s hard to miss Montparnasse Tower rising up above all other buildings around. Here’s your guide on how to visit Tour Montparnasse rooftop terrace, as well as travel tips and things to know before you go.

Editor’s note: If you’re in a rush, then you might consider booking a Montparnasse Tower rooftop ticket here in advance .

Psst. If you’re planning to visit Paris, then we’ve created a gorgeous 100+ page eBook full of beautiful photos and insider tips by a local. Included you’ll find hidden gems, arrondissement guides, walking tours, suggested itineraries, and more. Find more information here.

Where is Tour Montparnasse located?

A history of montparnasse tower, what to know before visiting tour montparnasse, how to visit tour montparnasse, france travel information.

Tour Montparnasse is in the Montparnasse district of the city, an area which straddles the 14th and 15th arrondissements .

The closest metro station is Montparnasse-Bienvenüe, which is something of a meeting point for metro lines and can be found on the 4th, 6th, 12th, and 13th metro lines. Indeed, the station is the 4th busiest metro station in Paris.

The tower is close to a number of small boutiques, patisseries, a branch of the Galeries Lafayette chain, and Cemetery Montparnasse (which also happens to be the final resting place of Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre).

Although Tour Montparnasse is often overlooked in favour of other viewpoints such as the  Arc de Triomphe  and  the Eiffel Tower , the tower remains one of the best spots in the city for viewing its many major monuments.

Though I personally regard the Tour Montparnasse to be one of the ugliest buildings in Paris, it must be said that it does offer one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Paris. The tower itself was constructed in 1969 to 1973.

When it was constructed, Tour Montparnasse was the tallest building in France, and this remained the case right up until 2011 when it was surpassed by the Tour First. With this being said, Montparnasse remains the tallest skyscraper in Paris outside of the La Défense (business district) of the city.

The majority of the building is taken up by office space. There are 59 floors in total, with the touristic part of the construction taking up the upper three floors.

The 56th floor houses a restaurant called Le Ciel de Paris, while the roof has a rooftop terrace which offers a 360 degree panoramic view of the French capital.

I’ve been up the tower twice (the first time I went up the tower was when I first moved to Paris and so I couldn’t really appreciate where all of the monuments were) . Both times I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of queue that iI was greeted by upon arrival.

Neither time was at all like the throngs of people queuing for tickets in the tunnel under the Arc de Triomphe or the three hour long wait to walk up the stairs of the Eiffel Tower. After purchasing tickets, you are whisked into a lift that takes just 38 seconds to reach over 50 floors up. 

The lift doors open and you are three levels (six half flights of stairs) below the viewing platform. This floor offers panoramic views over the city and is equipped with a reasonably priced cafe (2 euro for a long coffee- perfect for after you’ve nearly frozen your nose off on the rooftop viewing platform).

Although the lower level has good views, nothing compares to climbing up the concrete stairs and emerging into the open air, only to be greeted with 360 degree panoramic views of Paris. Just make sure you bring a coat as it gets pretty windy on top of the tower!

The people below look like ants and the monuments, like toys. There is nothing quite like being up high, spotting all of the Parisian monument from afar. The best time of the day to visit is definitely sunset when the light hits La Defense and the Eiffel Tower.

The Montparnasse Tower rooftop terrace is known officially as the Montparnasse Tower Panoramic Observation Deck and is open every day. With this being said, sometimes the tower is privatised and so you should be sure to check in advance before heading to the 15th arrondissement.

The Tower is open on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays : from 11am to 10:30pm, with the last climb at 10pm. Meanwhile, on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays*, Saturdays: from 11h to 23h30, with the last climb at 23h.

While the 56th floor is accessible via elevator, the rooftop terrace on the 59th floor can only be accessed on foot via a three floor climb . Purchase your Montparnasse Tower rooftop ticket here in advance .

France uses the Euro (€)

The main language spoken in France is French . Though you can get by with English is more touristic places, it’s always a good idea to learn some of the local language. Bring along a simple phrasebook like this one to help make your travels easier.

The capital of France is Paris . For more information and inspiration, check out our best Paris travel tips.

France uses plug types, types C and E. As such, if you’re travelling from the UK, USA, Canada, and many other destinations, you’ll need to buy an adapter. I recommend buying  a universal travel adapter  that you can use for multiple destinations (rather than buying a new adaptor for each place you visit).

As one of the most popular destinations in the world, you should always consider booking your accommodation well ahead of time. Check out this website for price comparison details and detailed reviews.

Be careful with your belongings. I also highly advise to avoid wearing a backpack and to instead opt for a crossbody bag  like these ones .  I personally use a crossbody bag  by this brand  and love its shape, size, and versatility.

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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Tanja (the Red phone box travels)

Tuesday 26th of April 2016

great views! :)

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Tour Montparnasse

Tour Montparnasse (Montparnasse Tower) stands 689 ft (210 m) tall. It has one of the best observation decks of Paris. From its terrace visitors will be able to see the most important monuments of the city.

Past and Present

Opened in 1973, the Tour Montparnasse was the first office building to be built in the center of Paris. It was the subject of great controversy as many Parisians believed that the skyscraper clashed with the rest of the city’s architecture.

Presently, nearly 5,000 people work on one of the building’s 53 floors , while over 750,000 travelers climb to its observation decks on the 56 and 59 floors to enjoy some of the best views of Paris.

Stunning Bird’s Eye View of Paris

After having taken a lift in Europe’s fastest elevator, visitors will get off on the 56th floor to see a stunning bird’s eye view of the city, protected by the building’s large windows. As well as enjoying the panoramic views, you can find out some curious facts about the city through multimedia apps or else travel back in time and visit Paris years ago during the exhibition of old photographs of the capital.

The best photos of the city can be taken three floors up, on the 59th floor. From this observation terrace, you’ll see Paris as if it were miniature.

One of Montparnasse’s great advantages is that it provides great views of the Eiffel Tower , something impossible to see if you climb up this monument to see the scenery.

Buy tickets for the Montparnasse Tower

If you plan to visit the Montparnasse Tower, we recommend buying tickets in advance. This way you'll make sure to reserve your spot and even get a small discount. You can buy them through the web at the following link:

• Montparnasse Tower ticket

Avenue du Maine, 33

1 April – 30 September : 9:30 am – 11:30 pm 1 October – 31 March : Sunday – Thursday: 9:30 am – 10:30 pm Friday – Saturday and eve of public holidays: 9:30 am – 11 pm

Adults: € 21 ( US$ 22.50) Youth (12-17 years old) and students: € 16 ( US$ 17.10) Children (4-11 years old): € 9.50 ( US$ 10.20) Free entry with the Paris Pass .

Montparnasse Tower Ticket € 20 ( US$ 21.40)

Metro : Montparnasse-Bienvenüe , lines 4, 6, 12 and 13. Bus : Lines 28, 58, 82, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95 and 96.

Nearby places

Catacombs of Paris (1.2 km) Jardin du Luxembourg (1.2 km) Church of Saint-Sulpice (1.3 km) Musée Rodin (1.5 km) Les Invalides (1.6 km)

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Discover the stunning view from Tour Montparnasse

Last Updated:  17 April 2024

The Tour Montparnasse (Montparnasse Tower) is a high-rise building overlooking the district of Montparnasse in the 15th arrondissement and borders the 6th and 14th arrondissements. Its panoramic terrace offers one of the most beautiful views over Paris .

Description of Tour Montparnasse

The Tour Montparnasse was inaugurated in 1973 and was France’s tallest skyscraper until 2011 when the Tour First in La Défense was completed.

The tower was designed by architects Eugène Beaudouin, Urbain Cassan and Louis Hoym de Marien and built from 1969 to 1972 by Campenon Bernard on the site of the former Montparnasse railway station. Its base is an almond shape of 50 m by 32 m.

The presence of the tower in central Paris has been very controversial since its construction and has been criticised for being at odds with Paris’ skyline. Following its inauguration, the municipality ruled it impossible for buildings over seven floors high to be built in the centre of Paris (“intra-muros”).

Today, the Tour Montparnasse has become a true Parisian landmark with over 5,000 people working in the offices located in the tower.

At the foot of the tower, there is a vast shopping mall and a busy metro station connected to the Gare Montparnasse where trains head off to the French Atlantic Coast and Spain.

Dimensions of the tower

The Tour Montparnasse is one of France’s tallest skyscrapers and, as of June 2021, is ranked the 13th tallest building in the European Union.

In France, the tower is the country’s second tallest building:

• Tour First ( La Défense ): 231 m (Antenna spire)
• Tour Montparnasse (Paris): 210 m (Roof terrace)
• and Tour Total ( La Défense ): 190 m

In the near future, two planned towers will overtake the height of the Tour Montparnasse:

– the two Hermitage Plaza Towers ( La Défense ): 323 m (2025?)

Fun facts about the Montparnasse Tower

• The tower has a total of 7,200 windows,
• The structure weighs 130,000 tons,
• There are 6 underground levels,
• Its foundations are 70 metres deep.

The Panoramic Terraces of Tour Montparnasse

The visit of Tour Montparnasse may seem odd when suggested to tourists but the magnificent view from the top is one of Paris’ most impressive panoramas and attracts 1,2 million visitors each year. Visitors access the 56th floor with one of Europe’s fastest lifts.

The 56th floor

The 56th floor , called the “Panoramic Floor”, allows the visitor to admire the breathtaking view protected from the wind and rain. The space is heated in the winter and air-conditioned in the summer. It is accessible from the bottom floor of the tower by one of the fastest lifts in Europe (38 seconds at speeds reaching 60km per hour). The floor features interactive terminals and quizzes on Paris, a photographic exhibition on Paris, a souvenir shop and a café.

The 59th floor

The 59th floor is actually the outdoor roof terrace which, at 210 metres high, offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of Paris. In clear weather, the view extends up to 40 kilometres from the Yvelines to Charles-de-Gaulle and Orly airports and the Eastern suburbs of Val de Marne and Seine-et-Marne.

The 59th floor is only accessible by stairs from the 56th floor.

The terrace has telescopes and interesting orientation tables that help locate the famous monuments and landmarks of Paris.

In 2011, the terrace was entirely renovated with curved panes of glass surrounding the viewing point.

Get your tickets to the tower’s terrace!

Get your Tour de Montparnasse tickets for 360° views over the City of Lights!

With these tickets, get an amazing view of Paris that includes the Eiffel Tower and many of the city’s other top landmarks.

Day Panoramic View

The panoramic view from the roof-top terrace of the Tour Montparnasse stretches over 40 km. Most of Paris’ famous monuments and landmarks can be seen from there:

The Eiffel Tower

The great perspective leading to the Grande Arche of La Défense through the École Militaire, the Champ de Mars, the Eiffel Tower , and the Trocadéro.

The curved Unesco headquarters can also be seen to the left of the École Militaire.

The Invalids

The gilded dome of the Church at the Invalides looks like a gem in the sky of Paris…

The view reaches the Esplanade des Invalides, the Pont Alexandre III and the Petit and Grand Palais .

To the right lies the Garden of the Champs-Élysées and then the Place de la Concorde .

The Arc de Triomphe

The view of the Louvre reveals how large the palace is! It extends onwards with the famous Tuileries Garden . Behind, on top of the Montmartre Hill , a sunbeam lights up the white façade of the Sacré-Cœur basilica .

A closer look at the Samaritaine department store:

The Opéra Garnier, just above the Tuileries Garden:

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

The neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés is clearly recognisable thanks to the old bell tower of the church.

The Rue de Rennes looks like it cut Paris in half, leading to the Seine:

To the right of the rue de Rennes stands the Saint-Sulpice church:

The Luxembourg Palace

To the North-East, the view shows the Luxembourg Garden in the foreground along with the Luxembourg Palace.

Notre-Dame de Paris and Ile de la Cité

Behind lies Île de la Cité with Notre Dame de Paris . In the distance can be seen the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall of Paris).

The central districts of Paris

The latin quarter.

You’ll get a great view of the Pantheon, the Sorbonne and the Latin Quarter, particularly in the afternoon.

South-East of Paris

The view reveals the Val de Grace, Paris Observatory, the 13th arrondissement and, beyond these, the Bois de Vincennes.

The view extends beyond the hill of Montmartre with the basilica of Saint-Denis, the Stade de France, the airports of Le Bourget and Charles de Gaulle. In the far distance, you can also see the countryside!

And street life in the Montparnasse district…

From the top of the tower, the Montparnasse cemetery reveals its great size.

The railway lines that start from the Montparnasse Train Station lead to the French Atlantic Coast (Brittany, Poitou-Charentes, Pays de la Loire, Aquitaine) and Spain.

The aerial part of métro line 6:

The stunning rooftops of Paris in the 7th arrondissement:

The view offers amazing sights of street life in Paris (here Boulevard du Montparnasse and Boulevard de Port-Royal)

Night Panoramic View

Visiting the roof-terrace of the Tour Montparnasse at sunset offers one of the most enchanting views over the City of Light. Little by little, the lights are lit, revealing the famous monuments of Paris.

One of the best spots to enjoy the Eiffel Tower glittering is from the top terrace of the Montparnasse Tower, aligned perfectly with the Eiffel Tower, with the skyline of La Défense in the background. The “light show” takes place every hour for ‘5 minutes précieuses’ from nightfall until 1.00 am, on the hour.

The gilded Dôme des Invalides is lit up like a gem, and behind it stretches the vast esplanade that leads to Pont Alexandre III:

At Christmas time, you can clearly see the Big Wheel at the Tuileries and Place de la Concorde, in between the two dark areas of the Champs-Élysées and the Tuileries Gardens.

The length of Rue de Rennes winds its way through the 6th arrondissement leading to the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. To the right, the St. Sulpice Church reveals its classical façade.

The Louvre  is seen in its entirety surmounted by the Montmartre Hill  and the Sacré-Cœur basilica .

Check out blogger Mark Wyld’s article on Montparnasse Tower. His post is illustrated with many of his photos taken from the top terrace!

English-French Vocabulary

(f) for  féminin , (m) for  masculin and (v) for verbs

• building = immeuble (m)
• to inaugurate = inaugurer (v)
• intra-muros = within the city limits of Paris
• lift = ascenseur (m)
• office building = immeuble de bureau (m)
• orientation table = table d’orientation (f)
• panoramic terrace = terrasse panoramique (f)
• railway station = gare ferroviaire (f)
• shopping mall = centre commercial (m)
• to show = montrer (v)
• skyscraper = gratte-ciel (m)
• stair = escalier (m)
• to stretch = s’étendre (v)
• terrace = terrasse (f)
• tower = tour (f)
• view = vue (f)
• viewing point = point de vue (m)

About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

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Agree entirely! The Montparnasse Tower is an ugly blot on the landscape, but the views from the top of the tower are magnificent. I look forward to returning one day.

And make sure you climb on a sunny afternoon (the best time of the day to see all of central and eastern Paris!)

These are wonderful photos, Pierre – thank you! I always say the best thing about the Tour Montparnasse is being in it so you can’t see it! I’m going to choose a clear day when I’m in Paris to go to the top.

Merci Ellen – and choose a sunny afternoon to have the central and eastern districts of Paris in plain sight (not against-the-light)! 🙂

I’ve been there, once at day- and once at nighttime. Indeed very beautiful.

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24 PLACES TO SEE IN FRANCE

10 Interesting Facts About Montparnasse Tower

By: Author Christine Rogador

Posted on Published: October 14, 2022  - Last updated: January 6, 2023

Do you want to know some interesting facts about Montparnasse Tower in Paris?

Commonly called Tour Montparnasse or Montparnasse Tower, the 689-foot (210 meters) office skyscraper in Paris is named Tour Maine-Montparnasse – or Maine-Montparnasse Tower – in full.

Named after Montparnasse, the area in the city where it is located, in the 15th Arrondissement of Paris, the tower is one of the most peculiar landmarks in the French capital.

While Paris is home to plenty of architectural wonders such as Eiffel Tower , the Louvre , and Notre-Dame , la Tour Montparnasse is easily one of the city’s most distinguishable buildings and certainly a unique part of the Paris skyline.

Montparnasse Tower is also among the most popular, attracting some 1.2 million visitors every year.

This legendary Parisian tower was designed by architects Louis Hoym de Marien, Urbain Cassan, and Eugène Beaudouin, with help of Jean Saubot.

The structure weighs some 130,000 tons and has a total of 7,200 windows, with 6 underground levels and foundations that are 70 meters deep.

Read on to learn more interesting facts about this odd Parisian structure that provides some of the most amazing views of Paris.

Things you'll find in this article

Interesting Facts About Montparnasse Tower

1. montparnasse tower was built on top of a train station., 2. montparnasse tower is the first and oldest skyscraper in paris., 3. montparnasse tower was the tallest skyscraper in france until 2011., 4. montparnasse tower is currently the third-tallest building in france., 5. montparnasse tower was deemed so ugly that, for decades, the city of paris banned any further buildings above seven storeys., 6. montparnasse tower was voted second in the list of “the world’s top 10 ugliest buildings and monuments” in 2008., 7. montparnasse tower was climbed three times with only hands and feet – and no safety devices., 8. a famous fine-dining restaurant is located on one of montparnasse tower’s top floors., 9. montparnasse tower offers 360-degree panoramic view of paris., 10. montparnasse tower was contaminated with asbestos – and it took three years to remove it..

Let’s jump into our list of 20 facts about Montparnasse Tower that make this Parisian building so interesting.

The history of Montparnasse Tower goes back to 1934, when the French railway company SNCF determined that the Gare Montparnasse railway station was no longer satisfactory.

Twenty-five years later, the reconstruction of the metro station resulted in a major urban renewal project. It was decided that the said station would be relocated and the now-vacant land would be repurposed. This land became the site of the legendary Montparnasse Tower that we know today.

Montparnasse Tower was built from 1969 to 1973, making it the oldest skyscraper in Paris. It was inaugurated in June of 1973, becoming the first ever building this tall in the French capital.

Since its completion in 1973, Montparnasse Tower was the tallest skyscraper in the country until the 758-foot Tour First broke this record in 2011 – after over 40 years.

However, the 59-storey Montparnasse Tower remains the tallest structure in the French capital outside of the La Défense business district (where Tour First is located).

At 689 feet (210 meters), Montparnasse Tower comes in third place in the list of France’s tallest buildings.

Tour Hekla (built in 2022) at 722 feet (220 meters) comes in second place and Tour First (built in 2011) emerges on top of the list at 758 feet (231 meters). These two are both located in La Défense, in the west of the city limits of Paris.

Although impressive at just about 100 meters shorter than the Eiffel Tower, Montparnasse Tower’s black appearance and its modern look are said to be out of place in Paris’ urban landscape.

This created such an uproar when the tower was first completed, with people hating it and calling it the ugliest building in Paris. The city was pressured to prohibit any further buildings that have over seven floors.

This law was approved just 2 years after the tower’s completion, banning buildings taller than 7 storeys within the historical center of Paris. It was only a few years ago that they lifted the said ban for neighborhoods outside the city center.

Today, even after over 4 decades, this sentiment has never gone away completely.

In 2008, Montparnasse Tower was in second place – next to the Boston City Hall in Boston, Massachusetts, USA – in the list of “The World’s Top 10 Ugliest Buildings and Monuments.” This is according to both the readers and editors of the now-defunct Virtual Tourist website.

The LuckyShoe Monument in Tuuri, Finland, came in third place.

The first feat took place in 1995 and was repeated in 2015 by the same person – French urban climber Alain Robert, nicknamed “the French Spider-Man” or the “Human Spider” for obvious reasons. Without safety devices of any kind, Robert reached the top of the tower by scaling its exterior glass and steel wall.

This was also achieved in 2020 by Marcin Banot, a climber from Poland.

Aptly named and no doubt one of the most famous restaurants in Paris , le Ciel de Paris – Sky of Paris – not only serves refined French luxury cuisine but provides its guests with sweeping views of the city as well.

Le Ciel de Paris is decked in an organic, ethereal décor and located high on the Montparnasse Tower’s 56th floor.

If you’re craving for some foie gras or caviar in the French capital, first consider the Sky of Paris. Because what could be better than enjoying exquisite food with a stunning view of Paris skyline (including the Eiffel Tower)? Le Ciel de Paris is also the best place to go for a cocktail or two.

Said to be the only place where you can see the true colors of the French capital, getting on the viewing deck of Montparnasse Tower allows you to really see just how big Paris’ monuments and parks are. You can also see just how big the city is when on top of the tower.

This is possible because the observation deck is right on the roof of the tower, not to mention its central location that provides some really astonishing views that are not possible in most places in Paris.

From up the Montparnasse Tower, you can see as far as the Stade de France which is situated behind the Montmartre Hill and the Sacré-Coeur . You can see up to 40 km. far in all directions if you happen to be on the tower’s viewing deck on a clear day. By night, Montparnasse Tower allows you to have the best possible view of the Eiffel Tower that sparkles with flashing lights every hour.

If you want to see everything in Paris from one single spot, the Montparnasse Tower Panoramic Observation Deck is the place to be.

It was discovered in 2005 that Montparnasse Tower contained asbestos material, a chemical that can cause cancer when inhaled. It was revealed that legal limits of asbestos fibers per liter in Montparnasse Tower were surpassed, reaching 20 times the legal limit on at least one occasion. This resulted in some tenants abandoning their offices in the tower.

The removal of asbestos was started in 2009 and ended in 2012, when the building was declared 90% clear of asbestos. During these three years, the building continued to operate as usual – something that was considered remarkable.

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.

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The 9 Top Things to Do in and Around Paris' Montparnasse District

From Classic Brasseries to Art Studios

Laura Pawel / Photolibrary / Getty Images

​Far less popular with tourists than the nearby Latin Quarter and St-Germain-des-Prés districts are, the Montparnasse neighborhood harbors nearly as much Parisian history. During the 1920s and 1930s, the southern area was an artistic and literary hotbed, frequented by some of the 20th century's most celebrated artists, writers, architects and performers. While it's a bit sleepier and subdued today than it was during its jazz-age boom years, this neighborhood still offers some genuine cultural vibrancy, and plenty to see and do. Read on for the top attractions in and around Montparnasse — from old-world Parisian brasseries to museums, top-rate creperies and legendary art studios.

Have a Drink at a Classic Montparnasse Brasserie

The social heart of artistic life in Montparnasse during the 1920s and 1930s, these iconic local restaurants offer a vivid glimpse into lost time — and plenty of insight into the neighborhood's rich history. Try having lunch, dinner, or at the very least a before-dinner drink at one of these legendary Parisian brasseries.

La Coupole ( 102 Boulevard du Montparnasse, Metro Vavin ): Plastered with painted murals from local artists, this brasserie and "bar américain" (American-style bar) is a handsome brasserie still frequented by publishers, writers and local artists. During its heyday, it was a favorite haunt of artists such as Pablo Picasso and André Dérain, writers including Sartre and Camus, and the dancer Josephine Baker. Come enjoy a fresh oyster platter or an afternoon glass of champagne.

La Rotonde   ( 105 Boulevard du Montparnasse, Metro Vavin ):   Just a couple of doors down from La Coupole is yet another lauded neighborhood brasserie, where the likes of writer F. Scott Fitzgerald, the painter Amadeo Modigliani, and the composer George Gershwin frequently gathered to eat and discuss the world. It has a large sidewalk terrace filled with red chairs and late opening hours — it's open until 2 a.m. — making it a favorite spot for a nightcap in the present day.

Le Select ( 99 Boulevard du Montparnasse, Metro Vavin ): Also at the Vavin metro stop, Le Select beckons curious tourists and devoted locals in with its cheerful green and white facade, pleasant terrace and old-world signage. The painter Marc Chagall, the American writer Ernest Hemingway and many other legendary figures were once regulars at this café, which serves French brasserie classics such as steak-frites and whole shellfish platters. The lunch specials are reasonably priced and perfect if you're on a budget.

Take in Fantastic Views

Sebastien GABORIT / Getty Images 

While many people assume that the Eiffel Tower affords the best panoramic views of Paris , Parisians tend to disagree. The 56-floor Montparnasse Tower is arguably an even better place to enjoy breathtaking vantages over the whole city — including, of course, La Tour Eiffel.  

Take a ride in the high-tech elevator, which zips you to the top in an incredible 38 seconds and enjoy some of the most dramatic panoramas the city has to offer. There's also a "360" Cafe and a rooftop champagne bar, ideal for a break before you head back to the ground. Visit the official website for practical information on visiting the tower, and to buy tickets online in advance.

Tip: Bring a good camera, and make sure to choose a bright and clear day if at all possible — otherwise it may not quite be worth the ascent.

See Famous Graves at Montparnasse Cemetery

AnnekeDeBlok / Getty Images 

While it's not quite as well-known as Père-Lachaise in northeastern Paris, Montparnasse Cemetery counts plenty of famous (late) denizens, and is also a lovely place for a stroll, particularly on a sunny morning or afternoon.

Opened in 1924, the cemetery is relatively young, and is the second-largest "necropolis" in the French capital after Père-Lachaise.

Lush, green and poetic, the cemetery is home to hundreds of trees, statues from artists such as Constantin Brancusi, and the graves of dozens of celebrated artists, writers and other figures. Come to stake out the resting places of Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir (buried side by side), Guy de Maupassant, Charles Baudelaire and many others.

The best entrance to the cemetery when you're visiting from the Montparnasse-Bienvenue Metro side is Rue Froidevaux. You can also enter from the main entrance at 3, Boulevard Edgar Quinet (Metro: Raspail).

Eat Some of the Best Crepes and Galettes in Paris

Le Petit Plougastel

Parisians know this well: Montparnasse is home to a micro-quarter of Brittany-centric restaurants that make some of the best crepes and savory buckwheat galettes in the capital . These make an ideal meal for just about anyone: vegetarians, fans of regional cuisine, and even families with young, picky eaters.

Whether you're hankering for a savory galette filled with cheese and egg, a sweet dessert crepe smothered with salted butter caramel and a dollop of vanilla ice cream, or a meal featuring warm goat's cheese, honey, walnuts and salad greens, the best neighborhood creperies offer delicious and reasonably priced fare. Also make sure to try a good "bolet" (earthenware cup) of cider from Brittany.

Two of our favorite spots for delicious crepes and galettes in the area are Crêperie Josselin (67 rue du Montparnasse), coveted by locals for its simple yet addictive fare, and Ti Jos (30 rue Delambre), a lively Breton-style pub where hearty, generous galettes and generous dessert crepes are made all the more charming by live music.

Another local creperie that gets top marks from tourists and locals alike is Le Petit Plougastel (47 rue Montparnasse), which has gained attention in recent years thanks to its appearance in David Lynch's "Twin Peaks" reboot.

See Gorgeous Sculptures at the Musée Bourdelle

TripSavvy / Leopoldine Bauer

If you're interested in sculpture or are simply looking for a nice place to stroll in the area, head to the Musée Bourdelle , one of the loveliest of Paris' small museums. The best part? Entrance to the permanent collection here is free for all.

Showcasing the sculptures, drawings, photographs, studio and apartments of French sculptor Antoine Bourdelle, this museum is a true gem. The outdoor garden area is graced with more works from the under-appreciated artist, who was close friends with fellow sculptor Auguste Rodin.

See Millions of Bones in the Paris Catacombs

Panoramic Images / Getty Images

For a touch of the macabre (no matter the season), head hundreds of feet underground to the Paris Catacombs . Here, the remains of some six million people — primarily skulls and femurs — are meticulously stacked and "curated" in centuries-old subterranean quarries.

Composed of human remains that were transferred from the Cimetière des Innocents (close to the current-day Les Halles shopping center ) during the late 18th century, the Catacombs stretch underground for over one mile. Well, the part open to visitors, that is. The larger network of underground tunnels is much larger.

While it's not an experience all visitors will enjoy, many others will find the spectacle both morbid and fascinating. Many don't find the Catacombs especially scary or creepy: it's more of an archaeological experience, truth be told. What strikes many as impressive is how artfully the bones and skulls are arranged, interspersed with plaques that muse poetically on the fragile nature of life.

Do take note that the visit requires a descent down a long spiral staircase and visitors with limited mobility or heart problems will not be able to visit this attraction.

Wander Down an Old Theatre-Lined Street

besopha / Flickr /  CC BY 2.0

One of the nicest streets in the Montparnasse district is Rue de la Gaité , the center of a theatrical district that's as lively and authentic as they come. It's an area that has been associated with traditional cabarets and small theater productions since at least the 18th century.

Lined with charming cafés, restaurants, and performance venues mostly dating to the early 20th century, Gaité is as joyous a place as its name suggests.

Even if you don't see a show on the street, take note of some of the facades, which ooze old-world ambience. These include the Comédie Italienne as well as the Gaîté-Montparnasse theater and Bobino .

Have a coffee or an apéritif (before-dinner drink) at bustling cafés and brasseries such as Tournesol , a brightly-decorated, modern café with a pleasant sidewalk terrace, and the Backstage , a restaurant and cocktail bar perfect for a bite before heading to a show nearby.

See Modern Art at the Fondation Cartier

Lonely Planet Images / Getty Images

Interested in modern art? If so, head to the Fondation Cartier for a good exhibit or two. Housed in a dramatic, floor-to-ceiling-glass building with lush green gardens and climbing plants, this is one of the finest modern contemporary art museums in Paris , albeit smaller and a bit more avant-garde than most of them.

The museum's constantly refreshed galleries host exhibits on contemporary painting, photography, video, performance art, architecture and even pop music. Exhibits here have explored topics and mediums as diverse as art built around trees, geometric forms from South America, the artwork of William Eggleston and Patti Smith and the history of rock and roll.

The gardens are themselves an elaborate work of art created by Lothar Baumgarten (whose name means "tree garden" in German, coincidentally enough). Going against the grain of your typical, carefully groomed French formal garden, Baumgarten's is a surprisingly wild-feeling place, designed to evolve over time.

Visit a Museum Dedicated to Montparnasse Artist Zadkine

This studio-museum is dedicated to Ossip Zadkine, a Russian-born sculptor and artist who transplanted to Paris during the 1920s and thrived at the center of a community that included Modigliani, Picasso, Chaim Soutine and many other prominent 20th-century artists living in Montparnasse.

Like the nearby Musée Bourdelle, entry to the permanent collection at this small neighborhood museum is free. Also like the Bourdelle's, the studio here offers fascinating insight into the life, work and times of the artist, whose rich body of work includes drawings and photographs in addition to sculptures.

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Tour Montparnasse

This project will be renovated in 2024 and replaced by Tour Montparnasse (Renovation)

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© Nathaniel Lindsey

© Mark CH Thompson

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Official Name

Other names.

Tour Maine Montparnasse

33 Avenue du Maine

Structural Material

Concrete-Steel Composite

209 m / 686 ft

Floors Above Ground

# of elevators.

• By Location

Construction Schedule

Construction Start

Usually involved in the front end design, with a "typical" condition being that of a leadership role through either Schematic Design or Design Development, and then a monitoring role through the CD and CA phases.

A. Epstein and Sons International

Material supplier material supplier refers to organizations which supplied significant systems/materials for a building project (e.g. elevator suppliers, facade suppliers, etc)., otis elevator company.

01 November 2013

Confronting the Question of Demolition or Renovation

Dario Trabucco & Fava Pablo, Università IUAV di Venezia

Crumbling façades, asbestos, and outdated elevators are often cited as reasons to tear down tall buildings and create new skyscrapers. However, renovating a tall building...

13 April 2011

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• The Montparnasse Tower Panoramic Observation Deck
• What to see and do
• Museums and monuments

Description

Community facilities, accessibility.

Perched on the 56th floor , at an altitude of 210 meters , the Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck is the ideal place to get a panoramic view over the whole city. There are two parts to the visit: the 56th floor interior area, and the terrace with panoramic views , where you can see Paris spread out before you, and enjoy its beauty both in the daytime, or when it is lit up at night.

A unique panorama

After barely 38 seconds spent inside the fastest lift in Europe , you reach the summit. In this luminous space entirely surrounded by windows, discover the capital with the help of telescopes, interactive terminals and touch-screen tables for orienting you. 185 archival photos and a film about the architectural symbolism of towers throughout the world will have you delving deeper into the world of skyscrapers. On the same floor, the Café à 360 is on hand for a meal or refreshments .

An uninterrupted view of Paris’ major monuments also awaits you on the large panoramic terrace surrounded by windows . In the foreground, you’ll see the Montparnasse cemetery , and further away, the Eiffel Tower , the Arc de Triomphe , the Louvre , as well as the Notre-Dame Cathedral , and further still, the La Défense neighbourhood… For a truly magical treat when the weather is fine, head to the Champagne Bar to soak in the view, a glass in hand.

The best views of Paris are on top of the city's monuments

Access and contact

• https://www.tourmontparnasse56.com/en/

Metro: Station: Montparnasse-Bienvenüe (lines 4, 6,12,13) Bus: lines 28, 58, 82, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95, 96 SNCF: Montparnasse station

Days and opening hours

From 01/04 to 30 ⁄ 09 , daily between 9.30 AM and 11.30 PM. From 01/10 to 31 ⁄ 03 , daily between 9.30 AM and 10.30 PM. Fridays and Saturdays + the day before public holidays: open untill 11pm. Last lift 30 minutes before closure.

• From 17 ⁄ 07 to 30/09/2023 Adult: 21 € Child : 9.50 € (from 4 to 11 years old included) Student: 16 € (Young people (aged 12-17) and students). From 01/10 to 31/12/2023 Adult: 19 € Child : 9.50 € Student: 14.50 € (Young people (aged 12-17) and students). Free entry for children < 4 years. Child entry valid for 4 - 11 years.
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• Ticketing in number

Spoken languages

Guided tour languages, documentation languages (home), bulletin board languages, single mean time tour, single services tour.

• Unguided individual tours available permanently
• Physical disability
• Accessible for wheelchairs with assistance
• Lift (80 x 130 cm) and door >= 77 cm
• WC + grab handle + adequate space to move
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How (And Why) to Visit Montparnasse Tower in Paris

This post about visiting Montparnasse Tower in Paris was sponsored by Get Your Guide.

As the tallest building (and only skyscraper) in central Paris, Montparnasse Tower is, if nothing else, absolutely unmistakable.

Stretching 210 meters high and featuring a modern, black exterior that is mostly glass, Montparnasse Tower sticks out like a sore thumb in the Paris skyline and is often derided as the ugliest building in Paris–a pronouncement I simultaneously agree with and feel that our generation should probably hold back judgment on. After all, they once said the same about the Eiffel Tower!

Questionable aesthetics aside, though, the building certainly has its perks for visitors to the City of Lights, the most important of which is the fact that by visiting Montparnasse Tower, you can be treated to one of the absolute best views of Paris.

Here’s what to know about visiting Montparnasse Tower in Paris, from why to go to how to get there.

Table of Contents

A Brief History of Paris’ Montparnasse Tower

What’s the view from montparnasse tower like, how to visit montparnasse tower in paris, how to get to montparnasse tower, what to do after visiting montparnasse tower in paris, hours + essential info for visiting montparnasse tower.

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Montparnasse Tower may be an extremely modern building by Paris’ standards, but it still has quite the involved history.

The Montparnasse neighborhood and building both take their names from a then-rural hill that once stood in the area, Mount Parnassus, named for the home of the muses in Greek mythology (the hill was razed in 1725, so you won’t see it today).

By the 18th century, the area surrounding what is now Montparnasse Tower began filling up with cabarets, theaters, restaurants, and the artistic clientele who would patronize them, a pattern that continued into the 20th century. Iconic institutions such as the brasseries La Coupole and La Rotonde got their start in the early 20th century and still operate in Montparnasse today.

At the time, the area was outside the city limits of Paris and exempt from certain taxes on things like alcohol, making it an attractive place for people living a bit outside the lines of society (not unlike more-famous Montmartre, which had a similar reputation in the late 19th century to what Montparnasse enjoyed in the 1920s and 1930s).

Lost Generation-era writers such as Oscar Wilde and Ernest Hemingway, among many others, patronized the local businesses through the 1920s.

Once the Great Depression hit, times turned for the Montparnasse neighborhood, and the then-Gare Montparnasse train station needed to be moved–the sight of which would eventually become Montparnasse Tower.

The Montparnasse Tower that visitors can see today was first proposed in 1959 and was swiftly met with vicious opposition from those that proclaimed that the building would ruin Paris’ skyline.

Ten years and many battles later, though, President Georges Pompidou of France approved the building. The president was very interested in modernizing the capital–you might also recognize his name from Centre Pompidou, Paris’ modern art museum.

Construction began on Montparnasse Tower in April 1970, and the building was inaugurated in June 1973.

Despite the modern, office-building feel of the tower itself, the neighborhood of Montparnasse maintains its reputation for cabarets, theaters, bakeries, and restaurants to this day, and it is a lively section of Paris.

The 360-degree view of Paris that you can enjoy from Montparnasse Tower is simply stunning! 

Paris is famous for its beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower, and Montparnasse Tower boasts what is arguably the best view of the Eiffel Tower in all of Paris, and is located at a perfect angle to snap photos of the Iron Lady.

Many more of Paris’ most distinct buildings are clearly visible as well, including the Panthéon, the Louvre, Notre Dame, Les Invalides, and Sacré-Cœur.

It’s a captivating sight, and well worth a visit.

If this were a guide to visiting the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe , or even the Paris Catacombs , the step-by-step process for how to visit would be several steps longer.

Since this viewpoint only gets a fraction of the crowds that some of the more popular landmarks in Paris experience, though, visiting Montparnasse Tower is quite simple!

Here’s how to visit:

Book skip-the-line tickets online.

Don’t waste any time in line: book skip-the-line tickets for Montparnasse Tower before even arriving in Paris! 

Since the tower is only open certain days of the week–more on that in a later section–you’ll want to plan when to visit in advance, especially if you only have a few days in the city and need to organize your time carefully.

If you’re planning on hitting up many of the best museums and attractions in Paris, you may also want to consider The Paris Pass , which includes access to Montparnasse Tower among its many benefits.

Buy skip-the-line-tickets for Montparnasse Tower today!

Head right up!

The 56th-floor observation deck of Montparnasse Tower is accessed via an elevator that they tout as Europe’s fastest (Panoramapunkt in Berlin would dispute that claim, but the 38-second ride up 200 meters into the sky you experience in Montparnasse Tower is indisputably impressive).

In other words–no slog up 19th-century staircases, which makes visiting Montparnasse Tower decidedly less labor-intensive than some of Paris’ other viewpoints.

From there, you can climb 3 flights of stairs to the 59th-floor rooftop terrace.

Enjoy the view.

In addition to the 56th-floor observation deck and 59th-floor rooftop terrace, Montparnasse Tower is also home to a rooftop bar–so if you’d like to toast an excellent trip to Paris with a glass of champagne overlooking the city, you sure can.

The rooftop terrace plays host to plenty of different special events throughout the year. Many of the additional experiences cost extra, but it’s definitely worth an additional fee to, say, go ice-skating on top of Paris!

A fine-dining, restaurant, Le Ciel de Paris (“The Sky of Paris”), is also located on the 56th floor, and makes a lovely alternative to the restaurants located inside the Eiffel Tower if you’d like to enjoy a special-occasion dinner with a view–after all, at Le Ciel de Paris, you get to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle as you enjoy your dinner, rather than sit inside it!

Montparnasse Tower is easily accessed from the Montparnasse-Bienvenüe metro station. Lines 4, 6, 12, and 13 stop there.

You can also access Montparnasse Tower through Paris’ bus system, or–my favorite option–you can simply walk.

The tower is located a 15-minute walk from the Luxembourg Gardens or a lovely 40-minute stroll from Notre Dame. The route from Notre Dame to Montparnasse Tower passes through Paris’ Latin Quarter and is a fantastic way to experience the city!

After enjoying the magnificent view from Montparnasse Tower, consider sticking around the neighborhood for a bit!

Stroll down the Boulevard du Montparnasse, follow in the footsteps of Lost Generation writers and have lunch at Le Select, La Coupole, or La Rotonde, snap photos of the historic theaters that line Rue de la Gaîté, and see some beautiful sculpture (for free!) in the quiet Musée Bourdelle.

Be sure to also tour the Montparnasse Cemetery, home to several notable graves, including those of Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, Charles Baudelaire, and Susan Sontag.

From there, head over to the nearby Paris catacombs to get underground and explore one of the most unique attractions in the city (but you’ll definitely need to plan this one at least several days in advance, so have your reservation ready before setting off to visit Montparnasse Tower!).

Paris’ Montparnasse Tower has its observation deck and rooftop terrace open for visitors from 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM each Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Because of the fact that it is only open for 4 days out of the week, we recommend planning ahead for visiting Montparnasse Tower as you sketch out your trip to Paris .

Unlike many of the best views of Paris, Montparnasse’s 56th-floor observation deck is wheelchair accessible, making it a fantastic viewpoint for travelers who want to experience the Parisian skyline without needing to climb any stairs.

The 59th-floor terrace is accessed by climbing 3 floors of stairs, but the view from the 56th is pretty magnificent all on its own!

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

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Wesley Bryan explains why he plans to use two 4-irons at CJ CUP Byron Nelson

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1) He was the only player on the PGA TOUR using the brand, and,

2) The iron sets sell for just $649, a relatively lower cost than what his contemporaries typically use.

Flash forward to THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson 2024 at TPC Craig Ranch in Texas, and Bryan is still playing with a mixed Takomo set, except he’s added a new 101 U 4-iron, plus a Titleist T200 4-iron, and he’s dropping his 5-iron.

That bears repeating: Bryan is switching to an iron setup that consists of two 4-irons and no 5-iron.

On paper, that looks wrong, but when you look at yardage gapping instead of the number on the sole of the iron, things start to make more sense.

As Bryan explained to GolfWRX.com on Tuesday in Texas, his Takomo 301 CB 6-iron goes about 195-200 yards. Then, his new hollow-bodied Takomo 101U Driving Iron, which he recently started testing “a couple weeks ago” and bent about 2 degrees weak, goes about 220 yards, and the Titleist T200 4-iron goes about 235 yards.

Wesley Bryan's new Takomo 101U Driving Iron. (Courtesy GolfWRX)

Speaking on his new Takomo 101U Driving Iron, which sells for $119, Bryan had this to say:

“It’s super forgiving and launches high, and it has a bit longer of a profile to where it looks really good," said Bryan. "If people are willing to play something that doesn’t have an expensive price tag on their club, it outperforms the Srixon (driving iron). [I started testing it] in the last couple weeks and it’s in the bag.

“I just made it like 2 degrees weaker. Basically that gap from 205 to 225 I was in a little bit of a dead space, so I’m going to try and fill that gap better.”

For amateurs, take Bryan’s mentality about yardage gapping and club selection as a valuable lesson: It’s more about the yardages and performance than the number on the club, or even the price tag.

Bryan is also shaking things up this week on the greens, by switching into a new L.A.B. DF3 putter.

And how long has he been testing that putter?

“About 30 minutes, and it’s going in the bag,” Bryan told GolfWRX.com. “It’s so stable.”

Clearly, Bryan isn’t afraid to make last-minute adjustments to his equipment setup in the name of improvement. Based on his YouTube and social media followings, he also has a flair for entertainment.

Now, let’s sit back and watch how his latest equipment adjustments unfold as he takes on THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson 2024.

Middle East Crisis Hamas Resists Israel’s Latest Cease-Fire Offer

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• Israeli military vehicles on the border with Gaza. Atef Safadi/EPA, via Shutterstock
• Demonstrators in Tel Aviv demanding the return of hostages on the day that Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and President Isaac Herzog of Israel were meeting. Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
• Displaced Palestinians next to a placard thanking pro-Palestinian protesters on college campuses in the United States. Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• A funeral for an Israeli soldier in Ashdod, Israel. Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
• Walking past the rubble of a destroyed building in Rafah, Gaza, on Tuesday. Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Follow live news updates on the crisis in the Middle East .

Hamas says its position is ‘negative’ on Israel’s offer but signals willingness to keep talking.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said on Wednesday that Hamas leaders could save Palestinian lives by accepting a proposed deal under which they would free 33 hostages in exchange for a six-week cease-fire and the liberation of many Palestinian prisoners.

“We are determined to get a cease-fire that brings the hostages home and to get it now, and the only reason that that wouldn’t be achieved is because of Hamas,” Mr. Blinken said at the start of a meeting in Tel Aviv with Isaac Herzog, the president of Israel. “There is a proposal on the table, and as we’ve said, no delays, no excuses. The time is now, and the time is now long past due to bring the hostages home to their families.”

But on Wednesday night, a spokesman for Hamas, Osama Hamdan, said in an interview on Lebanese television, “Our position on the current negotiating paper is negative.”

The Hamas press office later clarified Mr. Hamdan’s comments, saying that while Hamas’s leaders would not accept the current Israeli proposals without changes, they were willing to keep negotiating. “The negative position does not mean negotiations have stopped,” the press office said. “There is a back and forth issue.”

Mr. Blinken’s comments were part of a concerted campaign by President Biden and his top aides to press Hamas leaders to accept the six-week halt in fighting and possibly lay the foundation for a longer-term cease-fire.

Mr. Blinken made similar comments to reporters the previous evening outside a humanitarian aid warehouse in Zarqa, Jordan. Earlier this week, Mr. Biden urged the leaders of Qatar and Egypt to push Hamas to accept the terms, after Israel agreed to lower the required number of hostages released in the initial round to 33 from 40.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has said he supports the latest proposed deal, but at the same time he has vowed to carry out a major ground offensive in the city of Rafah “with or without a deal.” Israeli officials say their objective is to eliminate four battalions of Hamas fighters in Rafah.

Mr. Hamdan, the Hamas spokesman, said in his comments on Al Manar television, “If the enemy carries out the Rafah operation, negotiations will stop.”

Biden administration officials are opposed to a major ground assault in Rafah, where more than one million Palestinians have sought refuge during the war.

Mr. Blinken discussed the hostage and cease-fire deal on the table in a nearly three-hour meeting with Mr. Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Wednesday, according to a summary from the State Department. He also spoke about efforts to increase humanitarian aid in Gaza and the U.S. government’s “clear position” on Rafah, the summary said.

Israeli officials said a new crossing into northern Gaza, near the Erez kibbutz, had just opened to allow aid deliveries, and that 30 trucks with goods from Jordan had rolled through the crossing earlier on Wednesday. The opening was promised weeks ago, but the Israeli military said it had to build inspection facilities and pave roads on both sides of the border before the crossing could be used by aid trucks.

Hwaida Saad contributed reporting from Beirut, Lebanon.

— Edward Wong traveling in the Middle East with the U.S. secretary of state

Israel has softened some demands in cease-fire negotiations, officials say.

After a monthslong standoff, Israel is softening some of its demands in negotiations over a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages held there.

As part of its latest proposal, Israel would allow displaced Palestinian civilians to return to northern Gaza, according to two Israeli officials, which is a sharp reversal on an issue that has been a sticking point in the talks.

For weeks, Israel has demanded that it be allowed to impose significant restrictions on Palestinians going back to the north because of worries that Hamas could take advantage of a large-scale return to strengthen itself. Now, Israel has consented to Palestinian civilians’ going back en masse during the first phase of an agreement, according to the officials, whose account was confirmed by a non-Israeli official familiar with the talks.

One of the Israeli officials said those returning to the north would be subject to no inspections or limitations, while the second said there would be nearly no restrictions, without elaborating. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to share details of the proposal.

It was not clear whether Hamas would accept the most recent Israeli proposal, which is part of negotiations that the two sides are conducting indirectly through mediators from Egypt and Qatar. As of Wednesday afternoon, the group hadn’t officially issued a response.

The cease-fire talks were a focus of Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken as he visited Israel on Wednesday. “There is a proposal on the table, and as we’ve said, no delays, no excuses,” Mr. Blinken said before meeting with President Isaac Herzog. He later discussed the talks and other issues in a nearly three-hour meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Hamas has long demanded that any deal include a permanent end to the war, which has forced most of Gaza’s more than two million people to flee their homes. The Israeli offer, according to one of the Israeli officials, doesn’t include language that refers explicitly to an end to the fighting.

Hanging over the negotiations is Israel’s threat to invade Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza where roughly a million civilians are sheltering, along with what Israel says are thousands of Hamas fighters. But even as it vows to carry out its plan for a ground invasion there, in defiance of pleas from world leaders and humanitarian groups, it is showing some willingness to make concessions in talks to stop the fighting and free hostages.

On Monday, The New York Times reported that, as part of its proposal, Israel had reduced the number of hostages Hamas would need to release in the initial phase of a deal. For months, it had been insisting on the release of 40 hostages, but in the new offer, the Israeli government said it would agree to 33.

That change was prompted in part by the fact that Israel now believes that some of the 40 have died in captivity , one of the officials said.

As details of Israel’s latest offer have emerged, Mr. Netanyahu has come under increasing pressure from his right-wing coalition partners to reject compromise. If they withdraw from the government over a deal, Israel could head to early elections, threatening Mr. Netanyahu’s political future.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a hard-line member of the coalition, has said that if Mr. Netanyahu gives up on invading Rafah immediately, a government under his leadership doesn’t have “the right to exist.”

On Tuesday, Mr. Netanyahu said an invasion of Rafah would take place, without saying when.

“The idea that we will halt the war before achieving all of its goals is out of the question,” he said in a meeting with the families of hostages, according to a statement from his office. “We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate the Hamas battalions there — with or without a deal — in order to achieve the total victory.”

If Israel and Hamas strike an agreement, it would be the first cease-fire since late November, when a short-lived pause in the fighting allowed for the release of more than 100 hostages and 240 Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas and its allies captured roughly 240 Israelis and foreigners in their attack on Oct. 7, which prompted Israel to go to war in Gaza. More than 130 hostages are believed to still be held in Gaza, but some are thought to have died.

Aaron Boxerman contributed reporting.

— Adam Rasgon reporting from Jerusalem

Israeli settlers attacked aid trucks headed to Gaza, Jordan says.

Israeli settlers attacked several aid trucks on the way from Jordan to Gaza around dawn on Wednesday, including some that were headed for the newly opened border crossing on the north edge of the Gaza Strip, Jordan’s foreign ministry said.

The ministry said that the settlers dumped some of the aid onto the street . It condemned the Israeli government’s failure to protect the aid as a violation of its legal obligation to safeguard the flow of food and other humanitarian necessities to the devastated Palestinian enclave, and said the attack undermined Israel’s claim that it was working to allow more aid into Gaza.

Asked about the attack, the Israeli military said in a statement that overnight, Israeli civilians had “caused damage” to aid on several trucks from Jordan “secured” by Israeli forces.

Details about the attack, including where it happened and how much aid was dumped or damaged, were not immediately released by the Israeli military or the Jordanian foreign ministry, though both said the trucks ultimately managed to reach Gaza.

Honenu, a right-wing legal aid group that often represents Israeli extremists accused of violent crimes against Palestinians, said that four people had been arrested for blocking aid trucks near Ma’ale Adumim, one of the largest Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The trucks were part of two convoys, one of which was headed for the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza, the Jordanian foreign ministry said. The other convoy was the first to enter northern Gaza through the Erez crossing, according to the Jordanian foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, who called the attack “despicable” on social media and called for global condemnation and international sanctions against Israel.

Israel agreed to open the Erez crossing on Wednesday, after some of its closest allies, including the United States, pressured it to allow more aid into Gaza in the aftermath of the Israeli military’s killing of seven World Central Kitchen workers in April. For months beforehand, United Nations officials and aid organizations had been pleading with Israel to open the crossing to allow aid to move directly into northern Gaza, in hopes of averting famine.

Honenu said on Wednesday that it had provided legal counsel to the four arrested individuals, and that they had been released after being issued a restraining order requiring them to stay away from aid convoys and not participate in illicit gatherings.

Israeli civilians have repeatedly blocked the passage of aid trucks — sometimes as Israeli security forces stand by — with many demanding that no aid reach Palestinians in Gaza until hostages held in the enclave are released.

The U.S. secretary of state, Antony J. Blinken, who has been on another wartime tour of the Middle East, was in Jordan on Tuesday at the warehouse where medical and food aid was being loaded onto the convoy heading to the Erez crossing. He praised Israel’s opening of the crossing as “real and important progress,” adding that “more still needs to be done.” On Wednesday, during a visit to Israel, Mr. Blinken included the Kerem Shalom crossing among his stops.

— Anushka Patil and Johnatan Reiss

Blinken’s visit to the Kerem Shalom crossing puts aid for Gaza front and center.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken visited an inspection checkpoint at the Kerem Shalom border crossing in Israel on Wednesday, part of an effort to prioritize the issue of humanitarian aid for Gaza during his Middle East tour.

Under pressure from President Biden after an Israeli airstrike killed seven aid workers , Israel announced last month that it would open more avenues for aid to enter Gaza . Israel has since expedited the flow of aid into Gaza amid intense international scrutiny, though humanitarian organizations say more is urgently needed to alleviate the severe hunger that is gripping the enclave.

Here’s a look at where things stand .

Border Crossings

Israel imposes stringent checks on incoming aid to keep out anything that might help Hamas, which it has pledged to eliminate. Since the start of the war, most of the aid for Gaza has been transiting through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.

Israel opened the crossing at Kerem Shalom in December after pressure from the United States to speed up the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, Israeli protesters have regularly gathered at the crossing, trying to block aid convoys from entering the enclave in the hopes of raising the pressure on Hamas to release the hostages.

The Rafah and Kerem Shalom checkpoints both touch southern Gaza. Aid officials pleaded with Israel for months to add additional entry points — especially in the north, where the risk of famine was deemed greatest by the United Nations.

Under pressure, Israel said last month that it would reopen the Erez border crossing into northern Gaza and that shipments bound for the enclave would be accepted at the Israeli port of Ashdod. On Wednesday, Israel said that the first aid trucks, 30 in total, had passed through the crossing after being inspected.

But the Erez crossing, which was primarily used for pedestrian traffic before the war, was badly damaged during the Hamas-led raid on Israel in October. As international officials and humanitarian agencies looked for signs that Israel was making good on its pledges, Israel said it would be opening another crossing into northern Gaza — not Erez.

Other Efforts

U.S. Army engineers also are working to construct a floating pier off the coast of Gaza. The pier — which Mr. Blinken said Tuesday would be operational in about one week — could help relief workers deliver as many as two million meals a day.

And the Jordanian military and government have in recent weeks increased the amount of aid arriving in overland convoys, which travel from Jordan through the West Bank and across part of Israel before reaching the southern Gaza border crossings. The Jordanian military carries out its own inspections. Government trucks are inspected by Israel.

Situation on the Ground

There are widespread food shortages in Gaza, and the United Nations has warned that a famine is looming . Aid groups and United Nations officials have accused Israel of systematically limiting aid delivery. Israel denies the assertion, blaming the shortages on logistical failures by aid groups, and has recently increased the number of trucks entering the strip.

In recent weeks, Israel’s efforts to increase the flow of aid have been acknowledged by the Biden administration and international aid officials. More aid trucks also appeared to be reaching Gaza, especially in the north.

On Wednesday, Mr. Blinken discussed how aid delivery has improved when he met with Mr. Netanyahu and “reiterated the importance of accelerating and sustaining that improvement,” according to the State Department.

— Cassandra Vinograd

‘Thank you, American universities’: Gazans express gratitude for campus protesters.

Thousands of miles away from the campus protests that have divided Americans, some displaced Palestinians are expressing solidarity with the antiwar demonstrators and gratitude for their efforts.

Messages of support were written on some tents in the southern city of Rafah, where roughly a million displaced people have sought shelter from the Israeli bombardment and ground fighting that Gazan health officials say have killed more than 34,000 people.

“Thank you, American universities,” read one message captured on video by the Reuters news agency. “Thank you, students in solidarity with Gaza your message has reached” us, read another nearby.

Tensions have risen at campuses across the United States, with police in riot gear arresting dozens of people at Columbia University on Tuesday night and officers across the country clashing with pro-Palestinian demonstrators who had erected encampments and seized academic buildings at other institutions. The protesters have been calling for universities to divest from companies with ties to Israel, and some have vowed not to back down.

The protests have come at a particularly fearful time in Rafah, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel vowing to launch a ground invasion of the city to root out Hamas battalions there despite glimmers of hope for a temporary cease-fire.

Palestinians “are very happy that there are still people standing with us,” said Mohammed al-Baradei, a 24-year-old recent graduate from the dentistry program at Al-Azhar University who spoke by phone from Rafah.

“The special thing is that this is happening in America and that people there are still aware and the awareness is growing every day for the Palestinian cause,” he added.

Akram al-Satri, a 47-year-old freelance journalist sheltering in Rafah, said Gazans were “watching with hope and gratitude the student movement in the United States.”

“For us this is a glimmer of hope on a national level,” he added in a voice message on Wednesday.

Bisan Owda, a 25-year-old Palestinian who has been documenting the war on social media, said in a video posted to her more than 4.5 million Instagram followers that the campus protests had brought her a new sense of possibility.

“I’ve lived my whole life in Gaza Strip and I’ve never felt hope like now,” said Ms. Owda.

Nader Ibrahim contributed reporting and video production from London.

— Hiba Yazbek reporting from Jerusalem

Colombia’s president says the country will sever ties with Israel, calling its government ‘genocidal.’

Colombia will sever diplomatic ties with Israel over its prosecution of the war in Gaza, President Gustavo Petro announced in Bogotá on Wednesday, describing the Israeli government as “genocidal.”

His announcement came in a speech in Colombia’s capital city in front of cheering crowds that had gathered for International Workers’ Day.

“The times of genocide, of the extermination of an entire people cannot come before our eyes, before our passivity,” Mr. Petro said. “If Palestine dies, humanity dies.”

Colombia is the second South American nation to break off relations with Israel after Bolivia, which cut ties in November over its strikes in Gaza. On the day that Bolivia made its announcement, Colombia and Chile both said that they were recalling their ambassadors to Israel, and Honduras followed suit within days. Belize also cut diplomatic ties with Israel that month.

The Israeli government denounced Mr. Petro’s move on Wednesday.

“History will remember that Gustavo Petro chose to stand at the side of the most abominable monsters known to man, who burned babies, killed children, raped woman and abducted innocent civilians,” Israel’s foreign minister, Israel Katz, wrote on X . “Israel and Colombia always enjoyed warm ties. Even an antisemitic and hateful president will not change that.’’

Mr. Petro, Colombia’s first leftist leader and a critic of U.S. drug policy toward his country, had threatened to cut ties with Israel in March if it did not comply with a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. And he called on other countries to do the same. In response to that threat, Mr. Katz wrote on X that Mr. Petro’s “support for Hamas murderers” who carried out massacres and committed sex crimes against Israelis was shameful.

“Israel will continue to protect its citizens and will not yield to any pressure or threats,” he added.

In February Mr. Petro suspended Colombia’s purchase of Israeli weapons in February after Israeli forces opened fire while a crowd was gathered near a convoy of trucks carrying desperately needed aid to Gaza City, part of a chaotic scene in which scores of people were killed and injured, according to Gazan health officials and the Israeli military.

“Asking for food, more than 100 Palestinians were killed by Netanyahu,” Mr. Petro wrote on X at the time, comparing the events to the Holocaust “even if the world powers do not like to acknowledge it.”

“The world must block Netanyahu,” he added.

— Genevieve Glatsky reporting from Bogotá, Colombia

Netanyahu’s pledge to invade Rafah could undermine efforts to reach a cease-fire deal.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel once again pledged on Tuesday to launch a ground invasion into the southern Gazan city of Rafah, a move that could undermine efforts to negotiate a cease-fire agreement after seven months of war in the Palestinian enclave.

The United States, Qatar and several countries have been pushing to get a cease-fire deal, with Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken visiting the region and expectations rising that Hamas and Israel might be edging closer to an agreement.

But with Hamas arguing that any agreement should include an end to the war, and with right-wing politicians in Israel threatening to leave the government coalition if the long-planned incursion into Rafah is delayed, Mr. Netanyahu made clear that Israel would reserve the right to keep fighting.

“The idea that we will halt the war before achieving all of its goals is out of the question,” he said in a meeting with the families of hostages held in Gaza, according to a statement from his office. “We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate the Hamas battalions there — with or without a deal, in order to achieve the total victory.”

Israeli officials have said repeatedly that they plan to move into Rafah, but over the weekend, they made clear they were open to holding off if it meant they could secure the release of hostages taken when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7. One official also suggested that Israel was using the threat of an imminent military maneuver to press the armed group into a hostage deal.

In anticipation of an offensive, some families in Rafah have been moving north into areas of Gaza that had already been attacked by Israeli forces, but on Tuesday, the scale of the evacuation remained unclear. As of last week, more than one million Gazans, many of them previously displaced from other parts of the territory by Israeli bombardment, were still sheltering in the city in makeshift tents.

American officials and other allies have been pressing Israel to either avoid an assault on Rafah or develop specific plans to adequately minimize civilian casualties.

On Tuesday, Mr. Blinken met with officials in Jordan to discuss the war between Israel and Hamas, and to press for peace and an increase in humanitarian aid. There was no immediate reaction from the State Department to Mr. Netanyahu’s remarks.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of Britain spoke to Mr. Netanyahu on Tuesday, his office said in a statement. The British leader “continued to push for an immediate humanitarian pause to allow more aid in and hostages out” and said that Britain’s focus was on de-escalation, it said.

For weeks, cease-fire talks had been at a standstill. But Israeli officials have said that negotiators have reduced the number of hostages they want Hamas to release during the first phase of a truce, opening up the possibility that the stalled negotiations could be revived.

A senior Hamas official said on social media on Monday that the group was studying a new Israeli proposal.

A Hamas delegation met with officials in Egypt’s intelligence service on Monday, according to a senior Hamas official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to talk about sensitive discussions between Hamas and Egypt.

Adam Rasgon contributed reporting.

— Damien Cave

A father in Rafah whose family survived an airstrike asks, ‘What should we do?’

As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel repeats his vow to launch a ground invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza and Israeli airstrikes continue to pummel the city, it is a particularly fearful time for displaced families sheltering there.

“What should we do? Where will we go?” said Mohammed Abu Youssef, who spoke on Wednesday in video shot by the Reuters news agency about how he and his children had narrowly survived an airstrike. “I am waiting for a tent so I can leave,” he added as he burst into tears.

Mr. Abu Youssef said his family had recently fled to Al-Shaboura neighborhood in Rafah, seeking safety. He suffered a head injury in the strike, he said, and his brother-in-law, who was sheltering with him, lost two children. Several other relatives were also wounded, he said.

Roughly a million displaced Palestinians have sought shelter in Rafah from the Israeli bombardment and ground fighting that health officials say have killed more than 34,000 people across Gaza. Israel has said that the purpose of the planned invasion is to root out Hamas fighters there.

Mr. Abu Youssef said he was now left grappling with the uncertainty of again trying to find a place where his family could be safe. Some displaced families in Rafah have already been moving north into areas of Gaza that were combat zones earlier in the war.

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Administrator Samantha Power to Give Remarks and Tour MANA Nutrition Factory in Fitzgerald, Georgia

For Immediate Release

Office of Press Relations [email protected]

Media Advisory

On May 3, USAID Administrator Samantha Power will travel to Fitzgerald, Georgia to visit the MANA Nutrition Factory. MANA is a critical USAID provider of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food (RUSF) for children facing malnutrition around the world. An estimated 45 million children worldwide face wasting – the most acute, life-threatening form of malnutrition. 

During this visit, Administrator Power will tour the facilities and highlight the critical need to invest in nutrition commodities for the treatment and prevention of wasting in crises around the world including Gaza, Sudan, and Ethiopia.

Administrator Power will be joined by MANA CEO Mark Moore, local elected officials, and philanthropist Sir Chris Hohn, KCMG. 

WHEN:  Friday, May 3 at 12:00 p.m. 

WHERE : Fitzgerald, Georgia

RSVP REQUIRED : Reporters interested in covering the event must RSVP to  [email protected] . Additional arrival instructions will be provided to credentialed press.

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