The Montparnasse Tower, located in the heart of Paris, is one of the best spots to get views of the whole city, especially at sunset. And you know the best part? From the top of the tower you won't see the tower itself which is ugly... Le me show with many pictures, those amazing views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower 🙂
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MONTPARNASSE TOWER FACTS
Tower Height and Location
The Montparnasse Tower (Tour Montparnasse in French), is a 210 meter (689 feet) high building in the center of Paris. Most sky-rises are located West of Paris, but this one stands alone in the South section, next to the Montparnasse train station. For more numbers about the tower, check out the great towers website.
Tower Structure and Purpose
Inaugurated in 1973, it is an office building where more than 5000 employees work on 53 floors. However they took advantage of the height to set up 2 viewing levels, one indoor and one outdoor to admire the Eiffel tower and all of Paris. More info about its history on its website for tourists.
Montparnasse Tower photo
Below is a photo of Paris from the Arc de Triomphe. You can see the Eiffel Tower to the right, and the black boring square building to the left is the tower of Montparnasse itself - Not that great, isn't it?
I must admit that it is such a boring building that I did not think of taking a better picture of it.
But the best part is the views from the Montparnasse tower observation deck (especially at sunset):
The Montparnasse Tower is one of the best places to see Paris from above and I have included in several of my suggestions for 3 day Paris itineraries.
Discover many more photos of the view after the practical information box.
INFO & PLANNING TIPS - MONTPARNASSE TOWER PARIS
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TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS - Montparnasse Tower
Getting to Montparnasse Tower
- Metro 4, 6 , 12 , 13 - Stop Montparnasse Bienvenue
- 3km - 40 min walk from Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame Cathedral
- Nearest parking: Tour Montparnasse, 11 Rue de l'Arrivée
Visiting the Montparnasse Tower
- Tower's opening hours: Opens at 9:30 am, closed between 10:30 and 11:30pm depending on the month - confirm on its official website for opening times
- Montparnasse Tower tickets and price: as of March 2015, adult entry is 15 euros. It gives you access to the indoor level and its displays as well as the outdoor terrace. You can pre-purchase your ticket to avoid queuing at the ticket booth - Buy ticket here
- Paris pass - entrance to the Montparnasse tower is included in the Paris Pass Card which includes entry to over 60 attractions - Check out what's included in the pass
- The indoor level has a café, toilets and many displays explaining the views
- Montparnasse tower 56th floor observation deck: The Outdoor terrace is reached via stairs from the indoor level. It is surrounded by glass but visibility is good and there are slots to allow photograhy
- Best time to visit the Montparnasse Tower: Check out sunset time, get there 1 hour before to enjoy the views with daylight, then the nice colors. Later you the Eiffel Tower start lighting up and you can admire Paris by night. A lot of people come at this time, if you arrive 1 hour before you will have time to tour the place and set up at a nice spot before the flow of tourists arrive.
Don't forget to bring binoculars to make the most of those views!!!!
Check out my guide to find the best travel binoculars for your needs.
Paris View from Montparnasse Tower in photos
The views from the Tower are stunning. Contrary to the Eiffel Tower, you see bulidings from further away however you get to have the Eiffel tower in the picture :-). Below are some shots where I zoomed on some of the historical buildings of Paris. Behind the Eiffel Tower is La Défense, the business district of Paris.
Above you can see the original church of Saint Sulpice. Visit it, it is amazing and almost free of tourists!
For more photos, you can also have a look at the Wild family article about Tour Montparnasse.
Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck
During that visit I was so fascinated by the view that I forgot to take a picture of the observation deck for you.
On the Terrasse there are big glass to protect you of the wind and for safety reasons.
However they have incorporated open ares between glasses for people to be able tp take proper photos.
Just note that people will fight for this slots at sunset and when the lights of the Eiffel tower are turned on. So Come before and find your favorite spot to set up.
Montparnasse Tower at Sunset
On the day I took those pictures there was a lot of pollution so it was difficult to get good shots. However the sunsets was colorful and brilliant with one side in the yellows and oranges, and the other pink. On top of that the building started reflecting pinkish tones, it reminded me (just a little bit) of the sunset in Amman, Jordan.
Montparnasse Tower: Night time views
If you wait long enough, the Eiffel Tower starts displaying all its beauty with the lighting system. I starts sparkling when the sensor detect nightfall. Many people get to the Montparnasse tower at that time, so make sure to set up before.
The Montparnasse Tower is one of the best spots to photograph the Eiffel Tower.
Want to see MORE of FRANCE?
Discover more things to do with planning information and photos in my online Paris Travel Guide.
What other city have you discovered from above?
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