tour montparnasse paris 2024

The best view of Paris

Explore paris from new heights.

Observation Deck

The Montparnasse Tower observatory, located on the 56th floor, offers a panoramic view of Paris.

Paris Time Travel

Discover Paris through time in virtual reality. An experience that celebrates the rich history and timeless beauty of Paris.

Discover the most impressive rooftop in Paris. See and feel the city like never before.

Private Events

Organize an exceptional event in the Montparnasse Tower observatory. It's the perfect place to celebrate any occasion.​

Save time and money by booking your visit online! Admire Paris with a drink or discover the city day and night.

Visit ticket + champagne

Enjoy a drink at the top.

• 360° view of Paris
• Rooftop access
• Paris Time Travel VR experience
• 1 glass of champagne

Standard Ticket

See paris' best view.

Day & Night Ticket

Visit 2 times.

• Paris Time Travel VR Experience
• Ticket valid for 1 person, for 2 visits in 48h

360° Rooftop view

Looking for an incredible panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower and all the other iconic Parisian monuments? The rooftop terrace of Paris Montparnasse Observatory offers a unique and breathtaking view like no other.

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Montparnasse Tower 33 Avenue du Maine 75015 Paris

Discover exciting opportunities for you to grow your career at Paris Montparnasse.

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HOURS AND VISIT

Open every day, from 9:30 am

• From 01/10 to 31/03: at 10:30 pm on weekdays, at 11 pm on weekends & public holidays.
• From 01/04 to 30/09: at 11:30 pm.

Last lift 30 minutes before closing.  

Interested in working at the top of Paris? 

The Best of Montparnasse: A Comprehensive Guide

Montparnasse is a historic neighbourhood in Paris that was formerly home to the city’s thriving cultural and intellectual culture. The district, which is located on the left bank of the Seine River in Paris, has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. Originally a rural area, the district had become a thriving urban neighborhood with a diversified population by the late nineteenth century. The area was a meeting spot for some of the most famous artists, philosophers, and thinkers of the early twentieth century, including Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Many notable painters lived and worked in the neighborhood, including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Salvador Dali, producing some of their most important works.

Local Tips;

• Montparnasse was famed for its bohemian environment and avant-garde culture during this time period, and was home to various galleries and studios. Although its status as an artistic hotspot has eroded in recent years, many of the district’s original buildings and symbols still survive as memories of its rich cultural history.
• The region was also known for its active nightlife, with a plethora of cafes, pubs, and music venues attracting both locals and visitors. A trip to Montparnasse would be incomplete without visiting some of them. La Coupole, Le Dôme, and La Rotonde were all popular hangouts for artists and intellectuals in the early twentieth century, and they all continue to provide wonderful food and drink today. Le Chat Noir , the famed cabaret, is also located in Montparnasse.
• Despite experiencing substantial damage during WWII , Montparnasse remained a cultural center after the war. Today, the region is home to several major structures and institutions, like as the Tour Montparnasse, the Musée Bourdelle (Bourdelle Museum), and the Cimetière du Montparnasse (Montparnasse cemetery).
• To gain a sense of the area’s history and culture, consider taking a walking tour. The Montparnasse Walking Tour takes you through the historic areas of Montparnasse and the Latin Quarter, where you can learn about the local artists, writers, and philosophers.
• Consider including the Bourdelle Museum on your trip as well. The museum houses the studio of sculptor Antoine Bourdelle and is an example of a Parisian atelier from the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. From 1885 to 1929, it was Bourdelle’s busy studio. Bourdelle began planning to turn his studio into a museum in 1922. It is a worthwhile stop to make because of its historical and artistic features. The museum is open daily except Mondays and is conveniently accessible by metro.

If you’re planning to explore the area, consider purchasing a Montparnasse Tickets pass . This pass gives you access to many popular attractions in the area, including the Montparnasse Tower, the Catacombs, and the Montparnasse Museum. The pass can be purchased online or at any participating attraction.

If you are looking for some retail therapy, Montparnasse has many of possibilities. Galeries Lafayette Montparnasse is a department store that sells a variety of fashion and beauty items. You can also visit the numerous boutiques and shops on Rue de Rennes. Rue de Rennes is a busy shopping area filled with fashion, décor, kitchen items, antique shops, jewelry stores, restaurants, and cafes…

In a nutshell, everything you need to have a fantastic shopping day with family or friends. Etam, H&M, Fnac, Zara, Céline, Gap, Kenzo, and more popular fashion labels can be found in the region. People shopping for premium items will be pleased to find luxury clothes and shoe stores like Devernois, Loft by Design, Kenzo, Kooples, Arcus, as well as accessories and jewelry shops: Cartier, Monblanc, Lancel, Rolex, etc.

A day trip to the nearby Palace of Versailles is highly recommended for those seeking to venture beyond Montparnasse. The palace, which is only 12 miles southwest of Paris, is a spectacular example of Baroque architecture that served as the residence of the French monarchy from the 17th century until the French Revolution. Visitors to Versailles can tour the luxurious inside of the palace, which includes the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Apartments, and the Chapel , as well as the large gardens and grounds, which include fountains, statues, and decorative lakes.

For anybody interested in art, culture, or history, Montparnasse is a must-see in Paris. The rich cultural past of the district is visible in its many galleries, museums, art installations, and its bustling atmosphere with stunning architecture make it a great destination to visit. From the antique cafes and restaurants to the breathtaking views from the top of the Montparnasse Tower, this fascinating and lively neighborhood has something for everyone.

Getting to Montparnasse District

Montparnasse travel guide: exploring the art and culture scene, day trips from montparnasse, how to get to montparnasse by metro, bus or train.

To get to the Montparnasse district in Paris, you can take the metro, bus or train. Here are some options: Metro: • Metro lines 4, 6, 12, and 13 all stop at the Montparnasse-Bienvenue station. • Line 4 connects Montparnasse to the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area and the Marais. • Line 6 takes you to the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadéro. • Line 12 goes to Montmartre and Pigalle. • Line 13 connects to the Champs-Elysées and the Saint-Lazare train station.

Bus: • Bus lines 28, 58, 82, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95, and 96 all stop in the Montparnasse area.

Train: • The Montparnasse train station serves destinations in western France, such as Brittany, Normandy, and the Loire Valley.

Tips for getting around Montparnasse by foot or bike and tours

Once you’re in the Montparnasse district, walking or biking are great ways to get around. The area has many bike rental stations and plenty of sidewalks. If you prefer a guided tour, there are several options, including walking tours of the historic neighborhoods and food tour that you can taste delicious French cuisine and bike tours that take you to nearby attractions like the Luxembourg Gardens.

Montparnasse is a pedestrian-friendly district with numerous stores, cafes, and landmarks within walking distance of one another. The Montparnasse Tower, which offers amazing views of Paris and the surrounding surroundings, is an excellent starting place for your walking tour.

If you prefer to explore the area on two wheels one popular option to rent a bike is Vélib’, which has over 1,800 bike stations throughout Paris. You can rent a bike for a day or longer, and enjoy the city’s bike paths and parks.

Cultural norms and expectations

Montparnasse is a culturally diverse and cosmopolitan district in Paris, and when visiting, travelers should be mindful of specific cultural conventions and expectations. Here are a few things to remember: 1. Dress Code: Paris is recognized for its fashion and style, and Montparnasse is no exception. Dressing neatly is often expected, especially when visiting luxury restaurants or activities. This includes not wearing shorts, flip flops, or other casual clothing. 2. Tipping: Tipping is not as widespread in Paris as it is in some other nations, but it is still appreciated for good service. It is common to leave a few euros as a tip in restaurants and cafes, although tipping in taxis or for other services is not expected. 3. Language: While French is the official language, many people in Montparnasse and other tourist areas speak English as well. However, it’s always a good idea to learn a few basic French words, such as “Bonjour” (hello), “Merci” (thank you), and “Au revoir” (goodbye). 4. Time: In France, punctuality is valued, so it’s important to arrive on time for appointments and reservations. If you’re running late, it’s polite to call and let the other person know. 5. Social Interactions: Because French people appreciate politeness and respect, being kind and considerate in social interactions is important. When you bump into someone, say “Excusez-moi” (pardon me), and when you enter a store or restaurant, say “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir” (good evening).

Overall, by being respectful and kind, and keeping these cultural norms and expectations in mind, you can have a more enjoyable and positive experience in Montparnasse.

Montparnasse Tower

The Montparnasse Tower is a famous landmark in Paris, providing stunning views of the city. The Montparnasse Tower, which measures 210 meters tall, was installed in 1973. It was initially planned to be part of a wider development plan that included the construction of many other towers, but the project was ultimately canceled. Despite initial criticism, the skyscraper has become a beloved part of the Paris skyline.

Best Time to Visit Montparnasse Tower

Early in the morning or late in the evening, shortly before sunset, are the best times to visit Montparnasse Tower. The light is most lovely at this time of day, and the city is bathed in a warm glow. Avoid going during peak times because the crowds can be overwhelming.

Insider Tips for Visiting Montparnasse Tower;

• Purchase tickets in advance to skip the lines and save time.
• Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning views.
• If you’re visiting in the summer months, bring sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be intense at this height. Consider dining at the Le Ciel de Paris restaurant, located on the 56th floor of the tower, for a special dining experience with a view.
• Take advantage of the free audio guide in several languages to learn more about the landmarks you can see from the observation deck.
• Finally, everybody visiting Paris should make a visit to the Montparnasse Tower. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget, with its stunning views and fascinating history.

Plan ahead of time, pack a camera, and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the City of Lights from this incredible perspective.

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Montparnasse Cemetery

The Montparnasse Cemetery is also a must-see in the neighborhood. Many great people, including writers, artists, statesmen, and philosophers, are buried here in peace. Charles Baudelaire, Guy de Maupassant, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Charles Garnier, Samuel Beckett, Émile Durkheim, and Ossip Zadkine are among the prominent artists, philosophers, and writers who are buried here. The cemetery is free to enter and explore at your leisure.

Catacombs of Paris

Visit the Catacombs of Paris for a unique and creepy experience. More than six million people’s skeletons are housed in this underground ossuary. The Catacombs are accessible via the Denfert-Rochereau metro station, which is a short distance from Montparnasse. You can find more information about the place, the tours and insider tips about Paris Catacombs on our blog!

In the 1920s, Montparnasse was the center of the artistic and cultural scene in Paris. The neighborhood was home to many famous artists, writers, and intellectuals, who would gather at cafes and studios to discuss art, politics, and philosophy. It was a time of artistic experimentation and boundary-pushing, with painters, sculptors, and authors. Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Man Ray are among the most famous. Their works are preserved in museums and galleries throughout the city, and many of their previous haunts are still surviving, permitting a window into the past.

Montparnasse became regarded as the origin of several artistic trends, including surrealism, cubism, and dadaism. This period is sometimes referred to as the “ Années Folles ” ( Roaring Twenties ) or the “ Lost Generation ,” and it had a significant impact on modern art and society.

Best art galleries and museums in Montparnasse

There are various museums and galleries worth visiting if you want to learn more about Montparnasse’s art and culture: 1. The Musée Bourdelle is a sculpture and drawing museum dedicated to the works of artist Antoine Bourdelle. 2. The Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson is devoted to Henri Cartier-Bresson, one of the twentieth century’s most prominent photographers. The foundation hosts many exhibitions and events. Additionally, once every two years, supports the creation of an ambitious photography project with an award. 3. The Musée Zadkine is devoted to the works of sculptor Ossip Zadkine, who was born and raised in Montparnasse. 4. The Centre Pompidou , located just outside Montparnasse, is one of the world’s most famous museums of modern art, with pieces by Picasso, Matisse, and Kandinsky.

Overall, Montparnasse is a neighborhood with a rich history and dynamic culture that has influenced art and culture today. You can learn more about the artists who lived and worked in Montparnasse and their lasting impact on art and culture by visiting the neighborhood’s art galleries and museums.

Montparnasse is a great base for exploring the many wonderful sights and attractions in the Paris region. Here are some ideas for day trips that you can take from Montparnasse:

1. Versailles Palace and Gardens: One of France’s most famous and recognizable sights, the Palace of Versailles is only a short train trip from Montparnasse. Visitors can tour the palace’s magnificent interiors, stroll through the manicured gardens, and marvel at the famed Hall of Mirrors. This is an absolute must-see for anyone interested in French history and architecture. If you wish to visit the famed Palace of Versailles, you may get there easily. It takes about 30 minutes to get from Montparnasse train station to Versailles Chantiers train station. Alternatively, a guided excursion that includes transportation from Montparnasse to Versailles is available.

2. Fontainebleau: This lovely town is approximately 55 kilometers south of Paris. It is notable for its magnificent Chateau, which served as the residence of several French rulers over the years. Visitors can tour the Chateau’s beautiful chambers and gardens and learn about its fascinating history.

3. Chartres : Chartres is a little town around 90 kilometers southwest of Paris. It is well-known for its magnificent Gothic cathedral, considered one of the most exquisite specimens of medieval architecture in the world. Visitors can marvel at the elaborate stained-glass windows and magnificent spires of the cathedral and explore the old town’s small alleys and lovely squares.

4. Giverny: Giverny is a little village around 80 kilometers northwest of Paris. It is well-known for its relationship with the artist Claude Monet, who spent many years living and working here. Monet’s lovely residence and gardens, which inspired many of his most famous paintings, are open to visitors.

5. Disneyland Paris: Located just 40 kilometers east of Paris, Disneyland Paris is popular for families and anyone who likes theme parks. Visitors can enjoy rides and attractions, meet their favorite Disney characters, and experience Disney’s bright and magical world. If you wish to visit the Disneyland Paris theme park, Montparnasse is a short distance away. You only need to take the RER A train from the station.

Finally, Montparnasse is an excellent starting point for visiting the many magnificent sights and attractions in the Paris area. Whether interested in history, architecture, art, or simply having fun, Montparnasse has something for everyone. So, plan your day trips from Montparnasse and see the many attractions of the Paris region. Before your fabulous vacation to Paris, don’t forget to read previous heytripster articles about the city’s other districts !

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Nouvelle AOM Wins Competition to Redesign Paris' Tour Montparnasse

• Written by Patrick Lynch
• Published on September 21, 2017

The architectural consortium of Nouvelle AOM has been announced as the winner of the international competition for the renovation and redesign of Paris ’ Tour Montparnasse , beating out finalist Studio Gang and a shortlist of top firms.

Lauded by the jury for its “powerful, dynamic and bold new identity,” the winning entry will introduce an entirely new vegetated facade system that will improve both the tower’s immediate surroundings and the neighborhood as a whole.

"This was a huge challenge, as the Tower isn't like any other," the jury explained. "Nouvelle AOM's project perfectly captures the spirit of the 21st century, giving the Tower a multifaceted identity revolving around attractive, innovative new uses. The Tower will breathe new life into the Montparnasse neighbourhood." 

"The City of Paris is delighted with this choice, which marks the beginning of a major transformation of both the Montparnasse Tower and the city itself,” added Jean-Louis Missika, deputy mayor of Paris for urban planning, architecture, attractiveness, economic development and the Greater Paris (Grand Paris) initiatives.

“Nouvelle AOM's project is perfectly aligned with our architectural vision: resolutely focused on uses, kind to the environment and exemplary in terms of energy efficiency. The consortium's subtle architectural intent will allow the Tower to recapture the hearts of the people of Paris.”

The consortium of Nouvelle AOM (Nouvelle Agence pour l’Opération Maine-Montparnasse) was established to take on this project, consisting of three Paris-based firms working collaboratively: Franklin Azzi Architecture, Chartier Dalix Architectes and Hardel et le Behan Architectes. Their design breaks down the vertical focus of the original tower, replacing it with an emphasis on more approachable horizontal elements. A new facade will transform the atmosphere of the building, replacing opaque surfaces with transparent ones.

"When we took up the challenge of this exciting competition, our focus was on revealing the beauty of the Tour Montparnasse from the inside out. We achieved this by incorporating radically new uses and crafting a complete sustainable 'green' makeover of the facade. The aim is to make the Tower an icon of the 21st century energy revolution," explains Nouvelle AOM.

The €300 million project,, financed entirely by the tower's co-owners, is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

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Will This Makeover Improve the Reputation of Paris's Most Hated Building?

By Carrie Hojnicki

Of the things that make one truly Parisian, an abhorrence of the city’s tallest skyscraper might just top the list. Lucky for all, Paris’s 59-story Tour Montparnasse is set to undergo a substantial renovation just in time for the city to host the 2024 Olympic Games. Nouvelle AOM, an agency formed by the heads of three prolific local firms will lead the revamp with a heavy focus on sustainability.

Nouvelle AOM, comprised of Franklin Azzi Architecture, Chartier Dalix Architectes, and Hardel et Le Bihan Architectes, beat out internationally acclaimed firms like Studio Gang, MAD, and OMA with their design, which will add substantial greenery to the building’s facade and roof. AOM’s plan renderings show bottom floors covered with plantings and a conservatory crowning the building’s roof.

The proposal will add green space to the building's roof and terraces.

The refresh is a welcome change for Tour Montparnasse, whose 1973 construction and ensuing public reaction led the city to establish a seven-floor limit on new buildings, though restrictions have been loosened in recent years. Designed by Eugène Beaudouin, Urbain Cassan and Louis Hoym de Marien, the tower has been the butt of countless jokes, including that which says its observatory deck offers the best views in Paris, only because the tower cannot be seen.

Construction on the 300 million euro project is expected to begin in 2019.

http://www.nouvelle-aom.com/en/45-2/

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Observatoire Panoramique de la Tour Montparnasse

Review Highlights

“ I decided to pass on waiting on line for the Eiffel tower and instead of buying tickets to this viewing deck. ” in 53 reviews

“ This came with our Paris Pass , so we had to take the opportunity to come here to view the city at night. ” in 3 reviews

“ I believe it said it was the tallest building in Paris and it was really interesting to get a 360 degree view of everything below. ” in 9 reviews

Location & Hours

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33 avenue du Maine

75015 Paris

Montparnasse, 15ème

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177 reviews

Great view of Paris from high up. You can see the Eiffel Tower with a wonderful skyline. A 360 degree view, while blocked by glass, some sections have been cut out so you can still get a clear view for pictures.

We were staying the area and ended up going to the tower in monplasse which is 2nd largest building in Paris. We had to buy a timed entry which was for 11:30. We tried to get in a little early but they would not let us in until our allotted time slot. We were lucky that we hit it on a perfectly clear day. We had a great view and highly recommend going there. Could see the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and all the monuments. We spent about an hour there. Well worth visiting.

Montparnasse Tower is supposedly one of the greatest places to get a good view of the city. It's the tallest building in Paris, not counting the Eiffel Tower. I bought tickets in advance and there's no specific time slot you need to reserve. I was definitely disappointed. While you do get a good 360° view on the open rooftop, most of it is obstructed by stained glass. There are little open pockets in the glass but there were crowds at each one and we didn't want to line up for a shot. We ended up staying about half an hour before heading back down. I would recommend going to Sacre Coeur instead.

Watching the sunset was a beautiful experience. It was very packed though, so many people were unable to get a good view.

This is a cool spot! We went on Christmas Day and walked around to get a nice view of the city. I believe it said it was the tallest building in Paris and it was really interesting to get a 360 degree view of everything below. We had a glass of wine and a beer while at the top that were a few Euro each. There's a gift shop at the top, a little spot to grab a drink or snack, and a bunch of informational plagues and such around the top. My favorite part is how you can walk onto the roof! You can't take your drinks up, so finish those before you head out there. But don't miss that part - it's really beautiful!

View from the top

So beautiful!

Definitely the equivalent of Rockefeller Center in New York. I love this tower because it actually gives you a view of the Eiffel Tower that you wouldn't get from being at the tower itself. If you're looking for an experience that'll give you guaranteed breathtaking views of Paris COME HERE. We reserved tickets weeks ahead of our visit (we'd recommend) and when we arrived we just showed our tickets to the attendants downstairs and were allowed to take the elevator on our way up. I'd suggest either going early, or trying to go during the week if you're not trying to go when tons of other people are there. They also have a cafe there to enjoy a coffee or small meal once you're up there. They have a few different exhibits that show the city scape, history of the city, as well as a gift shop where you're able to buy items as well. Overall a great lookout to see the city. Come here for your first time to the city!

That view. I would choose this experience and view over a trip up the Eiffel Tower any day. There are views for days but without the beggars, street vendors and tourist lines for everything (like hot chocolate). Plus we ended up in a new area off the city and found a great Indian restaurant a few blocks away.

The lady at the door was SO rude (actually all french people are) but this lady made me sick! We wanted to go to the restroom before going to upper floors, she didnt let us just because we didnt buy our tickets! And the restrooms were before the kiosk or the machine to buy your tickets! Ughhh how rude!

This came with our Paris Pass, so we had to take the opportunity to come here to view the city at night. From every angle of the observation deck, you get a panoramic view of Paris. It was beautiful to look at, especially when the Eiffel Tower lights up. That night we saw purple hues from the Eiffel Tower. We walked around and ordered coffee and pastries from their cafe shop to rest from the long day of exploring. They also have a little cute gift shop for souvenirs and postcards. Afterwards, we went to the 59th floor (you have to go up the stairs on foot from the 56th floor) to access the terrace with even better views!

RECOMMENDED FOR: ~Those who don't want to wait hours to go up the Eiffel Tower ~When you want an awesome view of Paris AND the Eiffel Tower ~Seeing the lesser known attractions in Paris ~Tall building afficionados I had heard about this building and had hoped we'd have time to check it out on our weekend in Paris and it was a no brainer when my friend decided she could live without going in the Eiffel Tower (aka waiting in a 2plus hour line). The line to go in was about ten minutes, tickets are about $14. If you buy your ticket online, you can skip straight to the entrance without going to the ticket purchase line. I didn't do that, but we still had a short wait. We headed up the elevator to the top and climbed the stairs to get to the open air roof. The roof is surrounded with glass panels, but there are a few slices of open air where you can get completely unobstructed photos and there is a great sightline to the Eiffel Tower so you can nab some really great photos.. They sell champagne on the roof, just in case you want to feel celebratory. Of COURSE, I had some. In June it doesn't get fully dark until about 10:30ish, so we were up there for a while enjoying the day to night experience and the pretty orange sunset. On the floor below the roof you'll find a gift shop and restrooms and more viewing areas. Its located right next to a metro stop and train station so its extremely easy to access. This is definitely worth doing. You can see for miles and miles! I recommend it. Add this to your itinerary!

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A Full Guide to the Montparnasse Neighborhood in Paris

What to do in montparnasse.

Many visitors mistakenly give Montparnasse a pass. Probably best known for two substantial but uninteresting landmarks — a forlorn skyscraper and a busy railway station — it doesn’t offer the allure of nearby districts. Find out what to do in Montparnasse in Paris.

You may also be interested in

• A Complete Paris Guide
• We show you the best museums in Paris
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Yet this quiet neighborhood has a handful of standout destinations. And the entire quartier has a relaxed community feel where visitors can enjoy everyday Parisian life away from the busier tourist hotspots.

table of content

My TOP 5 Highlights in Montparnasse

• Exploring the Paris Catacombes (1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014): A darkly surreal experience under Paris shared with the bones of its former residents. Exploring the ossuaries is one of the most fascinating and memorable Parisian experiences.
• Strolling down Rue Daguerre : A promenade down Rue Daguerre is invigorating. The tight pedestrianized street is packed with shops and restaurants. A seafood market and artisanal food sellers add color to a street loved by gastronomes and local shoppers.
• An authentic Breton crêpe in Paris’s Little Brittany (Rue du Montparnasse, 75006): Sans seagulls and medieval castles, this street is lined with (nearly) authentic Breton crêperies that bring a little flavor of the windswept coastal region to Paris.
• Follow the trail of intellectual luminaries (105 Bd du Montparnasse, 75006): During the ‘Roaring Twenties,’ Montparnasse was a center of intellectual energy, attracting famous names from across the globe to clash minds. Cafés, bars, and other haunts frequented by artistic and literary greats are still standing, especially around the suitably renamed Place Pablo-Picasso. Start (or finish) at Café de la Rotonde, once frequented by Picasso, Modigliani, and Ernest Hemingway.
• Be blown away by the sculptures at Musee Bourdelle (18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015): An authentic studio in attractive surroundings makes the collection of impressive sculptures even more affecting.

General information

On the left bank of the Seine in the 14th arrondissement , Montparnasse is not a natural tourist destination. A mix of residential and commercial streets make this a more lived-in part of Paris, with a community spirit typical of urban neighborhoods. Calm and generally safe, the quartier contains a significant rail hub, Gare Montparnasse. Although the occasional opportunist may appear around the station, it is well-policed. As a residential and business district, Montparnasse flies under the tourist radar. With excellent transport links and agreeable surroundings, it can be a good value base for exploring Paris.

How to get to Montparnasse?

Gare Montparnasse connects Paris with the eastern regions of France and is a major transfer hub for the Paris Métro and bus services.

• Métro lines: 4, 6, 12, 13
• Bus lines: 28, 58, 88, 91, 92, 94, 95, 96

Several Métro lines serve points in Montparnasse:

• Line 6: Edgar Quinet, Raspail Line 4: Vavin
• Line 13: Gaieté

Attractions, activities, and tours in Montparnasse

Montparnasse may lack the knockout attractions of nearby quartiers, but it offers some intriguing and alternative sights and activities that can add some color to your time in Paris.

Best attractions

In Montparnasse there are many attractions that you should visit. You can find the best ones here.

Antoine Bourdelle Museum

Antoine Bourdelle Museum is tiny gem of an art museum in the Montparnasse district in Paris. Once the atelier (workshop) of sculptor Antoine Bourdelle, this intimate space doesn’t try to compete with the glitzy galleries of Paris. But the collection of striking sculptures and intimate setting make this a rewarding place to visit in Montparnasse. The permanent collections are free.

Catacombs of Paris

We promised alternative destinations, and they don’t get more unusual than exploring the catacombs under Paris in the 14th arrondissement. Holding millions of very visible skeletons (don’t worry, you won’t see them all), the ossuaries went from an underground party venue to a must-see-with-your-own-eyes tourist success.

Cimetière du Montparnasse

If you didn’t see enough dead people in the catacombs, Paris’s second-largest necropolis in the 14th arrondissement is the place to go. They are not on display, but with the names of many famous residents from French history on tombs, this orderly and well-tended cemetery is an intriguing place to visit.

Musée de la Liberation de Paris

An underappreciated museum focused on the events of 1944 while paying respect to the Free French general, Philippe François Marie Leclerc de Hauteclocque, and resistance leader Jean Moulin. The Musée de la Libération in Paris opened on 25 August 2019 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Paris. It is located in the 14th arrondissement directly opposite the famous Paris Catacombs. To attract more visitors, 3 museums have been merged: The Musée de la Libération de Paris, the Musée du Général Leclerc and the Musée Jean Moulin.

Tour Montparnasse

You want to see (almost) all the highlights of Paris at a glance? Here you go! Then you should not miss the observation deck of the Tour Montparnasse. From the outside, it’s just an inconspicuous office building, but the observation deck is about the same height as the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Eiffel Tower. So the view is really spectacular and combines the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Coeur, Notre Dame and more in a single panorama!

Finished in 1973, the lonely and unloved skyscraper was the tallest in France. Until 2011, when the title was usurped by Tour First. It still lays a fair claim to hosting the best views in Paris, though.

Certainly from the observation deck of the Tour Montparnasse you can undeniably enjoy by far the most beautiful view of Paris. In stark contrast to the panoramic views, the district’s other notable historical feature is the Catacombes de Paris. The long tunnels reputedly hold the remains of over 6 million people. Originally an excursion for privileged Parisians, the ossuaries opened to the public in 1874. In recent years, it has become one of the leading attractions in Paris.

There are many things to do in Montparnasse. Here you can find the best tours.

Montparnasse Walking Tour: Secrets, Spies and Cafe Society

Teasing out the stories and points of interest in one of Paris’s oft-overlooked districts is this fact-filled amble around the neighborly streets of Montparnasse. Cafe society ruled here between the First and Second World Wars. Celebrities mingled with everyday people and the arts thrived. Not even the shadow of the Nazi occupation and the French Resistance could dampen Montparnasse’s joie de vivre.

This tour is available in English.

Paris: Montparnasse Smartphone Audio-Guided Tour

This tour is suitable for you if you prefer sightseeing on your own. The smartphone audio-guided tour is a convenient tool to explore the streets and discover the local legends. With a noted artistic and intellectual heritage in Montparnasse, there is much to discover. Learn about Montparnasse’s famous residents such as Simone de Beauvoir, Ernest Hemingway, and Pablo Picasso. Discover the origins of avant-garde art styles including Cubism, Dadaism, and existentialism.

This tour is available in English and French.

Skip-the-Line: Paris Catacombs Guided Tour with VIP Access

Explore the dark underworld of the Paris Catacombs beneath the City of Lights. Bypass the queues and head into this fantastically macabre tunnel system lined with the skeletal remains of more than 6 million Parisians.

Eating & drinking in Montparnasse

Undoubtedly Montparnasse is a great destination for dining. A mix of good bistros, neighborhood haunts, and a thriving diversity of international cuisine means there is room for adventurous chefs and local crowd pleasers.

Top restaurants

You want to visit a really good restaurant? Here you can find our restaurant tips for Montparnasse.

01 Le Bistrot Des Campagnes

For hearty French food with an inventive twist, this cozy neighborhood favorite in the 14th arrondissement is an authentic bistro that consistently delights.

02 Crêperie le Petit Josselin

Montparnasse is home to Paris’s Little Brittany, and there are numerous good crêperies in the area. But we have to go with Crêperie le Petit Josselin because they serve some of the tastiest crêpes outside the real Brittany.

03 Le Clos Y

Close to leading attractions, this restaurant showcases the inventiveness of restaurants in Montparnasse. Fusing French and Japanese cuisine, this is a top-tier restaurant with top-tier prices.

04 Le Cornichon

The set menus offer decent value at Le Cornichon, a brasserie that adds a touch of chic to the dining experience in the 14th arrondissement. Excellent, satisfying food in tasteful surroundings.

06 Le Montparnasse Café

The striking red décor and a tightly packed terrace make this a popular gathering place on the periphery of Montparnasse, despite the densely packed roads outside.

Shopping in Montparnasse

This neighborhood is the place to find the big international chains alongside more artisanal shops, not to mention the bustling street markets in the district.

• Rue Daguerre (buzzing market street): rue Daguerre, 75014.
• Marche Edgar Quinet (Wednesday and Saturday morning market): Bd Edgar Quinet, 75014.
• Centre Commercial Beaugrenelle (sizeable shopping mall): 12 Rue Linois, 75015.
• Montparnasse Rive Gauche (Grey commercial center with French and international chains, like Lacoste, Celio, Naf Naf, C&A): 10 Rue du Départ, 75015.
• Palais des Thes (tea shop): 25 Rue Raymond Losserand, 75014.
• L’Occitane: Gare Montparnasse, 17 Bd de Vaugirard 75741.
• Rip Curl Paris : 74 Bd du Montparnasse, 75014.
• Monoprix Montparnasse: 31 Rue du Départ, 75014.

The finest art galleries and museums

More commercial and residential than nearby districts, Montparnasse is short of big-name art galleries. But this being Paris, there are still some treasures tucked away for art lovers.

01 Antoine Bourdelle Museum

02 atelier gustave.

The studio of sculptor Gustave Germain in the 14th arrondissement now houses art from contemporary artists. Getting in is tricky, as it is normally hired for events. But getting into one of the infrequent public exhibitions is worth it if only to admire the impressive and unique workshop (atelier).

03 Fondation Cartier

This respected local institution (full title: Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain) hosts contemporary art exhibitions of city-wide renown in the 14th arrondissement.

04 Galerie Camera Obscura

A few steps from Fondation Cartier in the 14th arrondissement is this compact yet fascinating photography gallery full of arresting images.

The most beautiful hotels

As a business center with fantastic transport links and a respectable neighborhood, you can usually get a little more for your money when staying in Montparnasse without compromising comfort. Here are five hotels in this district that are worth every penny.

01 Hôtel Le Six

4 Stars | Fresh styles and beautifully finished rooms, coupled with a reputation for exceptional service, place Hôtel Le Six in the upper echelon of hotels anywhere in Paris. You can find this beautiful hotel between the Latin Quartier and Montparnasse.

02 Hôtel A La Villa des Artistes

3 Stars | Crisply decorated, comfortable rooms overlooking a cute and leafy courtyard add up to a great value place to stay in a practical location in the Montparnasse neighborhood.

03 Hôtel Aiglon

4 Stars | Sitting above a corner café, this art-deco-themed hotel in the 14th arrondissement offers spacious, cozy rooms conveniently situated for local transport and amenities.

04 Hôtel Jardin Le Brea

3 Stars | Hôtel Jardin Le Brea represents Montparnasse with verve. Service, facilities, and a style that defy the 3-star rating. Not to mention excellently located near Vavin metro station and the magnificent Jardins de Luxembourg.

05 Victoria Palace Hôtel

4 Stars | Marketing itself as the most relaxed hotel in Paris, this recently renovated gem is a rising star amongst Parisian boutique hotels. Sleek, sophisticated, and renowned for paying attention to the little details.

History & Facts

After a largely undistinguished presence in Paris, the neigborhood of today slowly started to emerge. A process hastened after Montparnasse hill was leveled to make way for the wide Boulevard Montparnasse. In 1824, Montparnasse cemetery opened and is today the second largest necropolis in Paris. While in 1840, the arrival of the railways saw the building of Gare Montparnasse, now one of the big six Parisian rail termini. It gained international notoriety after a serious accident in 1895 , a moment captured in a remarkable photo of the steam engine protruding through the station wall. The new station opened Paris up to provincial France and citizens escaping poverty. Like the Bretons who arrived and set up shop near the station, creating Montparnasse’s creperie-lined Little Brittany.

The 1920s ushered in a golden period : Les Années Folles (Crazy Years) saw down at heel Montparnasse become the chosen meeting place for painters, writers, composers, and other intellectual luminaries. Migrating from gentrifying Montmartre to somewhere retaining a bohemian air, thrifty artists made it their home. Right up to World War II, the successful and the aspirational rubbed shoulders with the likes of Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway in the cafés, bars, and salons of the neighborhood.

Neighboring districts

The star attraction in the neighboring quartiers is the majestic Jardins de Luxembourg , just north in the 6th arrondissement. Next to it is the Quartier Latin , you should definetely visit aswell. Val-de-Grâce (north east) and Notre-Dame-des-Champs (north west) are attractive areas that are pleasant to explore. The former is home to thriving streets, regal buildings, and Marie Curie’s former laboratory. The latter is a chic area brimming with shops and designer boutiques. Adjacent districts like Necker and Croulebarbe are residential areas that don’t offer much for short-term visitors.

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Is montparnasse easy to explore on foot.

Compact and flat, this neighborhood is easy to walk around. However, many of the leading attractions are spread out, and walking around them can be tiring.

Do I need a map to explore?

It can help to have Google maps or something similar. Many visitors arrive at Gare Montparnasse, and navigating around the local highlights can be tricky as they sit at different points in the district.

Is Montparnasse safe?

Yes – It is a residential district and no riskier than other urban neighborhoods. Basic pickpocketing precautions and awareness is recommended around Gare Montparnasse.

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How the Belle Epoque gave the world sex and the city

As the Musee d’Orsay launches a new Impressionist exhibition, our writer explores the seamy underside of Belle Epoque Paris

A young, naked woman lies sprawled apparently fast asleep on a bed of white linen. Just behind, her maid sweeps off – or possibly replaces – the sheet that was covering her. This bedroom mini-drama is being performed for the benefit of the voyeur in the foreground. Dressed in a frock coat, he has removed his top-hat but still clutches his cane as he looks on intently. 

If ever an image captured the concept of the male gaze, it is this painting, A Modern Olympia by Cézanne. And it is interesting for other reasons too. It is one of some 50 pictures – including others by Degas, Monet, Morisot, Pissarro, Renoir and Sisley – which we now consider to mark the beginnings of the Impressionist movement. 

Rejected by the art establishment, these radical young artists – who favoured shimmering spontaneity over high polish, colour over contrast, modern life over traditional subjects – showed their work in a photographer’s studios on the Boulevard des Capucines in Paris exactly 150 years ago. A tribute to that exhibition, entitled Paris 1874, Inventing Impressionism , has just opened at the Musée d’Orsay, and it is a reminder of what was not only a seminal moment in art history, but also for the French capital.

This was the beginning of the Belle Epoque. Paris had been largely transformed by Haussman’s sweeping new boulevards; the Franco-Prussian war was over; and the booming economy was generating a new sense of optimism and excitement. People had more money and more free time. They headed to the revamped Bois de Boulogne on sunny afternoons, to the seaside at the weekends and they went out to café-concerts and the theatre in the evenings. A spectacular new opera house – the Palais Garnier – was about to rise from the ashes of the old. 

Over the next 40 years, Paris became the most beautiful, dynamic and risqué city on earth. And the Impressionists were there to capture the atmosphere and the excitement. There were tensions, of course. Cézanne’s critique of the male gaze is a reminder of the seamier side of Parisian nightlife. Brothels thrived, the Moulin Rouge and the Folies Bergères flourished. But women also began to win new freedoms, and two of the leading Impressionist artists were Berthe Morisot – who showed nine paintings in the 1874 exhibition – and, slightly later, Mary Cassatt.

What is striking today is how much of that Belle Époque aesthetic still dominates the city – from the Art Nouveau architecture to the Eiffel Tower and the pavement cafés – and how so little has been allowed to intrude upon it over the last 150 years. Only the Tour de Montparnasse and the distant skyscrapers of La Defense cast a few shadows over the human scale of the city.

But that is the surface charm of Paris: to be enjoyed by everyone as they wander its streets, squares and gardens. For me, it is in the paintings – which not only mark the beginnings of modern art, but tell the story of the everyday life of the Belle Époque – that the real fascination lies. And (as long as you avoid the Olympics, which run from July 26 to August 11) there has never been a better time to explore the city’s astonishing artistic heritage. Here is our guide.

Impressionist Paris

Musée d’orsay.

The special anniversary exhibition, Paris 1874: Inventing Impressionism , runs until July 14. But save some time too for the rest of the museum collection. Many of the Impressionist highlights, made after 1874, as well as some earlier works, are in the permanent collection. One of my favourites is Monet’s great winter landscape, The Magpie . The venue itself – Orsay station – is also a Belle Epoque highlight, built for the great Exposition Universelle in 1900. Be sure to book a time slot at the same time you book your trip to Paris – it’s going to be a popular exhibition.

Admission: €16/£13.70 ( musee-orsay.fr )

Musée de l’Orangerie

The two series of water lily paintings which Monet made for the Orangerie building in the Tuileries gardens are the culmination of his many studies of his gardens in Giverny. Two elliptical rooms were designed to display the works, and Monet eventually donated them to the French state as a monument to the end of the First World War, though the museum didn’t open until 1927, the year after his death. 

Downstairs in the same building is the spectacular collection of Impressionist and later art amassed by the collector Paul Guillaume, which includes more than 20 paintings by Renoir and several Cézannes – including some from his early experiments with Impressionism, as well as works by Modigliani, Matisse and several early Picassos. 

Admission: €12.50/£10.70 ( musee-orangerie.fr )

Musée Marmottan Monet

This former hunting lodge, now a grand townhouse, on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne has an extensive selection of works by Berthe Morisot and, downstairs in a special gallery, a seminal collection of paintings by Monet, donated by his son, Michel, in 1966. They include Impression, Soleil Levant (1872) – which gave its name to the movement and is currently in the Musée d’Orsay exhibition – and about 20 of Monet’s late garden and water lily paintings, some examples of his Rouen Cathedral and Palace of Westminster series, and curiosities such as the landscapes from his trips to Norway in 1895, the Dutch tulip fields in 1877 and a fabulous account of steam trains at Gare St Lazare from 1877. There is also an early portrait of him by Renoir of 1873.

Admission: €14/£12 ( marmottan.fr )

Le Petit Palais

The Petit Palais is one of the few museums in the city to offer free admission to all. It’s an arts and crafts museum, also originally built for the 1900 Exposition along with the Grand Palais, opposite. It includes two galleries of significant paintings by Impressionists and their contemporaries, including Cézanne’s Three Bathers , Renoir’s Portrait of Mme Bonnières and Monet’s Setting sun on the Seine at Lavacour t, of 1878.

Admission: free ( petitpalais.paris.fr )

Musée de Montmartre

Renoir’s former home has a permanent collection of paintings, posters and drawings as well as exhibits explaining the history of what used to be a village on the edge of the city, as well as its connections to the Impressionists and the later artistic community. In 1912, one of Renoir’s favourite models, Suzanne Valadon – who became a painter in her own right – and her son, the artist Maurice Utrillo, moved in and the museum has recreated her studio in the north-facing attic.

Admission €15/£12.80 ( museedemontmartre.fr/en/ )

Belle Époque Evenings

Opera garnier .

Ballet dancers and scenes of theatre-going life – especially the social tensions between couples in the boxes – were favourite subjects of several Impressionist painters. Nothing beats a visit to the Opera Garnier to recapture the atmosphere, but book tickets well in advance ( operadeparis.fr/en ).

Paris’s most atmospheric restaurant is an Art Nouveau extravaganza of deep reds and purples, stained glass, murals of topless nymphs, floral lamps and a cabaret stage. It opened just off the Place de la Concorde in 1893, but the current decor states from 1900 and a coupe of Perrier Jouët quickly sweeps you back into the Belle Epoque. Maxim’s has just been re-opened after restoration and it serves a refreshingly short classic French menu (I recommend the tarte fine with wild mushrooms, followed by Saint-Jacques scallops, served with crushed potatoes in herbs and beurre blanc). 

Main courses from €41/£35 ( maxims-de-paris.com/en ).

Le Train Bleu

Only in Paris would you go to a railway station to eat dinner, but only in Paris do you get such good food and grand surroundings. The padded leather banquettes, great arched windows, glittering chandeliers, gold cornices borne up by stucco cherubs, and ceilings and walls painted with scenes from the Alps and the south of France were unveiled at the Gare de Lyon in 1901. 

Three-course menu from €74/£63 ( le-train-bleu.com/en ). 

Nick Trend was a guest of Le Meurice ( dorchestercollection.com ), which has doubles from £1,528 per night including breakfast. The hotel was a favourite among British visitors to Paris in the late 19th century, and the view from the rooms on the rue de Rivoli is very similar to Monet’s prospect of the Tuileries Gardens, which was shown at the third Impressionist exhibition in 1877 and is now at the Marmottan Monet. The hotel offers a two-hour Monet walking tour of other nearby sites where he painted, and includes entry to the Musée de l’Orangerie to see the Waterlilies (€1,070 per person). 

Eurostar ( eurostar.com ) offers returns to Gare du Nord from London St Pancras from £78. Book weeks or months ahead for the best fares, especially as the Olympics approach.

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2024 summer olympics: your guide to paris’ world party.

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France is ready for the world.

The countdown is on for Paris’ Summer Olympics , when the City of Light will transform into a living arena for the third time in history. Paris already ranks as one of the most-visited cities in the world — with nearly 36 million visitors in 2023 — but when the biggest international sporting event goes from July 26 to August 11, it’s anticipated to bring 16 million additional travelers.

Even if you missed the first round of single ticket sales last summer, don’t worry — you can still snag a spot for the Paris 2024 Games as more event tickets are steadily being released. Of course, being in the stands is only part of the fun. As you’ll read in the following guide, the competition for your hotel room dollars and free time is heating up, too.

The rings are the thing.

Where to Watch the Games

In one of many firsts, the opening ceremony on July 26 will unfold not in a stadium, but in the heart of the city itself as 160 boats filled with athletes parade along the Seine to the Trocadéro, converting the river into the main stage. A ticket scores you access to the lower quays, from the Pont d’Austerlitz to the Pont d’Iéna Bridge, but spectators can post up all along the banks for a glimpse of the show, which will be broadcast on 80 giant screens.

You can also join the celebration in one of nearly 30 complimentary fan zones around the Paris region. Two of the most centrally located areas live-streaming the events will be in the 19th arrondissement in La Villette park and the Trocadéro in the 16th arrondissement, by the Eiffel Tower.

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Over the course of 19 days, 329 events across 41 sports will take place in and around the capital, where landmarks like the Grand Palais will serve as a venue for fencing and taekwondo. The Games will also be held in areas surrounding the city, such as Seine-Saint-Denis, home to the Olympic and Paralympic Village. Additionally, the soccer tournament will take place in six stadiums across the country (Bordeaux, Nantes, Lyon, Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille), so staying central makes traveling from one event to the next easy.

For the ultimate viewing party, head to Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Cheval Blanc Paris near Pont Neuf, whose seventh-floor panoramic terrace, Le Tout-Paris , shows off sweeping shots of the Seine and twinkling Eiffel Tower. For a medal-worthy meal, book a coveted table at the experiential Plénitude .

Hôtel de Crillon is seeing gold.

Where to Stay

If you’re lucky enough to have scored a room at the sumptuous Five-Star Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel before it sold out for the Olympics, you’ll have prime seats to new sports like breakdancing — plus skateboarding, BMX freestyle and three-on-three basketball — in Place de la Concorde, which will be converted into an urban park with four arenas, a DJ, chill zones and dining options. Paris’ City Hall, Hôtel de Ville, will be the starting point for the legendary long-distance marathon, and one of the closest hotels to the action, Le Grand Mazarin , sits catty-corner to the square and still has a few open rooms at press time.

The same goes for Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Hotel Raphael Paris, a family-run charmer that’s only a javelin throw from the Champs-Élysées — it still has availability.

A two-minute stroll from Roland-Garros , home to the Summer Games’ tennis and boxing action, you’ll find Molitor , a hotel in the well-heeled 16th arrondissement that’s known for its centerpiece art deco pool. The pool and expansive Spa by Clarins will be welcome respites from the summer heat. Guests can watch events on screens scattered throughout the property, including the poolside bar. Another perk of staying at these high-end hotels: the concierge may have extra pull when it comes to securing restaurant reservations and tickets to popular shows.

What to See

When you need a break from cheering, Paris has plenty to win you over this summer. Musée d’Orsay ’s “Tonight with the Impressionists Paris 1874” (through August 11) is a unique experience that fully immerses you in a 19th-century art studio on Boulevard des Capucines with the help of a virtual reality headset.

Running through September 2, the Pinault Collection will be on display at the Bourse de Commerce , showcasing a curation of pieces from the 1980s that fall under the exhibition’s theme “ Le monde comme il va ” (The World As It Goes).

Given the amount of traffic and pedestrianization of parts of the city, the best way to get to these galleries (or anywhere else for that matter) is by foot or public transportation (the Métro is the most reliable option). While the central parts of Paris (Louvre, Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Latin Quarter) are sure to be bustling, if you want a break from the crowds, head over to a neighborhood as scenic but with slightly less foot traffic.

In Canal Saint-Martin, for example, you can cruise along the water and admire street art, or head over to Pigalle in the 9th arrondissement, which hides in the shadow of Montmartre’s Sacré-Cœur Basilica but is every bit as charming — especially now that it has cleaned up its once-seedy reputation as the red-light district. For a curated tour of the neighborhood’s history and museums, book a guided experience with an expert like Alexandra Weinress of The Seen , who can tailor the day to your taste.

You need a game plan for all of Paris’ great dining.

Where to Eat and Drink

In between events, dine in the center of the city near Les Halles at the iconic brasserie Au Pied de Cochon , which is open all day through 5 a.m.; one of the casual all-day-dining Bouillon restaurants in Pigalle or République; or at one of the buzzy Frenchie restaurants or wine bars on Rue du Nil in Sentier, near Les Halles.

The 2nd arrondissement, particularly around Sentier, is a central locale near Hôtel de Ville that’s undergoing a restaurant renaissance with newer additions like Israeli-inspired Tekés and sister spot Shana , a Mediterranean wine bar with shared plates great for casual group dining. Le Fumoir , across from the Louvre, is a favorite for apéro (pre-dinner drinks) and people-watching on the terrace, while Le Mary Celeste , in Le Marais, never fails with its whimsical small plates, craft cocktails and great selection of by-the-glass wines.

In Pigalle, you’ll now find the country’s only outpost of Soho House — a great place to post up and reset in between the action if you’re a member — plus panoramic rooftops like Hôtel Rochechouart’s 360-degree Bar sur le Toit provide one of the few spots in town where you’ll have picture-perfect Eiffel Tower views practically all to yourself.

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How to Watch 2024 Paris-Roubaix—the Ultimate Grit Test of the Spring Classics

As the treacherous cobbles await cycling’s brave hearts, here is the route, favorites, and everything else you need to know about the Hell of the North.

With its treacherous cobblestone sectors and storied finish at the Roubaix Velodrome, this race stands as a testament to the pro peloton’s grittiest riders. From its humble beginnings over a century ago to its status today as one of cycling’s revered Monuments , Paris-Roubaix calls on riders to test their character in the ‘Hell of the North.’ As the men and women of the peloton prepare to tackle the cobbles this Saturday and Sunday, anticipation mounts for another edition in this legendary saga of endurance and grit.

The Pavé Sectors

How to watch, what happened last year, riders to watch, paris-roubaix’s history.

The second-oldest of cycling’s five Monuments, Paris-Roubaix was the brainchild of two textile magnates from Roubaix, a small city near Lille in northern France. As Peter Cossins describes in his fabulous book, The Monuments , Théodore Vienne and Maurice Perez had just built a new velodrome (track racing was quite popular at the time) and decided that a road race would be a great way to raise the velodrome’s prestige in the eyes of the sporting public.

According to Cossins, the first edition of Paris-Roubaix took place on April 19, 1896, and took off at 5:30 a.m. from Roubaix’s Café Gillet. Germany’s Josef Fischer won the race over nine hours later, crossing the finish line after completing six laps of the velodrome. The next best rider, Denmark’s Charles Meyer, finished 23 minutes after the German.

Like many of cycling’s oldest one-day races, Paris-Roubaix has changed and evolved over the years: the starting place has shifted, the route has been altered, and the number of cobbled sectors has fluctuated dramatically, largely as a response to French road resurfacing projects in the early 1960s. Even the velodrome is not the same: the race currently finishes in a velodrome that was completed in 1937 and has hosted the race’s finish (with a few exceptions) every year since 1943.

As for its infamous nickname, the “Hell of the North,” Paris-Roubaix is assumed to have earned its most famous nickname from the ancient cobbled farm roads that the riders tackle as the race bounces its way across the windswept fields of northern France. But many of these areas were devastated by battles during World War I, and (as Cossins shares) it wasn’t until after the war that the race acquired its devilish moniker. A rider was asked by the event’s organizers to conduct a recon of the course in early 1919 and was appalled by what the war had left in its wake. For the first few years after the Great War, Paris-Roubaix was truly a trip through hell.

Paris-Roubaix Femmes

A women’s race called Paris-Roubaix Femmes was finally added by the organizers in 2020, but the first edition was canceled (along with that year’s men’s event) due to COVID-19. Taking place on Saturday—the day before the men’s event—the women’s race starts in Denain and then, after a quick loop around the city, heads north toward the Roubaix, covering the final 17 or so sectors of cobblestones that the men race over on Sunday.

Given the nature of the course, it makes sense that the riders who excel in Paris-Roubaix are often the same men and women who were at the front during the previous weekend’s Tour of Flanders . Belgians have won the men’s race 57 times, and ten riders have won Flanders and Roubaix in the same season, with Belgium’s Tom Boonen and Switzerland’s Fabian Cancellara doing it twice.

With only three editions in the record books, it’s hard to identify any trends in the history of the Paris-Roubaix Femmes. But one team has enjoyed more success than any other: riders from Trek-Segafredo won the first two editions. Now known as Lidl-Trek, don’t be surprised if the team makes it three out of four this year.

Here’s everything else you need to know about this year’s Paris-Roubaix.

Since 1977, the men’s Paris-Roubaix has started in the town of Compiègne, about an hour northeast of the French capital. From there the race heads north through the Picardy region of northern France, an area made up of the departments of Oise, Aisne, and Somme, all areas that were heavily impacted by the horrors of World War I.

The men will cover these smooth, rolling roads during the first two hours of their 260K race, with a large breakaway likely escaping containing a mix of riders from wild card squads looking for publicity and domestiques from the contenders’ teams hoping to position themselves up the road so as to support their captains later in the race. Despite its lack of cobblestones, this early phase of the race can be dangerous, with crashes and crosswinds an ever-present threat.

First raced in 2021, the 148.5K Paris-Roubaix Femmes begins in Denain, about 90 minutes north of Compiègne by car. Saturday’s women’s race begins with a loop around the town, then joins the course that the men will cover on Sunday.

Like the men’s event, these opening stretches of asphalt roads offer an opportunity for an early breakaway to form. Last year, the winner came out of this early move, so expect the teams of race favorites to be a bit more selective as to which riders they let go up the road.

Paris-Roubaix is a race defined by its cobblestones, known locally as pavé . And there are lots of them: The women will race over 29.2K of the softball-sized rocks (spread over 17 sectors), and the men will cover 29 sectors on Sunday, for a total of 55.7K—the most the race has included in 30 years.

The cobbled sectors are numbered in descending order, beginning with Sector 17—Hornaing in Wandignies—for the women, and Sector 29—Troisvilles—for the men. The riders hit these first sectors about 68 and 96K into their respective races, and it’s pretty much “game on” from there as they wind their way to Roubaix along the border between France and Belgium—hitting just about every cobbled farm road the organizers could find along the way.

Each sector of pavé has its own flavor, and all of them are inspected in the days prior to the event and given a star rating to indicate their difficulty. This year’s men’s and women’s races boast six and nine 4- or 5-star sectors, respectively. But don’t let these ratings fool you: every sector offers its own set of challenges and none of them is easy. (With the exception of Sector 1, a well-manicured set of paving stones just before the entrance to the Roubaix Velodrome.)

The pavé turns Paris-Roubaix into a race of anticipation and attrition. As the kilometers tick down the speed increases, and riders are steadily dropped from the back of the peloton due to fatigue, mechanicals, or crashes. The better riders and teams fight to position themselves at the front of the group heading into each cobbled sector. This allows them to pick the best line over the stones, which is usually on top of the raised “crown” that runs down the center of the road. From this position, riders can both dictate the pace of the race and avoid crashes or other obstacles—or at least react to them more quickly than riders stuck at the back.

The men’s race comes to a head with about 95K to go as the riders hit Sector 19, the Arenberg Forest, the first 5-star sector, and perhaps the hardest and most (in)famous in the race. A long, fast sector that features some of the area’s gnarliest cobblestones, the pack usually splits into pieces here as the contenders accelerate to try and force the first major selection of the day. Riders who get dropped here might never see the front of the race again.

The route of the Paris-Roubaix Femmes doesn’t take the riders through the Forest, which—as brutal as the Arenberg sector is—we imagine the riders don’t appreciate. But they will cover the race’s other two 5-star sectors: Mons-en-Pévèle, a long, brutal sector that shapes the final hour of the race; and Carrefour de l’Arbre, a punishing sector that’s about 18K from the finish line and therefore provides the perfect opportunity for riders hoping to drop their breakaway companions and ride away to victory.

If the pavé doesn’t determine the winner, the Roubaix Velodrome awaits. There, a small group of exhausted riders will need to muster enough mental and physical energy for a sprint on the ancient concrete track.

Upsets are common in the velodrome. In 1997, France’s Frédéric Guesdon—a complete unknown at the time—shot from the back of a group of favorites to win. In 2016, Australia’s Mathew Hayman—a career domestique with few wins of his own—denied Boonen a chance to take a record-breaking fifth Roubaix victory. And, of course, who can forget last year’s women’s race, when Canada’s Alison Jackson—one of only a handful of riders to survive the day’s long breakaway—timed her sprint perfectly to take a legendary victory.

One final consideration: the weather. Cobbled roads are bad enough when it’s sunny and dry; they’re even worse in the rain. It’s been raining throughout much of the week, but it’s expected to be cloudy and dry on Saturday and Sunday. There will be lots of mud and puddles though, which means the stones will be slippery in several places.

If you subscribed to NBC’s Peacock Premium streaming service ($5.99/month) before last year’s Tour de France—and didn’t cancel your subscription—then you also get access to Paris-Roubaix and several other races covered by NBC and its partners. (If you’re looking for ad-free coverage, you’ll need a subscription to Peacock Premium Plus, which runs $11.99 a month.)

The Peacock app is available on Amazon Fire TV, Android and AndroidTV devices, Chromecast, Google platforms, iOS devices, PlayStation 4 and 5, Roku, Xbox devices, VIZIO SmartCast TVs, and LG Smart TVs. You can also watch online via the Peacock website.

If you’re in Canada, FloBikes ($30/month) is the best way to watch Paris-Roubaix. Both races are available live and on-demand on FloBikes.com, the FloSports iOS app, and the FloSports app for Amazon FireTV, Roku, and Apple TV.

Peacock’s coverage of Saturday’s Paris-Roubaix Femmes begins at 9:15 a.m. EDT, just as the riders are approaching the first sector of pavé . The race is expected to finish in the Roubaix Velodrome by around 11:30 a.m. EDT.

On Sunday, Peacock will be streaming the men’s Paris-Roubaix in its entirety, beginning at 4:55 a.m. EDT. We’ll be up early to watch the men hit the first sector of cobbles at about 7:30 a.m. EDT. If that’s too early for you, make sure you’re tuned in by about 9:00 a.m. EDT, when the leaders should hit the Arenberg Forest. The race is expected to finish about two hours later.

After dominating the Tour of Flanders, Belgium’s Lotte Kopecky and her stacked SD Worx team went into Saturday’s women’s Paris-Roubaix as the top favorites. But the race ended with a big upset as Canada’s Alison Jackson (EF Education-TIBCO-SVB) outsprinted what was left of the day’s big breakaway to take the biggest win of her career.

Jackson and seventeen other riders went up the road early in the 145.5km race, and no one expected any of them to feature in the finale. But Kopecky and the other pre-race favorites couldn’t bring them all back in time, and seven of them survived to fight for the win in the Roubaix Velodrome. Jackson threw up her hands in disbelief after crossing the finish line, stunned and amazed by what she had just accomplished. Italy’s Katia Ragusa (Liv Racing) finished second, and Belgium’s Marthe Truyen(Fenix-Deceuninck) was third.

But Sunday’s men’s race wasn’t settled in a sprint: the Netherlands’ Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) won his second Monument of the spring (he won Milano-Sanremo in March) after attacking over the top of Belgium’s Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma), who accelerated off the front of a small leading group on the Carrefour de l’Arbre before a flat tire ruined his chance to win the race. Van der Poel’s teammate, Belgium’s Jasper Philipsen, took second, finishing off a dream day for Alpecin-Deceuninck. Van Aert ended the day in third.

Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike)

With Elisa Longo Borghini (Lidl-Trek) skipping the race to focus on the upcoming Ardennes Classics, Vos is the top favorite for Saturday’s Paris-Roubaix Femmes. A legend of the sport, the 36-year-old Dutchwoman won the 250th race of her career at last Wednesday’s Dwars door Vlaanderen , then took fourth at Sunday’s Tour of Flanders.

Now she gets another shot at the biggest race still missing from her already impressive resume: the Hell of the North. And she’ll be tough to beat. A former cyclocross World Champion, she’ll have no issues on Roubaix’s muddy cobblestones, and she’s arguably one of the best sprinters in the bunch, so a sprint on the velodrome won’t bother her either. In the end, her chances might depend on whether or not her team can keep her at the front of the race and out of harm’s way; she often finds herself isolated deep in the finale of longer classics, and that could hurt her Saturday.

Lotte Kopecky (Team SD Worx-Protime)

Kopecky was unable to win a third consecutive Tour of Flanders on Sunday. She and her teammates rode a strong race, they just didn’t have that little bit extra a rider often needs in races as long and as hard as a cobbled classic. But the Belgian gets another chance in Paris-Roubaix, one of the only races her SD Worx team has yet to win. Her team is depleted due to injuries and the Netherlands’ Demi Vollering—who’s been Kopecky’s best teammate—is skipping the race to prepare for the Ardennes. But Roubaix is a tricky, often unpredictable event, and a rider of Kopecky’s caliber can never be counted out.

Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck)

After winning last Sunday’s Tour of Flanders for the third time in his career, Van der Poel—who just so happens to be the defending Paris-Roubaix champion—looks poised to become the first rider since Cancellara (in 2013) to win Flanders and the Hell of the North in the same season. A win would cap off an incredible cobbled run for the Dutchman, who also won the E3 Saxo Classic and finished second in Ghent-Wevelgem . As we said heading into Flanders, this is his race to lose.

Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek)

Van der Poel looked pretty unbeatable in Flanders this past Sunday, but he might have found his third victory in the Flemish Monument a bit harder to come by had Pedersen not crashed in last Wednesday’s Dwars door Vlaanderen. Battered and bruised, the Dane started Sunday’s race anyway, but then—by his own admission—he raced a bit stupidly, attacking far out from the finish instead of saving his reserves for the finale. With another week of recovery—and a course that suits him better than the Tour of Flanders does—he should be even better at Roubaix this coming Sunday.

Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck)

Last year’s Roubaix result mirrored that of the season’s first Monument, with Van der Poel on the top step of the podium in both. Don’t be surprised if that happens this year as well, only with Van der Poel’s teammate, Philipsen, winning both races. In Milano-Sanremo , once his own attack (with Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar ) was caught, van der Poel devoted himself to Philipsen—who’s one of the fastest sprinters in the world—and the Belgian delivered.

The same could happen Sunday if Van der Poel proves unable to escape on his own and instead decides to set up Philipsen—who was second in Roubaix last year—for a small group sprint in the Roubaix Velodrome. Before the season, Alpecin-Deceuninck said its dream scenario would be Van der Poel winning Flanders and Philipsen winning Roubaix. So far, they’re halfway toward making that dream a reality.

Nils Politt (UAE Team Emirates)

If you’re looking for a dark horse, keep an eye on Politt. Second in 2019, the German has raced well all spring. He was second in the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, seventh in the E3 Saxo Classic, twelfth in Dwars door Vlaanderen, and most importantly, third at the Tour of Flanders. Roubaix suits him best of all, and he’s definitely one to watch this Sunday.

Other Riders to Watch

Lucinda Brand (Lidl-Trek), Ellen van Dijk (Lidl-Trek), Chiara Consonni (UAE Team ADQ), Stefan Küng (Groupama-FDJ), Kasper Asgreen (Soudal-Quick Step), Yves Lampaert (Soudal-Quick Step), Matej Mohorič (Bahrain-Victorious), and Alberto Bettiol (EF Education-EasyPost).

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Marathon de Paris 2024 : Des dizaines de milliers de marathoniens attendus à Paris | Présentation, parcours, programme, records et comment regarder en direct

Le marathon de Paris 2024 va réunir des dizaines de milliers de coureurs dans les rues de la capitale ce dimanche 7 avril.

Ce n'est pas un Majeur comme Tokyo ou Chicago , ni une course propice aux records personnels à l'image de Séville , mais le marathon de Paris est un évènement iconique dans le calendrier des courses sur route.

Dans la Ville-Lumière, les participants vont courir dans un décor de carte postale. Ils vont tenter de repousser leurs limites dans un cadre de prestige, qu'importe leur niveau de pratique de l' athlétisme . De nombreux amateurs sont attendus sur la ligne de départ, mais on y retrouvera aussi les trois derniers vainqueurs de la course hommes ou encore Vivian Cheruiyot , quadruple médaillée olympique sur piste.

Certains d'entre eux vont-ils parvenir à réaliser les minima olympiques pour les JO de Paris 2024 ? Pour le savoir, découvrez toutes les informations à connaître sur le marathon de Paris 2024 .

LIRE AUSSI - Minima à réaliser en athlétisme pour les JO de Paris 2024

Parcours du marathon de Paris 2024

La distance mythique de 42,195 km est au programme du marathon de Paris .

Les participants vont avoir la chance de passer devant certains des plus beaux monuments de la capitale française durant leurs efforts.

Ils s'élanceront des Champs-Élysées pour une course qu'ils n'oublieront certainement jamais. Après avoir descendu la mythique avenue, ils traverseront la place de la Concorde puis iront à la rencontre de l'Opéra Garnier et de la Place de la Bastille avant le 10e kilomètre et l'entrée dans le Bois de Vincennes.

Après le 25e kilomètre, le parcours longe la Seine avec une vue sur Notre-Dame de Paris et la Tour Eiffel. Un détour est prévu par le Bois de Boulogne juste avant de revenir vers l'Arc-de-Triomphe, l'arrivée se jugeant à ses pieds, sur l'Avenue Foch.

Ce tracé est très différent de celui du marathon des JO de Paris 2024, même si plusieurs futurs sites olympiques vont pouvoir être aperçus tels que le Grand Palais , le Pont Alexandre III ou Roland-Garros .

LIRE AUSSI - Tout savoir sur le parcours du marathon des JO de Paris 2024

Programme du marathon de Paris 2024

Dimanche 7 avril 2024.

• 07h55 : Départ handisports fauteuils
• 08h00 : Départ élites hommes et femmes
• 08h01 : Départ Préférentiels
• 08h05 : Départ du SAS 3h00
• 08h27 : Départ du SAS 3h15
• 08h47 : Départ du SAS 3h30
• 09h26 : Départ du SAS 3h45
• 10h06 : Départ du SAS 4h00
• 10h51 : Départ du SAS 4h15
• 11h10 : Départ du SAS 4h30

Palmarès du marathon de Paris

• 2023 : Helah Kiprop (KEN)
• 2022 : Judith Jeptum Korir (KEN)
• 2021 : Tigist Memuye (ETH)
• 2023 : Abeje Ayana (ETH)
• 2022 : Deso Gelmisa (ETH)
• 2021 : Elisha Rotich (KEN)

Records du marathon de Paris

• Judith Jeptum Korir (KEN) - 2 h 19 min 48 s en 2022
• Elisha Rotich (KEN) - 2 h 04 min 21 s en 2021

Comment regarder le marathon de Paris 2024

L'édition 2024 du marathon de Paris est diffusée en direct dès 7h45 sur France 3 et france.tv .

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My Paris Trip report - April 2024 - Paris Forum

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I am starting my on-the-go trip report.

My planning thread is right here:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187147-i14-k14694463-What_sights_to_pre_book_and_when-Paris_Ile_de_France.html#120422387

51 replies to this topic

@ATF wow you convinced those weather gods really well!

We are not getting up to that temperature. We didn't even get up to the 20° they promised us today. Maybe 24° tomorrow before it drops again.

Airports are so hit and miss, but at least you made it through there and onto a great first day! I am looking forward to reading more:)

Thank you all so much! I am happy you are traveling with me.

April 5th Friday

Today I headed to one of the most important sights for me: Musée Nissim de Camondo. I was there 10 minutes before the opening time (my ticket booked for 10:00am) and this was the best possible time I could have wished for: the gorgeous mansion was all mine for at least 30 minutes. I was slowly moving from one magnificent room to another savoring their exquisite decor, which is opulent, but harmonious and not overwhelming. The kitchen, the elevator with wooden walls and two spacious well equipped bathrooms should not be missed.

There are no traces of the Camondo family left: Moïse de Camondo, the owner of the mansion, has no heirs: his two daughters and his second wife were killed in Auschwitz and his beloved son, Nissim, the war hero and the aviator, perished during the WWI (the museum bears his name). Overall, my expectations were vastly exceeded and everything I knew about the Camondo family from the wonderful book by Edmund de Waal “Letters to Camondo” has come to life. I spent almost two hours admiring every detail of the decor and the views of the immaculate French garden from the windows.

After relaxing for an hour in the Parc Monceau, I took a long walk in the gorgeous 8th arrondissment: Rue Monceau, Boulevard Haussmann, Boulevard Malesherbes, Avenue de Messine, Rue Miromesnil, Place de Rio-de-Janeiro - all of them are magnificent.

I reached huge Eglise Saint-Augistin built in the second half of the 19th century and wasn’t impressed at all - gloomy, depressing, bulky… worse than the Basilica Sacre Coeur, which I hate.

I was passing by the closed Musée Jacquemart-André and sighed… missed again. At least it is not my fault this time.

There was still some time left for my Opera Garnier self-guided tour booked for 3:00 pm, so I stopped a quick lunch at the little boulangerie near Eglise Saint-Augistin. I had a divine goat cheese and spinach quiche followed by the pistacchio and cherry pastry, which I didn’t like too much maybe because of miserable coffee. Now, after trying mouthwatering pain aux raisins for breakfast and this pistachio pastry, I am officially done with the sweet stuff. This “little” lunch was way too heavy for me.

Well, finally I had a very pleasant encounter with Paris crowds. I think all youngsters from China all of a sudden have become opera lovers. The girls were posing in ridiculous evening dresses tastefully accessorized by heavy sneakers for the immortal photos on the iconic staircase. All their relatives back in China will be extremely jealous… and will promptly arrive to Paris themselves. As always, I found my own way to avoid this utter insanity and explored the library, the picture gallery and excellent temporary exhibit dedicated to the most magical dancer, Rudolf Nuriev (the last day of the exhibition was today).

After the Opera, I went to the nearby free museum: Musée de Perfume de Fragonard, It was so interesting to learn about the scent combinations of different herbs and to see the demonstration of the perfume production process.

The last sight was to explore the creations of the famous fashion designers at the Galeries Lafayette. I didn’t buy anything but did enjoy boundless fantasy, ingenuity and variety of the haute couture outfits.

I also went to La Maison Le Gourmet to buy a couple of slices of my favorite cheese, Comté, a small Chez Meunier baguette, and yogurt. This is all I needed for supper after my insane calorie splurge at lunch - I still wasn’t too hungry, but the cheese was delicious.

29,285 steps today and 11.4 miles.

Tomorrow I am going to Sainte Chapelle first thing in the morning in hope to survive the crowds.

Another fabulous day spent in Paris as another day begins and the adventure continues…

Well, my night sleep could have been better. The walls at my hotel are paper thin, so I was obligated to listen to shrieks and moans of some well known hot events for at least three hours. This free entertainment was neither requested nor welcomed. 😊

Also, a group of youngsters outside were so loud, but luckily they were gone by midnight.

My hotel is very nice and perfectly located, but I am missing my Marriott…

Les Deux Colombes

What a great idea...)

I am having lunch too in front of a palace in Versailles...)

I hope your lunch is as perfect as mine, ATF! The duck… OMG!

Merci beaucoup! Les Deux Colombes is a little gem in the busiest tourist area.

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