a guide to Montparnasse
about Montparnasse
When high rent prices in Montmartre drove the area's artistic population out, they needed a new place to go. Step forward Montparnasse, an area made famous with the arrival of these new residents at the start of the 20th century. At various points famous figures in the creative arts such as Dali, Picasso and Samuel Beckett all found their home at Montparnasse.
However, with the onset of World War II, the area returned to its previous slumber.
This is not to say that Montparnasse has nothing to offer. On the contrary, one of Paris's main train stations, Gare Montparnasse, is the starting point for many tourists, many of whom go on to experience the staggering views available from the 56th floor of Tour Montparnasse and the various celebrity tombs found in the peaceful Cimetière de Montparnasse. Parc Montsouris and Parc André Citroën offer opposite ends of the park spectrum; the former a peaceful oasis of calm and the latter a vibrant, modern creation offering hot air balloon rides over the city.
Our tip: A glimpse at the future of modern art can be found at the Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporian, where new work by young unknowns sits alongside the creations of more seasoned artistic veterans.
top hotels in MontparnasseHotels in Montparnasse
how to get there
by car
Exit the Périphérique at Junction 7 (Porte de Vanves) and take the right fork past the Metro station onto Rue Raymond Losserand. From here, simply follow this street in a straight line until you arrive at Cimetière de Montparnasse, leading to the centre of the district.
For satellite navigation systems enter postcode 75014.
Nearest underground parking: Montparnasse Bienvenüe, 15 Rue Commandant Mouchotte, 75014
by bus
Routes 91, 92, 94 and 96 all run past the train stations in Montparnasse, each service travelling to a different corner of the city.
by tube
Nearest station: Montparnasse-Bienvenüe (Lines 4, 6, 12 and 13)
From Gare du Nord: Simply take Line 4 towards Porte d'Orléans and alight at Montparnasse-Bienvenüe (14 stops).
From Gare de Lyon: Take Line 14 towards Olympiades, getting off at Bercy (1 stop) for the Line 6 service towards Charles de Gaulle Étoile. Montparnasse-Bienvenüe is along the way (11 stops)
by train
Nearest RER station: Port Royal (RER B)
attractions
upcoming events
Dec 10
-
20
Dec 13
The Jardins du Luxembourg gardens, surrounding the Luxembourg palace, were built in the 1620s for Marie de Médicis, Henri IV's widow, by Salomon de Brosse. They comprise formal and English gardens, sculpture, an orangery, orchards and an apiary.
Jan 11
-
06
Jan 14
The Saxe-Breteuil Market in the 7th arrondissement is a typical Parisian market, attracting chic locals. It is the only market in Paris to afford views of the Eiffel Tower. Come early in the morning for the best fruit and vegetables.
Jan 10
-
26
Jan 13
The Catacombs, in Denfert-Rochereau, are a labyrinth of quarried tunnels - the final resting place of six million Parisians whose bodies were moved here from overcrowded graves in 1810. Visitors can explore the eerie bone-lined passages, 18 metres underground.
