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It is no secret that Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, both from ground level and from above. In fact, contemplating the skyline of the French capital is a must for anyone who wants to have a complete view of the city. There are many viewpoints where we can enjoy such as the Eiffel Tower, the Sacre Coeur Basilica, the terraces of the Galeries Lafayette ... but the one we are going to deal with today is the Montparnasse Tower, from whose terrace you can see the most important monuments of Paris.
History of the Montparnasse Tower
It is the first office building to be built in the city center and At the time of its inauguration in 1973 it caused a great controversy since the Parisians believed that it clashed with the classic style of the environment in which it was located.
However, the building remains in its location to this day, at 33 Avenue du Maine, and the residents have grown accustomed to its presence. Thousands of people work at its facilities and the Montparnasse Tower welcomes more than 750.000 people each year to enjoy the best views of Paris from the terraces on the 56th and 59th floors.
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The views of the Montparnasse Tower
To get to the terraces you have to take one of the fastest elevators in Europe, which in just 38 seconds is capable of traveling a distance of 200 meters to take us to the heights and contemplate Paris at our feet.
After an express ascent, we are on the 56th floor from where you can see incredible views of the cities behind huge windows. Here it is also possible to learn some curious facts about the city from an exhibition of old photos of Paris and some multimedia applications. It is surprising to see how the city has changed over the years.
However, the best photos of Paris can be taken by going up to the 59th floor, three floors above. From this place it is possible to see Paris without glass in between as if it were a model. You can even contemplate the Eiffel Tower from this floor, something impossible to do when we see the city from the viewpoint of the French icon.
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Visiting hours
To witness the magnificent views from the Montparnasse Tower we can go within the following hours:
- From April 1 to September 30: from 9:30 a.m. to 23:30 p.m.
- From October 1 to March 31: Sunday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 22:30 p.m. and Friday, Saturday and holidays from 9:30 a.m. to 23:00 p.m.
Ticket prices
The admission price for adults is 15 euros, while children from 7 to 15 years old pay 9,20 euros and young people from 16 to 20 years old pay 11,70 euros. Those who have the Paris Pass have free entry.
Address
- Metro: lines 4, 6, 12 and 13, Montparnasse-Bienvenüe.
- Bus: lines 28, 58, 82, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95 and 96.
Other viewpoints of Paris
The Montparnasse Tower is considered the best viewpoint in Paris, although there are many others that are also very prominent.
Torre Eiffel
At 317 meters high, it is the most visited monument in France. The panorama from here is impressive but there are many tourists who are also looking for their own photographic gallery of the Parisian skyline. The middle floor is a good option to enjoy the views if we are content with a less impressive panorama.
Notre Dame Towers
The view from the towers of Notre Dame is one of the most beautiful, so it is worth waiting in line to access the temple and climb the 387 steps on foot. An indelible memory with the friendly gargoyles.
The Sacred Heart Basilica
In the Montmartre district is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, an impressive bright white temple from which you have beautiful views of the surrounding streets and houses.
Arch of Triumph
Possibly the most famous triumphal arch on the planet. It was ordered to be built by Napoléon Bonaparte as a memorial to his victories. It is located in a large roundabout where twelve streets converge
Although its height is lower than that of the Eiffel Tower, the views from the Arc de Triomphe are just as impressive, especially those of the Champs-Elysées and those of the Defense Quarter. To enjoy them, you have to climb the 286 steps that separate the floor from the terrace. Inside there is also a small museum with information about its construction.
Lafayette Gallery
Lafayette is the most glamorous shopping center in Paris. It is located near the Palais de l'Opéra Garnier and from the cafeteria on its terrace you can enjoy spectacular views of the French capital.