Tour Montparnasse

Dine at the Paris of the Sky for a rare chance to look out over the sprawling City of Lights beneath you.

Tour Montparnasse is one of the very few skyscrapers in Paris, making the view from its 56th-floor observation deck almost entirely exclusive. The 690-foot (210-meter) tower has an upscale restaurant and is primarily used for offices and residences. Spot some of your favorite sights around Paris, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, from the observation deck.

The tower rises up over the Paris skyline from most parts of the city. Note how its dark and simplistic design contrasts with the city’s rustic and romantic atmosphere. Its construction generated controversy because it is so out of place compared to the rest of the cityscape. Capture photos of the black tower looming over parks and streets.

Enjoy the panoramic view from the vista point on the 56th floor. Walk up an additional three stories for an even better view from a terrace. On a clear day, you can see for 25 miles (40 kilometers) in every direction. Visit the observation deck at night to view the city and the Eiffel Tower illuminated. Tour Montparnasse is often preferred to the Eiffel Tower, because it has fewer lines and a better view. Visit the gift shop for Paris-related paraphernalia and sit at a café with refreshments.

When the tower was completed in 1973 it was the tallest structure in Europe. Following its construction, a ban on buildings taller than seven stories was introduced in the city center. In 1995, French urban climber Alain “Spiderman” Robert scaled the structure without any equipment or safety harnesses, repeating the feat in 2004 and 2015 to support charities.

The building has an entrance fee, with reduced prices for students, youth and children. It opens daily from morning until late evening.

Tour Montparnasse stands in the 15th arrondissement about 2 miles (3 kilometers) southwest of Paris’ center. Ride the metro to the Montparnasse Bienvenüe station, which is just outside the skyscraper. Find other metro stations and bus stops in the proximity. Nearby are many popular sights, including the Montparnasse Cemetery and the Luxembourg Gardens.